Whether we are sculpting concrete or epoxy, our projects often start with a welded steel “pencil rod” structure covered in expanded metal lath. Attaching this expanded metal lath (mesh) is important (if inglorious) work.

We attach the mesh with rebar tie wire using a pair of side cutters — we call them “nippers” in our shop.

We form a loop with the rebar tie wire and push it through the mesh, then we pull the short end around a piece of pencil rod and back through the mesh again.

Using nippers, we grabbed the tie wire, twist to tighten it and cut it off — all in one smooth motion. It takes practice to get good and more practice to get fast!. The key is to pull the tie wire tight with your left hand and grip it very close to the pencil rod with the nippers.

When you twist, everything should snug up after only a bit more than 90 degrees — then you can cut it off. (Easier said than done, but practice makes progress.) Keep the Bandaids handy as the mesh, and tie wire, and pencil rod are all very sharp! Ask me how I know :)

If you look close you can see the neat rebar wire tie in the center of the picture above. You want to put enough of these ties on your piece to keep the mesh secure, but no more than that or you will be wasting effort (and Bandaids).