Are you staring at a roll of chicken wire wondering how the heck you’re gonna cut it without turning your hands into a scratched-up mess? Been there, done that! After building several chicken coops and garden enclosures over the years, I’ve learned exactly what tools work best for different situations.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cutting chicken wire – from the best tools to use based on wire thickness to safety tips that’ll save your fingers (and possibly your eyeballs). Let’s dive in!
Understanding Chicken Wire Before You Cut
Before we jump into the tools, let’s quickly talk about what we’re dealing with. Chicken wire (sometimes called poultry netting) is that hexagonal mesh we all recognize. It comes in different gauges (thicknesses), and this is super important when choosing your cutting tool.
Remember the higher the gauge number the thinner the wire. For example 20-gauge wire is thinner than 18-gauge wire. This matters a ton when picking your cutting tool!
Best Tools for Cutting Chicken Wire
I’ve used pretty much everything you can imagine to cut chicken wire – some attempts more successful than others! Here’s what actually works, based on the thickness of your wire:
For Thin Chicken Wire (35-gauge or 0.21mm and below)
Regular Scissors
- Works great for super lightweight chicken wire
- Most accessible tool that most people already have
- Best technique: Lift the separated part as you cut to avoid getting poked
I remember trying to use regular scissors on some heavier gauge wire once and nearly broke my favorite pair. Learn from my mistake – only use scissors on the really thin stuff!
For Medium Chicken Wire (up to 18-gauge or 1.2mm)
Wire Cutters
- Perfect for standard chicken wire projects
- Allows you to snip strands individually
- Pro tip: Pull the separated wire away with your free hand as you work
Tin Snips
- My personal favorite for medium-gauge chicken wire
- Longer cutting edge lets you cut multiple strands at once
- Makes it easier to maintain a straight cutting line
When I built my first serious chicken coop, tin snips were my absolute lifesaver. The project went twice as fast compared to when I tried using just regular wire cutters.
For Thicker Chicken Wire
Diagonal Cutting Pliers
- The jack-of-all-trades for chicken wire cutting
- Works on both thin and thicker gauges
- Provides good leverage for tougher cuts
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Chicken Wire
Now that you’ve got the right tool, here’s how to actually cut that chicken wire without turning it into a tangled mess:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Lay your chicken wire flat on the ground or a large work surface. This is crucial! I once tried cutting chicken wire while it was still partially rolled up, and let me tell you – that was a disaster. The wire kept springing back and nearly took out my eye.
If you’re working alone, use some weights or stakes to keep the wire from rolling back up while you work.
Step 2: Mark Your Cutting Line
Using a marker, draw a line where you plan to cut. This might seem like overkill, but trust me – eyeballing it rarely works out well. I learned this the hard way when I made a lopsided chicken run because I thought I could “just wing it.”
Step 3: Cut Along Your Line
Depending on your tool:
- With scissors/wire cutters: Cut strand by strand, working methodically
- With tin snips: Take advantage of the longer blade to cut multiple strands at once
- Always pull the cut portion away as you go to keep your workspace clear
Step 4: Finish the Edges
This step is often overlooked but super important! Those freshly cut wire ends are sharp and dangerous. Use lineman’s pliers to fold back loose ends. This prevents the wire from snagging clothes or causing injuries later.
Essential Safety Gear – Non-Negotiable!
Listen, I’ve got the scars to prove why safety gear matters when cutting chicken wire. Here’s what you absolutely need:
- Protective gloves – The single most important item! Leather or heavy-duty work gloves are best.
- Safety glasses – Wire can spring unexpectedly and those ends are sharp.
- Long sleeves – Trust me, your arms will thank you.
- Work pants – No shorts when working with chicken wire (lesson learned the painful way).
Pro Tips from My Experience
After countless chicken wire projects, I’ve picked up some tricks:
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Look for tools with springs – Cutting tools that automatically spring back open save your hand from fatigue during big projects.
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Be gentle with the wire – Chicken wire is malleable, and if you pull too hard in one direction, you’ll distort those nice hexagons.
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For circular projects – If you’re making a circle (like I did for my tomato cages), cut one side slightly longer so you have extra wire to secure the ends together.
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Check wire quality before starting – Rusty or damaged wire is harder to cut and can be dangerous.
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Keep your tools sharp – Dull cutters make the job twice as hard and increase the chance of injury.
Creative Uses Beyond Chicken Coops
Once you master cutting chicken wire, so many DIY possibilities open up! Some of my favorite projects have included:
- Garden fencing to keep rabbits out
- DIY picture frames with rustic charm
- Decorative wreaths (with the edges properly folded, of course!)
