3 Types of Hardware Cloth - IQS Newsroom

Jan. 06, 2025

3 Types of Hardware Cloth - IQS Newsroom

3 Types of Hardware Cloth

Where hardware cloth comes from &#;

Hardware cloth is an old term that refers to metal cloth made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or other metals woven into a flexible metal fabric. The original hardware cloth was very sturdy and durable and was made in a variety of designs depending on its use and type of weaving. Modern hardware cloth has the same qualities of the older version and is used for fencing or protection of animals and plants. Its different weaves determine the size, flexibility, weight, and strength of the cloth.
Though hardware cloth may be compared to chain mail from the time of medieval knights, the two are completely different. Chain mail, or mail, was made from multiple rings hooked together by a blacksmith. The name &#;chain mail&#; was a descriptor of how it was manufactured with chain being the English word for interlinked rings and mail referring to mesh or net. Since it was not possible to outfit foot troops with armor, they were issued coats of mail to protect them during battle while knights had armor and mail.
Modern hardware cloth is very similar to metal mesh and comes in two varieties &#; woven and welded. Welded cloth has each intersection of metal wire welded forming a very firm and tight connection. A specially designed welding machine welds the intersections. As the name implies, woven hardware cloth is woven by a weaving machine. The final product is more pliable and flexible but very expensive.
Though chicken wire and hardware cloth have been used synonymously, they are two totally different products. The immediate difference is seen when holding them. Hardware cloth is noticeably sturdier, heavier, and very solid while chicken wire is very thin and flimsy. Though the hexagonal shape does distinguish chicken wire from hardware cloth, the lack of any substance is what sets it apart. Unlike hardware cloth, chicken wire can be easily ripped or cut and is designed for short term use. Sturdy and durable hardware cloth may last for several years and never need replacing.

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The different types of hardware cloth weaves &#;

The basic styles of weaves for hardware cloth fall into three categories &#; crimped, twilled, or plain. Each type has its special use and strength that increases the endurance of the cloth. The main difference between them is the connections at the intersection of the wires, some being bent and others simply stretched over each other.

Plain &#; Plain weave is a simple over and under combining of two wires at right angles. There is little processing or manufacturing required and can be completed very quickly and efficiently. Plain weave has general functionality as well as endurance, stability and strength.
Twilled &#; Unlike plain weave, the wires in twilled weave are warped at the intersection of the wires making the front of the fabric appear differently than the back. The warping of twilled weave makes it more pliable and able to be wrapped around curves and corners. In addition, it can be manufactured with thicker wires giving the final hardware cloth greater strength and weight.
Crimped &#; Unlike either plain or twilled weaving, the wire crossings in crimped hardware cloth are crimped at the point of intersection giving greater strength and permanence to the connection. There are different varieties of crimped weaving &#; lock, double, and intercrimp. In the lock crimped process, the wire is pre-crimped before being woven causing the wires to be locked at the intersections. Double crimp hardware cloth is more flexible and pliable unlike the locked version. Intercrimp weaving has extra crimps between the connections of the wires locking the wires tightly together and giving a wave appearance to the hardware cloth.

Metals used to make hardware cloth &#;

Though any metal can be used to make hardware cloth, the most common are different types of steel &#; stainless, carbon, and galvanized. The durability and strength of stainless steel makes it the popular choice. Hardware cloth made from stainless steel has all of the qualities of any stainless steel product including resistance to corrosion, rust, and chemicals.
The ductility of carbon steel makes perfect for hardware cloth. Once it is formed into wire, it can be woven using any of the three basic processes. Since certain grades are soft, it can be easily crimped to form tighter connections. Carbon steel, like stainless steel, is an alloy with some of the properties of stainless steel though not as sturdy. Since it is very hard and brittle, it will break when placed under pressure.
Galvanized hardware cloth has a zinc coating making it resistant to corrosion and able to last longer than other types of steel. When galvanized cloth is bent or reshaped, it holds its new form without springing back or breaking. How long galvanized hardware cloth lasts depends on where it is installed such as humid environments, stress, or other factors. Though its initial appearance is very shiny, over time galvanized hardware cloth will turn to a dull grey.

Uses of hardware cloth &#;

Understanding Hardware Cloth: Definition and Applications

Since it was first created, the use of woven wire mesh has become a virtually endless list. From filtration to architectural mesh, the possibility of wire mesh knows no bounds.

