What tool should be used to cut metal lath or chicken wire mesh

• A. Pliers
• B. Hacksaw
• C. Snips
• D. Utility knife

Answer: (C)

Cutting metal lath or chicken wire mesh requires a tool that can cleanly slice through metal without deforming the mesh. Snips are designed for metal work and have sharp blades that bite through thin metal quickly, giving a smooth edge and easy control for both straight and curved cuts. Pliers aren’t meant to cut metal; they’re for gripping, bending, or twisting, so they won’t produce a tidy cut in metal lath or mesh. A hacksaw can cut metal, but it’s slower and tends to leave rough edges and takes more effort, which isn’t ideal for trimming mesh to fit. A utility knife is built for softer materials like drywall or wood and won’t cut metal effectively, risking dull blades and slips. Using snips—tin or aviation snips—provides the right balance of cutting power, edge quality, and ease of use for metal lath and chicken wire mesh.