Attaching Hardware Cloth

[ss10gotanks]

Im seeing that a good way to get better ventilation in tub systems (for a rat colony) is by using hardware cloth for the lid. Im wondering what the best way to attach it. Ill need a way to cut a rectangular hole (and a way to do it) And ill need a way to attach the 1/2 in hardware cloth to it. Do yall have any idea's on how i can attack it to my tubs? Any help would be super appreciated.

Thank you

[RichsBallPythons]

if its a large storage bins then drill holes and use zip ties

[ss10gotanks]

zip ties. Cool, can i buy those at wal mart? What can i cut the holes with?

[Annie]

Zip ties could be chewed off real quick if yor rats could reach them. You could use wire, but that wouldn't necessarily provide a tight close.

I'd use steel rivets with washers. Tight and tidy. That way, you'd make sure your rats couldn't escape.

To cut a hole in your bins... Depending on the thickness and the type of material: a jig saw or a knife with breakoff blades. And a drill to make holes for the rivets or wire.
Just make sure to ask for help or be extra careful not to hurt yourself.

Here is a very nice DIY project for a rodent rack w/wire screen top by (muddoc) Bailey & Bailey Reptiles: http://www.baileyreptiles.com/rodentrack.html.
Hope that helps.

[anthonym]

I used zip ties with my tubs, and haven't had any problems with chewing.

[quercus]

You might be better off cutting two rectangles along the sides of the tubs then attaching the hardware cloth on the inside of the tub. I've read that ammonia is heavier than air so it will sink to the bottom. This will provide better ventilation then a screened top. I used heavy duty sheet metal shears, cut through the tub like paper.

I used the wire that came wrapped around the hardware cloth to attach it to the sides. No cost to me and no chew throughs. Drill holes run the wire through and give the wire a few twist with needle-nose pliers.

Good luck

[ss10gotanks]

Thank yall for your advice. I found the hardware cloth at home depot. I also decided to use a staple gun. Which worked pretty well. I just bent the sharp ends inward. I didnt want to spend 40 dollars on a jig saw. So i used a saudering iron to melt out a rectangle on the lid.

[HighVoltageRoyals]

To make the rectangular hole in the tub and to make the holes for the zip ties, I just used a box cutter. It was a lot easier than it sounds and it doesn't look bad at all! (I was very careful to make a straight line for the rectangle part and the holes were really easy to make!)

This also worked when I put some holes in my snake tubs and I haven’t had to replace my razor yet! I know it sounds ridiculous but it sure saved me money on a drill.

[SlitherinSisters]

Get a dremel, you'll be glad you did It has a mini circular saw that can cut through plastic and drill bit heads to, well, drill holes. I spent a lot of money on mine, but I use it a lot. You can get a small one for $20 if I remember right. I absolutely love mine and have used it on so many different projects.