- Tomato cages that actually last more than one season
- Custom light fixtures that cast amazing shadow patterns
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Wire Keeps Springing Back
Solution: Unroll more wire than you need and secure both ends before cutting.
Cuts Are Jagged and Uneven
Solution: Your tool might be too small for the wire gauge. Try upgrading to tin snips.
Wire Mesh Getting Distorted
Solution: Apply gentle, even pressure while cutting and avoid pulling too hard in any direction.
Disposing of Leftover Scraps
Don’t just toss those chicken wire scraps in the trash! Contact your local scrap metal recycling center – many will accept chicken wire scraps. Some areas even have recycling containers specifically for metal waste.
Final Thoughts
Cutting chicken wire doesn’t have to be a painful or frustrating experience. With the right tools matched to your wire gauge, proper safety gear, and a little patience, you’ll be handling chicken wire like a pro in no time.
Remember, whether you’re building a simple garden fence or creating an elaborate chicken palace, the right cutting tool makes all the difference between a pleasant DIY experience and a hand full of scratches!
Have you tried cutting chicken wire before? What tools worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Happy cutting!
The Rise of the Chicken Wire Fence
The chicken wire fence, a more robust variant of the classic chicken wire mesh, is designed for more demanding applications. While it can certainly keep your chickens in check, it’s also fantastic for creating garden partitions, protecting vegetable patches from pests, and even crafting garden decorations. Its durability ensures it stands the test of time and the elements.
Procurement and Practical Tips:
If you’re in the market for top-quality chicken wire, look no further than EasyMerchant’s chicken wire mesh product page. We stock a range of different sizes of chicken wire and chicken wire fence options to cater to every need. Plus, our user-friendly website ensures a hassle-free shopping experience, while offering you the best possible prices.
Easy method to cut chicken wire (by hand)
FAQ
How to cut chicken wire?
To cut chicken wire, you can pull the separated part away with one hand as you move along to avoid injury. Another alternative is using tin snips, which can cut chicken wire up to 1.2mm thickness. You can snap multiple strands at once with tin snips due to its longer cutting edge. Make sure to keep a straight line as you go.
What tin pliers do you use to cut chicken wire?
Grab those tin shears when you step up to medium-sized chicken wire. I used them once for a bigger chicken coop project. Diagonal cutting pliers are the MVPs of chicken wire cutting. Whether it’s thick or thin wire, they’ve got you covered. I’ve used these bad boys on countless projects, and they never let me down.
Can chicken wire be used in the garden?
One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share. Chicken wire is great to use in the garden, but it can be a bit of a pain to cut and install. Here’s an Easy Method on How to Cut Chicken Wire.
What can you do with chicken wire?
Weaving colored wires or ribbons through chicken wire can create stunning visual effects. I helped a friend weave LED lights into chicken wire for a dazzling light display. The result was nothing short of magical. Customized Shapes for Home Decor: Chicken wire isn’t just for outdoor use.
Should you inspect chicken wire before cutting?
Lesson learned – always inspect your chicken wire before you start cutting. Rusted or damaged wire makes cutting difficult and can be a safety hazard. Measure Twice, Cut Once: This old carpenter’s adage holds for chicken wire. When I first started, I’d often rush and end up with pieces that were too short.
How to cut chicken netting?
To cut chicken netting, choose the appropriate tool based on the gauge of the netting. Use scissors for lightweight mesh, carefully snapping the strands while lifting up the separated part to avoid injury. For stronger gauge netting, use wire cutters and snap the strands individually as you go.
What tool is best to cut chicken wire?
Yes, tin snips are a good choice for cutting many kinds of mesh wire. Check your state and local codes before starting any project.
What can I use to cut wire if I don’t have wire cutters?
- Cold Chisel and Hammer – you may be able to cut hard wire using a cold chisel and a hammer. …
- Grinder – you may be able to cut through wire using an angle grinder, but be very careful as this can be dangerous.
How to properly cut chicken wire?
You can use wire cutters for stronger gauge netting. You need to snap the strands individually as you go. Pull the separated part away with one of your hands as you move along to avoid injury.
What is the easiest way to cut wire mesh?
Choose the Right Tool: For most wire mesh materials, heavy-duty scissors or tin snips are suitable. For very thick mesh in tougher materials like thick stainless steel, a rotary tool or angle grinder with a cutting wheel may be necessary.