Noob Flexwatt Question

[kplunk]

Ok so I have decided to build a rack for my balls. I'm going to be using sterilite 1960 tubs and building the frame out of melamine.

My question is can you bend Flexatt 90 degrees?

See what I was thinking was building the rack so the tubs slide in the long way. Then run the flexwatt down the back side of the rack bend 90 degrees go across the back of the shelf then bend 90 go down the side bend 90 go across the shelf bend 90. and so on and so on until all the shelves have flexwatt on one of the sides and going across the top side of the shelf.... I hope that makes sense.

Only problem I see is if this flexwatt stuff can bend that much without breaking...I have no idea only seen it never touched with my own hands.

If anyone has heard or tried this idea and knows its not feasible for any reason please let me know.

this just seems so much more simple and best of both worlds if it can work...

Thanks for input.

[recycling goddess]

that exactly what has been recommended to me by other members. so - yes you can!

[jotay]

That's how Boaphile makes their racks.
Then Jeff recommend's to tape your t-stat probe right in the corner of that bend using clear plastic shipping tape.

[kplunk]

clear plastic shipping tape to secure the probe only? or all of the flexwatt?

I heard aluminum duct tape for securing the flexwatt.

Do you need to have the clips to connect the flexwatt or can you just solder the wires on?

[PJ FF]

If your talking about puting tape on the inside of the tub..... DONT. I have heard and read many storys on here about the snakes geting the tape up and then the tape geting stuck to the snake. Some have had to go to the vet, others were able to handle it them selves. Either way, dont put your snake through that. Alot thought that they had the tape down so good but then the snake got it. But if your talking about tapeing it on the out side then go ahead.

[tmlowe5704]

clear plastic shipping tape to secure the probe only? or all of the flexwatt?

I heard aluminum duct tape for securing the flexwatt.

Do you need to have the clips to connect the flexwatt or can you just solder the wires on?

you can solder the wires on, but whatever you do, make sure the wires are secure. It would suck to come home and realize one wire came undone

[kplunk]

If your talking about puting tape on the inside of the tub..... DONT.

No I'm talking about putting tape on the flexwatt to secure the thermostat probe and to secure the flexwatt to the rack shelves themself....

But I'm thinking aluminum duct tape would be better in both instances

[kplunk]

you can solder the wires on, but whatever you do, make sure the wires are secure. It would suck to come home and realize one wire came undone

Ya if i do it the way I described I think i'll only have 2 connections so maybe i'll just spring for the clips...but then I'd need a special clip plier thing wouldn't I??? so maybe soldering would be easier and cheaper... plus I'm pretty handy with the soldering iron

also i was thinking about doing 11" at the back with 3" at the front cause my house doesn't go over 75 anywhere and I don't want to heat a whole room

[tmlowe5704]

Ya if i do it the way I described I think i'll only have 2 connections so maybe i'll just spring for the clips...but then I'd need a special clip plier thing wouldn't I??? so maybe soldering would be easier and cheaper... plus I'm pretty handy with the soldering iron

also i was thinking about doing 11" at the back with 3" at the front cause my house doesn't go over 75 anywhere and I don't want to heat a whole room

You don't need that little plier thing. It is like $50 and I hear of a lot of people who use regular pliers with success. Solder em on cover em with some electric tape to keep from you touching them and call it a day.

[jotay]

Yes clear plastic shipping tape to secure the probe to the flex is what Boaphile recommends to it's buyers to secure the probe on flex, not metal tape. Reasoning behind it per Jeff is that if ever that flex had a small pin hole or crack or tear then the metal tape conducts electricity. Shipping tape works just as good with zero risks.
I haven't tried it but when my rack arrives that is how I will secure my probe from my Helix onto the flex.