Keeping the lid of a tub securely closed?

I moved my dumeril's boa into a tub with latches on four sides just temporarily, and within the same day, she somehow popped off all four latches from the inside and I found her crawling out! I have no idea how she did it. I tried closing it again and prying at the lid with my bare hands, but couldn't pop the lid off at all without feeling like it would crack the plastic.

I'm not sure I want to go through the trouble of luggage straps, and I doubt that giant clips would be able to contain a larger snake. So does anyone have other ideas to securing the lid of a tub enclosure in a sure way?

I was going to suggest (multiple) binder clips, is that what you meant by "clips"? They're pretty strong, especially using several, as long as they fit right.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I was going to suggest (multiple) binder clips, is that what you meant by "clips"? They're pretty strong, especially using several, as long as they fit right.

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I'm not totally sure, but I don't know if they would be stronger than the tub's latches. I still can't wrap my head around how she got out of that.

I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often, as plastic has a little 'give' to it when snakes push a coil against it. I guess you need a "baby-cam"? :D

The only time I've used this sort of thing was years ago to brumate snakes- I used binder clips but that was never for larger snakes like boas.

Binder clips (the larger ones- they're metal) used IN ADDITION to the latches might do it though...?

I think this needs to be discussed over several Double Doubles at In-n-Out.

Tie down straps.

A big reason why I like rigid glass tanks with inflexible metal lids that clip down. I'll frequently keep a stack of books on top too.
As much as a pain they can be re. weight and not storing efficiently in nested stacks like tubs, I've never had an animal escape one after I secured it.

I'm not surprised a snake finds a way out of that. All they have to do is push with their face (and they get a lot of leverage by pushing their body against the opposite end) until they form a tiny gap. They shove their face in that gap and then use the leverage to keep opening the gap bigger until the clips pop.

Snakes are one big muscle. Even ones that aren't giant, can be very powerful. You sometimes don't realize how much so, until you try to pry one off of something, or they are holding on to you for dear life.

As inconvenient as it is, you will have to use straps, like Pit said, tie down straps. I wouldn't trust anything that stretches.
That is why it is best (and easiest) to have tubs in some sort of shelf or rack system, it either keeps the lid on tight, or you don't need a lid.

Keep an eye on that girl, now that she succeeded into getting out, she surely will try again. ;)

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Originally Posted by distaff

A big reason why I like rigid glass tanks with inflexible metal lids that clip down....

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One of several reasons I'm a glass tank fan too...

I guess I need to go with the tie down straps! LOL

I went to the dollar tree when i was using tubs i bought ornament hangers the ones u use for hanging christmas tree bulbs. i then drilled hole between the top of the lid and in the edge of the tub where they connect and put them through and twisted it shut. that seemed to be pretty sturdy worth a try

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Originally Posted by Dylan_

I went to the dollar tree when i was using tubs i bought ornament hangers the ones u use for hanging christmas tree bulbs. i then drilled hole between the top of the lid and in the edge of the tub where they connect and put them through and twisted it shut. that seemed to be pretty sturdy worth a try

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This reminded me that I've seen someone use leash clips in the past, through holes in the edge of the tub where the lid connects, in the same way you do. I think this is a good idea.

I saw luggage straps at the store the other day that looked like they'd work just like tie downs, except easier to operate.

They were 2" or so thick nylon straps with big plastic buckles and adjusters. If you got them nice and snug and clipped them on, it may be easier to use than tie downs. (I know it would be for me... I can never get tie downs to work on the first try) Or even just less extra material.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

This reminded me that I've seen someone use leash clips in the past, through holes in the edge of the tub where the lid connects, in the same way you do. I think this is a good idea.

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What to do with your dad's old cufflinks...;)

So this recently happened to me! lol
I recently moved to Big Bear, Ca(cold climate) up from Ontario, Ca. (warm climate)
I swithched all my snakes to tubs from glass tanks. i plan on housing more and tub is more efficient.
anywho, i always clean my tubs every few days and one day i came home and i noticed my Banana/Pastel was out of her enclosure.
so i immediately checked my Wall Heater, Water heater and under the rack itself. Not there!
so i went straight to the Fridge lol peek underneath Lo and Behold i was looking into the eyes of.........a comfortable snake lol

I couldnt figure out HOW in the world she did it, i know for a fact i locked my tubs. Well i live in a resort town and have visitors all the time, so my cousins came up for the weekend and while everyone was up late watching tv we heard a loud pop and didnt know what it was! Then out of nowhere i see my bananas head reaching out towards my tv stand.

i put her back in and locked the tub, then i started watching. so this is how she did it. She slides up into the handle of the tub. its almost like a perch for her she get the bulk of her body in the handle and pushes. the plastic lid actually flexes.
she does this over and over and over until the latch pops off. once it does the bulk of her body holds the lid open and she notices and tries to escape.
now my mojave female has learned this trick and she does it.
I had to go to DIY home improvement and buy some small but really some clamps. cost about $1 a piece.
they cannot move those things to save their lives now. so were good.

i just wanted to tell you how theyre doing it! And once they learn itll keep happening. ill try to get a video of it later.
but if your using a longer but shorter tub id imagine its just as easy for flex theyre bodies in the shorter tubs.

I've done this in the past. it def works. I used a soldering iron to make the holes. It's pretty solid. In the back I use thick zip ties to make hinges..

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../6/9/clips.jpg