Sophie Bennett
Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be used for various projects, from crafting to building fences and enclosures. Attaching chicken wire to a post is a straightforward process but requires careful execution to ensure the wire is secure and taut without being overstretched. Chicken wire is made of thin wires with a hexagonal weave, so it's important not to pull too hard in one direction to avoid distorting the holes and ruining the structure. Depending on the type of post, there are several methods to attach chicken wire effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of post | Wooden or metal |
| Type of wire | Galvanized wire, tie wire, cable ties, or stainless safety wire |
| Tools | Safety wire twisting pliers, staple gun, bolts, screws, washers, u bolts |
| Techniques | Looping wire through chicken wire mesh and around the post, stapling, drilling holes and bolting, using cable ties |
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What You'll Learn
Use staples for wooden posts
Chicken wire can be attached to wooden posts using staples. This is the easiest way to attach chicken wire to wooden posts. The staples should be applied loosely at 15cm intervals, leaving room for the fence to move with impact and temperature changes. A staple gun can be used for this purpose.
The staples should be galvanised staples, shaped like a "U" with sharp points at the ends. They should also be of medium thickness. Thinner staples may not be strong enough, while thicker staples may be too difficult to work with.
When purchasing staples, it is worth considering buying "fender washers". These are big metal discs with a hole in the middle. You can put a screw through the washer and into the post, which will compress the chicken wire and hold it in place.
If you do not want to use staples, there are other methods to attach chicken wire to wooden posts. One method is to use galvanised wire to loop through the chicken wire mesh and around the post, creating at least two loops and finishing with a final twist.
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Use cable ties for metal posts
Chicken wire can be attached to metal posts using cable ties. This method is recommended for metal posts as opposed to wooden posts, which are better suited to staples or staple guns.
To attach chicken wire to a metal post using cable ties, follow these steps:
- Ensure the mesh is pulled taut but not overstretched. Chicken wire is made of thin wires with a hexagonal woven construction, so it can easily distort if pulled too tightly.
- Starting at one end of the post, attach the cable tie through the mesh and around the post. It is recommended to attach at 15cm intervals.
- Tighten the cable tie, ensuring it is secure but not overtightened.
- Cut off any excess plastic from the cable tie for a neat finish.
- Repeat this process up the length of the post, maintaining even intervals of around 15cm between each cable tie.
- Once the chicken wire is securely attached to the post, you can use pegs to further stabilise the structure. Place the pegs at regular intervals of about 60cm apart, ensuring the hook catches the bottom of the chicken wire.
Using cable ties is a straightforward and effective way to attach chicken wire to metal posts. It is important to follow the recommended intervals for attaching the cable ties and positioning the pegs to ensure the structure is secure and can withstand impact and temperature changes.
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Use galvanised wire for U-posts
Chicken wire is a great, affordable option for fencing and can be attached to U-posts in a few different ways. One way is to use galvanised wire to loop and twist the chicken wire through the mesh and around the U-posts. This method is simple and effective, but it can be time-consuming. Start by cutting the galvanised wire to your desired length. Then, take the wire and loop it through the chicken wire mesh and around the U-post, ensuring that you catch the loop of chicken mesh on the little "elbow" pieces at the holes in the U-posts. Finally, twist the galvanised wire to secure it in place. You can also use cable ties or zip ties for this method, but ensure not to overtighten them.
Another option is to use galvanised staples. These are shaped like a 'U' with sharp points on both ends and can be purchased at most hardware stores. The staples should be thick enough to securely hold the chicken wire but not too thick that they are difficult to work with. To attach the chicken wire, simply staple it to the U-post at regular intervals, leaving enough space for the fence to move with impact and temperature changes.
When working with chicken wire, it is important to remember that it is made of thin wires with a hexagonal woven construction. As a result, the holes can easily become distorted if pulled with too much force in one direction, damaging the netting. Therefore, it is crucial to pull the mesh taut without overstretching it when attaching it to the U-posts.
Additionally, if you are using metal U-posts, you can pre-drill holes and use bolts and nuts to secure the chicken wire. The bolts should protrude about half an inch from the other side of the post so that the nut has something to attach to. This method provides a secure and sturdy attachment for your chicken wire fence.
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Predrill holes for bolts on metal posts
Predrilling holes for bolts is a secure way of attaching chicken wire to metal posts. This method is recommended for those using wooden runs who want to transition to metal poles. Before starting, ensure that your metal posts are driven directly into the soil with a post driver or sledgehammer, leaving 4-6 inches of the top post above the ground.
To predrill holes for bolts, you will need to use a drill to make holes in the metal posts. The number of holes you need to drill will depend on the length of your chicken wire and the desired distance between each bolt. It is important to ensure that the holes are evenly spaced for a neat finish and secure hold. The holes should be large enough to accommodate the bolts you will be using but not too large that the bolts become loose.
Once the holes have been drilled, you can insert the bolts. The bolts should be long enough to poke out of the other side of the metal post by about half an inch. This will allow you to secure the bolt with a nut on the inside. Tighten the nut with a wrench or pliers to ensure that the bolt is securely fastened.
Finally, attach the chicken wire to the bolts. You may need to cut the chicken wire to size, ensuring that it overlaps with the metal posts by a few inches. Use a strong and durable wire, such as galvanized wire, to tie the chicken wire to the bolts. Make sure that the wire is tight and secure, and consider using additional fasteners or zip ties for extra support.
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Use washers and screws
Using washers and screws is a great method to attach chicken wire to a post, especially if you're working with metal poles. This method provides a secure and long-lasting hold for your chicken wire fence. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Materials:
First, gather your washers, screws, chicken wire, and the metal posts. Washers, also known as fender washers, are large metal discs with a hole in the centre. You can find them at hardware stores or places like Agway, Tractor, or farm stores. Make sure to select the appropriate screws that match the size and material of your washers.
Pre-drill Holes:
Before you start attaching the chicken wire, use a drill to create holes in your metal posts. Space these holes about 15 cm apart vertically along the post. The holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of your screws. Pre-drilling ensures that you don't damage the posts when inserting the screws and provides a better grip for the screws.
Attach the Chicken Wire:
Place the chicken wire against the post, lining up the holes in the mesh with the pre-drilled holes in the post. Start at the top of the post and work your way down. Insert a washer over the screw, and then drive the screw through the chicken wire and into the pre-drilled hole. Use a screwdriver or a power drill with the appropriate bit to tighten the screw, but be careful not to overtighten. The washer will help distribute the pressure and provide a secure hold.
Tips:
- When purchasing screws, consider using stainless steel or coated screws for added durability and corrosion resistance.
- If you're concerned about the strength of the chicken wire, consider using welded wire mesh instead. It is stronger and more rigid due to its welded construction.
- For wooden posts, you can use staples or a staple gun for attachment, which is generally easier and faster than screws and washers.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to attach chicken wire to a wooden post is with staples. You can use a staple gun to attach the wire at 15cm intervals. Make sure to pull the mesh taut but don’t overstretch it.
You can use cable ties or tie wire to attach chicken wire to a metal post. Attach the wire at 15cm intervals and make sure not to overtighten the cable ties. You can also use u-bolts or stainless safety wire.
If you are using staples or cable ties, you will need a staple gun or cable tie gun. You may also need a pair of safety wire twisting pliers if you are using stainless safety wire.
Chicken wire can be cut with several different tools depending on the wire diameter chosen. You can use a wire cutter, bolt cutter, or tin snips.
