What Sports Netting Hardware do i need?Updated 2 months ago

When installing a sports net on your property or facility, it is common that you will require some additional hardware to complete the job. Some of our pre-made sports barrier kits come with everything you need, but in the case where you need additional hardware... this guide gives a brief explanation of each component and how they can help.

Wire Rope:
Available in Stainless or Galvanised, our wire rope comes in a variety of diameters including 1.8mm, 2mm, 2.4mm and 3mm.

What is wire rope used for? It is most commonly used as a framework to which a net can be clipped onto. Often you will see two posts (say 5m apart), with a tensioned wire rope strung between the two (top and bottom). It is from this wire that the netting can be clipped to. We use wire as it can be tensioned (and re-tensioned over time) with very little stretch over time. If you were to use "normal" nylon rope, over time it would stretch and sag. 

For most sports net installations 3mm cable is the most appropriate diameter. if you are just using the wire to support an upright post OR it is being used for a lightweight application (say Table Tennis Barrier Net) then you could opt for one of the smaller diameters.


Turnbuckles:
Our turnbuckles are used to tension the above mentioned wire rope to ensure your wire is (and remains) taught. They are available in 5mm, 6mm and 8mm. One end is hooked onto some form of Eyelet and the wire is attached to the other end. For most sports net applications the 6mm or 8mm (combined with the 3mm wire) is the most appropriate selection.

Crimps (swages) or Wire Rope Grips?
Both of these products essentially serve the same purpose. They are used to terminate the wire rope at the end (as you can't simply tie a knot at the end). Essentially the wire rope passes through the crimp/grip, loops around the eyelet (or turnbuckle) and then passes back into the crimp/grip. The crimp secures the wire by being manually crimped (squashed) over the wire rope using pliers (or specialised crimping pliers) OR the Grips are secured by tightening the small nuts on the underside. Given the low cost and simplicity of install, the most commonly used item here is the crimp/swage method.

Eyelets:

The eyelets serve the purpose of being the anchor for the wire rope. Being the anchor of the wire rope (which is in-turn the support for your entire net), the eyelet is a CRUCIAL element in the final and ongoing success of your netting install. If that eyelet is loose or not strong enough, the wire will become loose and in-turn you netting will sag. We have multiple types of Pad-Eyelets along with Bolt Eyelets of which can all be used in Sports Netting installations.

Clips:

Whether it's clipping onto a wire rope or some other form or rope or cable, we stock a wide range of different types of clips. The choice of clip can be dictated by:

• The size of the project (assessing cost and install time)
• Whether they need to be removable or not
• Strength
• Ability to slide along a cable
• Aesthetics

Carabiner - We have multiple sizes of carabiners (snap hooks) and they are the mst commonly used type of clip attachment. They are very strong, look neat, can be unclipped and will slide along a tensioned wire rope. They are generally spaced around 30cm apart in most residential installs. 

C-Clips - There are varying types of C-clips (otherwise known as hog-rings) that are suitable for a permanent install of lighter gauge netting over large spans. One clip is normally placed every 50mm or so, and can be achieved with a manual or cartridge load gun. Available in Stainless or Galvanised.

Heavy Duty Net Clip - These black plastic clips are super strong, will slide along a wire rope but cannot be unclipped. These are commonly used on larger and more permanent sports netting jobs.

Plastic Hook - These black plastic hooks are strong and can be unclipped. Most commonly used for a very specific purpose on smaller jobs.

Attachment Accessories

Every job has its own individual intricacies, and often will need an out of the box solution. The following products are commonly used in sports nets installations for attaching netting to all manner of structures...

Hook And Loop - This has been around for so many years, but our 25mm double sided and UV treated version is unique and ideal for sports netting installations. Being removeable and reusable, it is ideal for securing a net to a post, and then being undone to slide.

Bungee Loops - These can essentially be used the same way (and for similar applications) as the hook & loop such as attaching to a support post. We have two different sizes, and they are elasticised with a locking ball on one end. Caution must be taken with any elasticised  product as it will be held under signifcant tension that could release in a dangerous fashion if damaged.

Cable Ties - Everyone is familiar with the old Zip Ties, but our UV treated product can be very handy when attaching a net to a support post. They are a quick, affordable and permanent attachment option. Available in multiple sizes.