Gauge (g)- gauge is a measure of the thickness of the actual wire strand used to make the mesh. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire will be. For example, 16g mesh is thicker (and stronger) than 19g mesh.
Common wire gauges used for mesh and their diameters in inches and millimetres are given below:
12g - 0.104", 2.6416 mm
14g - 0.080", 2.0320 mm
16g - 0.064", 1.6256 mm
19g - 0.040", 1.0160 mm
22g - 0.028", 0.7112 mm
Mesh size- mesh size is usually given in inches and refers to the size of the 'holes' in the mesh. For instance, wire listed as 1" x 1/2" will be a mesh comprising 1 inch x 1/2 inch squares.
Common mesh sizes and their popular uses are given below:
1/4" x 1/4" - usually supplied in 22g. Ideal for keeping rodents, making mouse traps or keeping vermin out. Also popular for making wild bird feeders and nut holders.
1/2" x 1/2" - usually supplied in 19g. Ideal for cages and runs for rabbits, guinea pigs, chipmunks, cage birdsetc.
1" x 1/2" - usually supplied in 19g and 16g. One of the most popular mesh sizes. Very common to use for bird aviaries/flights, rabbit/guinea pighutches and runs and fencing.
3/4" x 3/4" - usually supplied in 19g and 16g. Useful for fencing. 16g is ideal for chinchillas as it is robust enough to withstand climbing!
1" x 1" - usually supplied in 19g and 16g. Another popular choice for fencing. 16g is useful for cat enclosures.
2" x 2" - usually supplied in 14g and 16g. Very popular for dogs and also useful for horses as it is more robust (won't wrap around the feet if trampled) than 19g mesh often used.
Height - Mesh is usually supplied in 36" and 48" high rolls as standard.
Length - Mesh is commonly supplied in 30m or 6m rolls but some suppliers may offer to cut specific lengths on request.
Galvanisation - wire mesh is treated by galvanising. This is a process whereby the wire is hot-dipped into molten zinc, which oxidises on cooling to leave a zinc oxide coating on the wire. This coating protects the wire to help resist corrosion and form a weatherproof barrier.
Galvanising can be performed either before (whilst the wire is still a strand) or after welding (on the completed mesh roll). Galvanising post-weld is more expensive in manufacturing wire mesh as it requires larger baths for the hot-dipping and the mesh is more difficult to handle compared to single strands.
Mesh that has been galvanised after welding (although more expensive to manufacture)is stronger, as the coating acts to reinforce the mesh at the weld points. As anyone who has worked with cheaply manufactured mesh, that is galvanised pre-weld will attest to; there are often holes where the mesh comes undone at the weld or in the worst cases it is not too dissimilar to pulling a thread on a jumper - the mesh can fall apart leaving single strands!!
We recommend mesh purchasers to check that they are buying mesh that is galvanised after welding as there is nothing worse than saving a few pounds on cheap mesh only for your prized livestock or petto escape through a hole where the mesh has failed at a weld point!!
We only stock mesh that is galvanised post-weld in our ebay shop (Cage-Shop) as we wouldn't be comfortable supplying poor quality mesh that might not stand up to its intended purpose.
Whilstwe have taken time to provide as concise and accurate information and advise as possible from personal experience, this guide is not exhaustive and is intended as just that - a guide. If in doubt about which mesh will best suit your purpose contact your seller for advise or please use the measurements contained herein to calculate the sizes you require.
Finally (!) if you found this guide helpful please rate it!
Thanks (and I hope it's useful!)
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