Stall chew guards/strips--aluminum, galvanized steel, or what??

[Libby2563]

I just moved a new mare in for a monthlong stay and she is chewing my walls already. I’ve decided this is good motivation to finally put chew guards or chew strips inside my stalls, which I haven’t really needed yet but wanted to do in the long run anyway. My question is, what material is best?

I have found old threads and know that people suggest finding a local welder, searching junkyards, etc., but I don’t have time to look high and low and would rather just order something ready made even if it costs more. I only have 2 stalls that are an issue so it won’t be awfully expensive I hope. I’ve found it online in prices ranging from $1.65-3/foot. It seems like every one of these uses different material. What will hold up best? The options seem to be:

Aluminum
Galvanized steel
Painted steel (not leaning towards this because it looks nice new but IME when it does get chewed on, the paint flakes off and you’re left with rusty steel)

Please help!

[airhorse]

Go to the metal stud area in your Depot / Lowes and find galvanized angle.

[Foxtrot_s]

Whatever you do, do not use those aluminum strips that drywallers use - it will not last, and when it breaks/rusts it is sharp…too cheap.

[Mango20]

I used the galvanized angle stuff from Home Depot. It has holes all along it, so easy to just screw in with some washers. It’s thin enough to cut through by hand with a hacksaw, but thick enough to deter the chewers.

[Simkie]

[QUOTE=Mango20;8266137]
I used the galvanized angle stuff from Home Depot. It has holes all along it, so easy to just screw in with some washers. It’s thin enough to cut through by hand with a hacksaw, but thick enough to deter the chewers.[/QUOTE]

Really? Like this stuff?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_5716-37672-11116_1z0xzpg__?productId=3058219&pl=1

I didn’t realize the stuff with holes would work. SO much easier if so…

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=Simkie;8266187]
Really? Like this stuff?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_5716-37672-11116_1z0xzpg__?productId=3058219&pl=1

I didn’t realize the stuff with holes would work. SO much easier if so…[/QUOTE]

Yeah I saw those but pictured a lot of dust, slobbery grain, etc building up in those holes.

Also, that is not cheaper than ordering purpose-made crib guards from, say, Barn Pros or Armour (unless shipping is ridiculous–I haven’t gotten that far yet). I really haven’t had luck finding better prices at Lowes or Home Depot, which surprises me since horse/barn supplies are usually upmarked. This makes me feel like I’m missing something.

[airhorse]

They have galvanized angle without holes that is very inexpensive.

[Simkie]

[QUOTE=Libby2563;8266202]
Yeah I saw those but pictured a lot of dust, slobbery grain, etc building up in those holes.

Also, that is not cheaper than ordering purpose-made crib guards from, say, Barn Pros or Armour (unless shipping is ridiculous–I haven’t gotten that far yet). I really haven’t had luck finding better prices at Lowes or Home Depot, which surprises me since horse/barn supplies are usually upmarked. This makes me feel like I’m missing something.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I figured the same thing about the holes!

These guys ship for free if you order four or more. Price looks very reasonable, and holes are already drilled. Good option??

http://www.countrymfgstore.com/blanstchgu.html

Galvanized, too:

http://www.countrymfgstore.com/gachguanst.html

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=Simkie;8266409]
These guys ship for free if you order four or more. Price looks very reasonable, and holes are already drilled. Good option??

http://www.countrymfgstore.com/blanstchgu.html

Galvanized, too:

http://www.countrymfgstore.com/gachguanst.html[/QUOTE]

Too funny, I was actually just hovering over the submit order button on that site! I had only seen black painted steel on there when I looked before but I just found the galvanized and I think I might be sold on it! Can’t beat the free shipping either. Thanks, Simkie!

[airhorse]

$20 vs a few bucks and some self drilling screws.

[Jarpur]

Another vote for Country Manufacturing. That’s where we’ve gotten them, as I mentioned on another thread. In our case, we decided against the galvanized and went with the painted steel so that we could paint them to match stained wood (in another situation, would have gone with the galvanized). The painted finish is NOT powder coat, by the way, and does require a coat of a rust-inhibitive paint if it will be exposed to the elements.

Shipping was quick, and you can’t beat free (for four or more)! A couple of things to point out: these are pretty stout, so a box full is heavy, so be prepared if you’re purchasing quite a few. Also, it’s a little tough to see in the website photos, but the holes on the top line up with the holes on the sides, so we weren’t able to use both sets of holes all the way down the length to fasten the pieces to the wood (might be possible with very short screws, but not with the length screw we wanted to use); we alternated which holes we used, which worked fine for our application.

[Simkie]

[QUOTE=airhorse;8266448]
$20 vs a few bucks and some self drilling screws.[/QUOTE]

I’d really like to know where you’re finding this stuff for a couple of bucks. Would love to save the scratch, but I’m not seeing it at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards.

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=Simkie;8266470]
I’d really like to know where you’re finding this stuff for a couple of bucks. Would love to save the scratch, but I’m not seeing it at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards.[/QUOTE]

THIS. ^ Where is this stuff selling for so cheap?

[airhorse]

Menards, in with the metal studs. 1 1/2 galvanized angle 10’ long.

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=Jarpur;8266456]
Another vote for Country Manufacturing. That’s where we’ve gotten them, as I mentioned on another thread. In our case, we decided against the galvanized and went with the painted steel so that we could paint them to match stained wood (in another situation, would have gone with the galvanized). The painted finish is NOT powder coat, by the way, and does require a coat of a rust-inhibitive paint if it will be exposed to the elements.

Shipping was quick, and you can’t beat free (for four or more)! A couple of things to point out: these are pretty stout, so a box full is heavy, so be prepared if you’re purchasing quite a few. Also, it’s a little tough to see in the website photos, but the holes on the top line up with the holes on the sides, so we weren’t able to use both sets of holes all the way down the length to fasten the pieces to the wood (might be possible with very short screws, but not with the length screw we wanted to use); we alternated which holes we used, which worked fine for our application.[/QUOTE]

Awesome, thanks for the info! I’m so glad to hear shipping is quick. It seems silly of them to line the holes up…good to know what I’m facing with installation. Thanks again!

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=airhorse;8266483]
Menards, in with the metal studs. 1 1/2 galvanized angle 10’ long.[/QUOTE]

Do you mean this?

[airhorse]

That’s it.

[airhorse]

Then get some of these to install it. I always put screws close to the corners just to be sure they don’t get pulled up and expose a sharp edge.

[walkers]

I always use solid oak as a top board or frame for stall doors,windows and so forth. Twenty yrs. never needed any metal, wouldn’t have metal near my horses.

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=walkers;8266921]
I always use solid oak as a top board or frame for stall doors,windows and so forth. Twenty yrs. never needed any metal, wouldn’t have metal near my horses.[/QUOTE]

I do have oak kickboards and framing, and unfortunately this mare has a taste for them. My geldings are not as interested in it.