Sturdy? mouse rack?

[azmodane]

So I suck at building and thought I had everything measured out perfectly..... But when I put in the tub to house the rats the entire rack wasn't wide enough so I thought the only way to widen it without re-building every level was to put in a "spacer" I used 2x2s for everything and then I used 3 in wood screws... For spacers I used 1/4 inch piece of PVC pipe... this is the final product... Whats everyone's take on it being sturdy? it seems sturdy with no weight or anything on it....

[tomfromtheshade]

That would drive me crazy even if it worked perfectly, but I have OCD when it comes to stuff like that. All of my racks have to be perfect and uniform.

[snakesRkewl]

That would drive me crazy even if it worked perfectly, but I have OCD when it comes to stuff like that. All of my racks have to be perfect and uniform.

lol Tom

I found 1x2's to be better to build racks with than all 2x2's
I used 2x2's for legs only, otherwise all 1x2's
No screws, nail gun only, screws split the wood too easily

If the drawers open and close and the rats can't get out then I see no reason why yours won't work, as long as you don't have OCD you'll be fine

[wilomn]

You might be able to switch your runners, the tub supports, from 1X2s to 1X1s. It shaves a bit off the width needed to slide the tubs in.

I recently noticed, after having put together a rack using my old measurements, that a 2X2 is not longer 1 3/4 X 1 3/4 but is 1 5/8 by 1 5/8. This can also totally screw up your design.

Also, the home depot out here changed brands or something and the tub sizes changed by 1/4 inch AND they are now flat on top on the 2 long sides.

Anyway, check to make sure everything is what you think it is before you build another one.

The spacer should be fine if it's in solid.

[tomfromtheshade]

I use strictly 2x3s for my rat racks.

I have been building the new ones five levels high, 13" per level, 65" total height before casters. 5'7" with casters, which is perfect for me.

The extra inch of the 2x3 allows me to REALLY load up the food hopper.

For mice I would probably use 2x2s still for the frame of of the hopper and probably 2x3s for the legs.