Hardware Cloth Fasteners: Screws with Washers vs Staples
Quick facts
| Best Fastener | 1-inch wood screws with 1-inch fender washers |
|---|---|
| Recommended Spacing | Every 6 to 9 inches along every wood framing member |
| Pullout Resistance | 250+ lbs for fender washers vs 80 lbs for U-staples |
| Staple Gun Danger | T50 staples fail under raccoon leverage and wood weathering |
Quick Answer: Use 1-inch galvanized wood screws with 1-inch fender washers spaced every 6 to 9 inches to attach hardware cloth to wooden coop frames. Raccoons and large dogs can pull wire mesh straight through standard staple gun staples or lightweight U-staples.
1. Why Staple Guns Fail Against Raccoons
Standard manual or electric staple gun staples (such as T50 3/8-inch staples) only penetrate 1/4 to 3/8 inches into pine framing. As wood expands and contracts with rain and heat, these thin staples loosen.
Raccoons have powerful front paws and immense leverage. They grip the wire mesh and pull outward repeatedly until the small staples pop free, allowing them to squeeze into the coop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can raccoons pull staples out of wood?
Yes. Raccoons have dexterous paws and high leverage. They can easily yank lightweight staple-gun staples or loose wire out of soft pine framing.
What size fender washers for hardware cloth?
Use 1-inch outer diameter (OD) zinc-plated or stainless steel fender washers with a #8 or #10 wood screw.
Sources and references
- University of Georgia Extension: Small-Scale Poultry Housing (Publication B1317).