Stainless steel plays a major role in modern day society, with endless types of applications, there are also endless ways of fixing your stainless steel wire and mesh. Stainless steel is incredibly durable and non-corrosive, providing long term performance with minimal maintenance, and we call that “The Lasting Decision”.
We have introduced some commonly used fixtures & fittings below. We recommend working with reputable stainless steel fabricators. For the DIY handyman we encourage you to search the internet for inspiration. Someone has likely undertaken what you want to complete and will be happy to share via one of the many stainless steel or welding forums.
ASSDA Accredited Fabricators
The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA)
is also a great resource with their ASSDA Accreditation Scheme. This is an industry based scheme designed to establish a benchmark for stainless steel fabricators to become recognised providers of a standardised level of quality. It is an efficient method for specifiers and asset owners to identify best practice stainless steel fabricators around Australia.
The accredited fabricators are based on the following industry categories:
- Architectural
- Food, Dairy & Beverage
- Heavy Industrial
- Light Commercial
ASSDA accredited fabricators can assist with the most appropriate fixing options to avoid problems with dissimilar metals and contamination.
What to be aware of when you are considering fixings?
- What is asset life of the project?
E.g is the project to last a couple of years or a lifetime? - What grade of stainless steel are you securing?
E.g Grade 304 or 316 - What is the application of the product?
E.g is it sitting flat, does it need to be supported? - What is the duty of the product?
E.g vibration, mechanical forces? - What type of fixings are you considering?
E.g is it stainless steel on stainless steel or stainless steel onto mild steel or stainless steel onto wood or plastic
What are commonly used fixtures for stainless steel wire & mesh?
The benefits of these fixings’ options are that they can be installed on site easily without special tooling meaning that your installation costs remain low. Below is a summary of how our customers commonly fix their stainless steel wire & mesh:
C Clips
Manufactured from 2mm, 316 grade stainless steel wire.
They can be used for joining;
- Stainless steel fencing wire
- Stainless steel barbed wire
- Stainless steel chainlink fencing
- Stainless steel welded rolls from 0.80 – 2.00mm wire diameter
- Stainless steel panels from 0.80 – 3.00mm wire diameter
We have a range of stainless steel annealed tie wires which can be used to join stainless steel welded panels and stainless steel welded rolls. The range includes grades 304 and 316 stainless steel between 0.4mm and 4mm diameter. The annealing process makes the steel more pliable so it can be easily twisted while maintaining the benefits of stainless steel.
Wire Staples / Horse Shoe Nails
Stainless steel staples are manufactured with 4mm wire.
They are commonly used in the installation of:
- Stainless roof safety mesh
- Stainless steel fencing
Spirals used for Gabions
Stainless steel gabions have an extensive use of applications and are often used in civil engineering, road construction and landscaping. They can be used for a variety of purposes such as retaining walls, erosion control, seating and screening.
Stainless steel spirals are used to connect and fix the stainless steel mesh. They are easy to install and they provide a very strong fixing point.
Nails
Nails are one of the simplest ways to attach mesh is with fixings through timber. This is black powder coated welded mesh, it is very reliable and easy to complete.
Stainless Steel Saddle
Another straight forward option stainless steel saddle used to attach a stainless steel panel to a stained timber paling fence.
Aviary Clips
Stainless steel aviary clips are ideal for stainless steel wire aviaries. You will also require aviary clip pliers. It is important to note that the use of stainless steel welded mesh is widely regarded as the safest and superior alternative to galvanised mesh as it can cause zinc poisoning in birds. The birds ingest zinc from the wire by licking and chewing, this can be fatal.
To read further about the danger of heavy metal poisoning in birds, click on the following link to the Bird Vet Melbourne.
Heavy Metal Poisoning in Birds – Bird Vet Melbourne
Where can you get these fixtures?
These products can all be found at your local hardware store. SSWM also have C Clips, Tie Wire, Wire Staples/Horse Shoe Nails, and Spirals available to purchase.