Now, when working on a project, one of your main priorities is identifying multi-functional materials that will get you the most bang for your buck. Fortunately, wire mesh delivers a perfect balance of form and function and is often applied as hardware cloth.

W.S. Tyler has been a prominent woven wire mesh for over 140 years and strives to spark the creative mindset needed to make the most of wire mesh in new and innovative ways.

To give you an inside look into the possibilities of hardware cloth, this article will encompass:

What hardware cloth is
How woven wire hardware cloth is applied
How welded wire hardware cloth is applied
The dimensions hardware cloth can be fabricated to
The cost of hardware cloth

What Is Hardware Cloth?

Hardware cloth is best defined as a metallic mesh in which individual wires are either woven or spot-welded together, forming square or rectangular apertures. As hardware cloth is intended for a wide variety of DIY applications, it is typically constructed from wires with larger diameters than what is seen in more delicate wire mesh applications such as filter cloth.

To that end, hardware cloth can be made from aluminum, galvanized steel, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, or copper. Regardless of the material, hardware cloth is available in either cut-to-size pieces or rolls.

Woven Wire Hardware Cloth

Woven wire hardware cloth is widely used for industrial and retail environments. The stable construction of the mesh makes it difficult to alter, making it ideal for protective applications such as burglary protection.

To that end, the mesh openings are known for allowing a higher level of lighting than other materials. As a result, woven wire hardware cloth is an ideal solution to keep insects and various forms of debris out of lighting wells.

Having said that, if your woven wire hardware cloth will be utilized in an outdoor application, corrosion-resistant stainless steel is recommended. This will help ensure the mesh can withstand the elements that varying weather patterns will subject it to while giving it the ability to glimmer as natural light reflects off it.

For more information, please visit GALVANIZED HARDWARE CLOTH.

Additional resources:
Benefits of Using Flexible Protective Grille Net for Safety and Security

Welded Wire Hardware Cloth

What is 358 mesh?
What Are the Disadvantages of Chain Link Fence?

Welded wire hardware cloth is widely used for industrial, craft, and do-it-yourself applications. It is typically constructed from smooth, corrosion-resistant stainless steel wires that are welded to form precise openings that are permanent.

To that end, the aperture size of welded wire hardware cloth can range from 6 mm to 20mm.

Its robust yet easy-to-handle form makes welded wire hardware cloth applicable to various applications. This includes animal enclosures, rodent guards, roofing ventilation, garden sieves, and much more.

Hardware Cloth Dimension Availability

As stated above, hardware cloth can be purchased in either rolls or cut-to-size pieces. That said, the dimension availability will vary based on the type of mesh and your specifications.

Now, when working with woven wire hardware cloth, rolls are typically available with a standard dimension of 3' x 85'; however, custom roll dimensions can be woven upon request. On the other hand, cut-to-size pieces are cut based on drawings that you submit.

When working with welded wire hardware cloth, rolls are typically available with the same standard dimension of 3' x 85'; however, half rolls are also available. Cut-to-size pieces are also handled the same and are fabricated based on your drawings.

How Much Does Hardware Cloth Cost?

Your needs ultimately dictate the cost of hardware cloth. Factor such as mesh count, alloy, wire diameter, mesh type, and any additional fabrication needed will play a role in the price.

Additionally, the order quantity can play a role in the cost. A good rule of thumb to follow is as the quantity of the mesh rolls or cut-to-size pieces increases; the price is more likely to be lowered.

Find the Right Mesh Supplier To Get the Results You Want

Hardware cloth is a metallic mesh that is either woven or welded to form precise square or rectangular openings. Whether you are looking to invest in woven wire hardware cloth or welded wire hardware cloth, hardware cloth can be purchased in standard rolls or cut-to-size pieces.

Now, as with any other material used for your project or process, your level of success depends on finding a manufacturer that you can rely on. With wire mesh, this means identifying an organization that actively strives to learn what you wish to accomplish with the mesh and guiding you through the process of finding the specifications needed to achieve these goals.

Here at W.S. Tyler, our main objective is to learn your process inside and out to form a partnership in which we essentially become your woven wire department and an extension of your team.

To help you begin your wire mesh journey, we put together the following article to give you an understanding of some of the mesh specifications you will encounter so you can better communicate the needs of your mesh:

For more K-LATH WITH 60MIN PAPERinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.