Wire Mesh Rolls come in a variety of wire thicknesses and hole sizes which affect how rigid the fencing is. Even heavy-duty Security Mesh is machine rolled at the factory. This means that when you undo your roll of wire mesh, the fencing will usually have a natural curve to the material as a result of being rolled-up. But don't worry, this step-by-step guide will explain how to safely open your roll of mesh, and how to take the curve out of the material to straighten the Wire Mesh Fencing.
What will I need?
- A pair of thick gloves to protect your hands;
- Protective eye-wear;
- A pair of Wire Cutters;
- For heavy rolls, you may need a second person to help you to lift the roll.
How to open the roll of mesh
The edges of wire mesh can be sharp, and so you should wear a decent pair of protective gloves when handling the roll. Given that the mesh will have some spring to it when you open the roll, it is also advisable to wear protective eye-wear (an old pair of sunglasses will do the trick).
In order to open the roll of mesh you will need to remove the plastic packaging, and you will see that the mesh is either tied together using some thinner tie wire, or for heavier wire mesh the roll may be secured with small steel rings. Use your pair of wire cutters to undo the fastenings to enable you to unroll the mesh. Be aware that the mesh may spring open slightly when you remove the fastenings.
How to straighten the wire mesh
Step 1: Turn the roll of mesh over
In order to straighten out the roll of mesh, and remove the curve from the material, you will first need to turn the roll of mesh over so that the curved end of the mesh is pointing down into the ground.
Step 2: Back-roll the mesh
You will need to roll the mesh back on itself slightly to remove the curve. This is similar to flattening out a poster by rolling it the opposite way. Start by bending the end of the mesh back in the opposite direction, gently applying pressure.
You don't need to roll the mesh back up into a tight roll, you are simply applying a small amount of pressure in the opposite direction in order to remove the curve. The amount of pressure will vary depending on the rigidity of the mesh, and the severity of the curve, and so you will need to use your own judgment. Typically, the mesh will only require a small amount of reverse rolling.
Step 3: Make minor adjustments to flatten the material
Once you have back-rolled the mesh sufficiently to remove the majority of the curve, you may need to make minor adjustments by applying a small amount of pressure as required to flatten the material.
Flattening the mesh along the whole length of the roll
If you are installing the mesh onto fence posts, once you have flattened the initial few metres of material you may find it easier to fix this flattened section of the mesh to your starting post. You can then continue the back-rolling process with the roll in an upright position as you unroll the mesh along your fence line. For advice on how to install wire mesh, please see our guide on How to attach wire mesh to posts.
Summary
How to open a roll of wire mesh
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How to straighten a roll of wire mesh
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Here at Mesh Direct, we can provide you with all the materials you need for your Wire Mesh Fence. To discuss your needs, why not get in touch?
