How do you cut the lids?

i plan to make some sort of carrier for the mice that i buy each week, using a sterilite/rubbermaid tub... and i want to a square out of the lid, and replace it with wire mesh. so how do you guys cut it? please don't tell me scissors...:confused:

oh yea and what kind of wire mesh do you use, and how do you attach it onto the lid... thanks

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1/8/ratBox.jpg


I used a jig saw, you can use a utility knife and a straight edge as well.

Pop riveted 1/2" HW cloth to the top using strips of aluminum and pop rivets. (thanks other bryan hehe)

what are pop rivets?

another question, do the rodents chew on that hole you made, for the water bottle?

I don't have rodents, but I use a tub set up just like that for transporting my beardie when we move. I used a little hand-held dremel tool to cut the center of the lid out. Easy peasy. (Just a bit messy!) Then soldered holes around the perimeter of the new opening and used heavy plastic tie-offs to attach the hardware cloth.

My rats chewed through to one I made and not even where the water bottle was! lol As long as they aren't in there for extended times you shouldn't worry.

No, The hole is exact size of the bottle sipper, so they cant get a chew on.

Ive kept tons of rats in these and only had one chew through.

The wire is called hardware cloth. I think some people put holes in the lid and use zip-ties to hold it on. You could probably cut the lids with a utility knife or (i know you said dont, but...) the heavy duty EMT type scissors. The lids are usally alot softer than you'd think cutting wise.

Alternative!
I used a dremel with a cutting wheel to cut the lid.
I then drilled multiple holes in the lid around the edges, and used zip ties(available at walmart or hardware stores) to attach the wire mesh(hardware cloth) which I got at the hardware store too.
Instead of drilling a hole in the side, I use velcro to stick a water bottle inside the bin. Go to walmart into the craft and fabric section. They carry velcro that glues(sticky sided) to things. Peel off the backing and stick one side to bottle, one side to the inside of the bin. Instant water bottle holder.
Warning, the rats can pull down the bottle, and might chew it.
This is what I do for mine.
Wolfy

It's so interesting to see how diffrent minds work here. I would of never thought of placing the water bottle on the outside like Bryan did OR using velcro and placing it on the inside...great thread!

Also...are are these tubs for long term holding?
I was figuring we could just use these for now...or maybe forever.
I know to get slick one's so they dont chew any edges etc. I just didnt know how everyone felt about it.

Thanks.

~Audrey

I agree piranhaking, we are able to cut a penny in half with our EMT scissors. They are pretty amazing.