Lucas Delgado
Chicken wire is a lightweight, malleable mesh that needs to be handled carefully to retain its shape. The right cutting tool depends on the wire thickness of the mesh. For thin wire, a pair of scissors can be used, but for stronger gauge netting, wire cutters or tin snips are more suitable. Tin snips are especially useful for cutting multiple strands of wire at once, and are spring-loaded, unlike dedicated wire cutters. Other tools that can be used include angle grinders, aviation snips, and bolt cutters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Wire cutters, tin snips, angle grinder, pliers, scissors, aviation snips, roofing scissors, wallpaper scissors, bolt cutters, electric framing saw, trauma shears, power tools |
| Protective gear | Long-sleeved shirt, working pants, protective gloves, safety goggles, safety glasses |
| Other equipment | Tape measure, rubber mallet or hammer, U-shaped staples, masonry nails |
| Tips | Cut multiple strands at once, use tools with springs, fold sharp ends with pliers, flatten the wire, roll excess wire, work in a well-lit area, take breaks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tool for the job
Chicken wire is lightweight and malleable, with woven strands that form a hexagonal construction. The right tool for cutting chicken wire depends on the wire thickness and the amount of wire you need to cut.
For thin wire, a pair of scissors can be used. However, this method is slow as you have to cut each wire individually. Wallpaper scissors or toughened scissors are better options as they can cut three or four strands at a time.
For thicker wire, tin snips are a popular choice. They have a longer cutting edge than wire cutters, allowing you to snap multiple strands of wire at once, and most have a spring-loaded action, making cutting faster and easier. Aviation snips are a type of tin snip with more leverage, so you don't strain your hand if cutting for long periods.
If you need to cut a lot of chicken wire, an angle grinder can be a good option. This method is quicker, but it is overkill for small amounts. An electric framing saw with a non-carbide toothed blade can also be used, but remember to always put safety first when using power tools.
Other tools that can be used to cut chicken wire include wire cutters, bolt cutters, and medical trauma shears.
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Safety first
Chicken wire is a lightweight, malleable mesh that needs to be handled carefully to maintain its original shape. It is important to wear protective clothing and gear when cutting chicken wire to avoid injury. Wear long-sleeved shirts, working pants, protective gloves, and safety glasses. If using a rubber mallet or hammer, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
When cutting chicken wire, it is crucial to choose the right tool for the job. The type of cutting tool you use will depend on the gauge of the netting. For lightweight chicken wire mesh, scissors can be used. However, for stronger gauge netting, wire cutters or tin snips are more suitable. Tin snips can cut through chicken wire up to 1.2mm in thickness and can snap multiple strands of wire simultaneously due to their longer cutting edge. If you need to cut a large amount of chicken wire, consider using an angle grinder, which can cut through the wire quickly when stretched over scrap timber.
Always be mindful of your surroundings and maintain a safe workspace. Ensure you work in a well-lit area to improve accuracy and safety. When cutting chicken wire, be cautious of sharp ends and strands of wire. Keep the separated part of the wire away from your body as you cut to avoid injury. Fold any sharp ends with pliers to prevent accidental cuts during handling and storage.
Lastly, take breaks to prevent hand fatigue, especially if cutting large amounts of chicken wire. Cutting chicken wire can be physically demanding, so it is important to give your hands and arms a rest.
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Marking and measuring
Before cutting chicken wire, it is important to mark and measure the area that needs to be covered. This ensures that the wire is cut to the correct size and helps to avoid wasting material. Here is a step-by-step guide to marking and measuring chicken wire:
Step 1: Measure the Area
Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of the area you want to cover. For example, if you are attaching chicken wire to a brick wall, measure the height and width of the wall section. If you are covering a hedge, measure the height and length of the hedge section.
Step 2: Roll Out the Chicken Wire Mesh
Find a flat surface and roll out the chicken wire mesh. Make sure the surface is clean and free of debris to avoid snagging or damaging the wire.
Step 3: Mark the Required Dimensions
Based on your measurements from Step 1, mark the required dimensions on the chicken wire mesh. Use a pen, marker, or chalk to make clear, visible marks on the wire. Mark out the height and width of the area, ensuring that the lines are straight and accurately reflect the measurements.
Step 4: Allow for Adjustments
When marking the dimensions, it is a good idea to leave a little extra wire on each side. This allowance is for any necessary adjustments or overlaps when attaching the wire to the desired area. A few extra centimetres or inches on each side can provide flexibility and ensure a better fit.
Step 5: Double-Check Measurements
Before cutting, it is always advisable to double-check your measurements. Ensure that the marked lines align with the required height, width, or length of the area you intend to cover. This step helps to prevent mistakes and ensures that you don't cut the wire too short or with incorrect dimensions.
Accurate marking and measuring are crucial steps when working with chicken wire. By taking the time to carefully measure and mark the wire, you can ensure a proper fit and reduce the need for last-minute adjustments.
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Cutting techniques
Chicken wire is a lightweight, malleable mesh that needs to be handled carefully to retain its shape. The best cutting technique depends on the wire thickness of the mesh. For thin wire, scissors are a good option, although this can be a slow process as you have to cut each wire individually. Wallpaper scissors or toughened scissors are better suited to this task than regular ones. If you need to cut a lot of thin wire, an angle grinder can be used, but this is overkill for smaller jobs.
For thicker wire, tin snips are a popular choice. They can cut through multiple strands of wire at once, and most have a spring-loaded action, which makes cutting quicker and easier than with scissors or wire cutters. Aviation snips are a type of tin snip with more leverage, so you don't strain your hand if you're cutting for a long time. If you need to cut a lot of thick wire, an angle grinder will cut through it quickly, but you will need to stretch the wire over scrap timber to do so.
For the strongest wire, you will need wire cutters, which can be used to snap the strands of wire individually. Needle-nose pliers with a wire cutter can also be used. If you are cutting a lot of wire mesh or panels, bolt cutters are another option, and these can be rented if you don't want to buy a pair.
Regardless of which tool you use, it's important to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions. Wear long sleeves, trousers, protective gloves, and safety goggles to avoid injury. Keep the mesh flat and pull the separated part away as you go to avoid injury and keep the original shape.
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Post-cutting processes
Once you have cut the chicken wire to your desired length, there are several post-cutting processes you can follow to ensure the wire is safe to handle and ready for use.
Firstly, it is important to fold any sharp ends using pliers. This will ensure that the wire is safe to handle and will not cause any injuries. You can either fold the sharp ends back or twist them onto the main body of the wire.
Secondly, chicken wire tends to curl up after being cut, especially if it was previously rolled up. To fix this, simply lay the wire flat and use your hands or a heavy object to flatten it out. This will make it easier to work with and ensure that your project has a neat appearance.
If you have leftover chicken wire, it is important to roll it up neatly for storage. Make sure that the cut edges are on the inside of the roll to prevent accidental injury when handling in the future. It is also a good idea to label your chicken wire, especially if you have various types or sizes. This will allow for easy identification and selection for future projects.
Finally, always work in a well-lit area to ensure accuracy and safety. If you are cutting a large amount of chicken wire, remember to take breaks to prevent hand fatigue.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use wire cutters, tin snips, angle grinders, pliers, scissors, or aviation snips.
Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and safety goggles. Ensure you are working in a well-lit area and take breaks to prevent hand fatigue.
Mark the required dimensions on the mesh and use wire cutters or tin snips to cut along a straight line.
Contact a local scrap metal recycling centre or leave them in recycling containers if available in your area.
