Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Pretty simple question, I have wire mesh and cut some poles from leftover plastic sprue - but how to best fix the mesh to the poles?

My first instinct was to use green stuff to make two or three brackets per pole along with probably copious amounts of super glue, but actually holding the mesh in hand I'm wondering if there are better alternatives.

Anybody got any experience with this? I'd appreciate a little advice.

drill a hole through the sprue, then use a pin pushed through the mesh & add a dab of superglue?

Look at real life mesh fence fixings on google images.
There are lots of options varying from simple u-shaped nails to flat plates and hasps to tensioning coach bolts.
It depends on how detailled you want to get.
Superglue should be fine by itself depending on the exact materials and how rugged you want the pieces to be and what your centres are.
Personally i'd make any hardware out of plasticard or plastirod as you'll get a good fix to the sprue.

Get freezer bag wire ties or just paperclip and do them as twist the fixings?

Staples?

Hot glue. Pop a sprue 'pole' either side of the mesh for neatness.

https://youtu.be/0_guMOYoCpw

Watch this

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll sort through the ideas and see what works for me.

Don't forget to post the results

What? Finish something? Aaaaagh! The pressure!

OK, will do, but don't expect anything spectacular. The fence is just for prettying up a small terrain piece with a vertical element that I'm testing cracked earth paint on. And, I guess, one I use for figuring out fence building, too.

So....

Freezer bag wire won out (secured with a little super glue). Turns out the hard part was to find any. I've been through half a dozen stores and turned my box of random stuff upside down to find enough for the fence. Piece of cake, only took me a month...

Anyway, a quarter of an hour of work later, this is where I am:





I'm really happy with tying the mesh to the poles with wire. It's quite practical and gives the fence a little more detail in the process. Building material provided, this is my go-to choice for the future.

I haven't spent much time on thinking about damage to the fence. I'll probably hint at it on both ends so it can both stand on its own and still be expanded with individual fence sections I meant to build at some point. Then a small hole in the bottom where a critter has chewed its way through and a tear or two from the top.

Most importantly, I can get back to the thing's actual purpose. The cracked earth paste is pretty cool and seems to take stress well enough, which is the thing I was worried about most. Now to figure out how to frame it. I've already given the left side a layer of PVC glue and sand, but I'm already pretty sure it lacks the elevation I'm looking for. I'll see how giving it another layer goes, but I think I'll end up using another layer of plasticard. I specifically reserved the larger side to try this on. Perhaps I'll get out a little plaster to try a rockier riverside, too. But I don't know about that yet.

For terrain building, a wire mesh fence is a great option for creating realistic enclosures. It’s durable, flexible, and easy to shape for various landscapes. Whether you’re working on a model, diorama, or outdoor project, securing the mesh properly with sturdy posts is key. For high-quality fencing solutions, check out KD Fence & Decks Services!