Rat Racks not working right?

[reptilegirl07]

I've been building and hired someone to build rat racks for me.

But I'm noticing, when they are built they work great, but then after even a week, tubs start to fall out of the tracks when i push them in, causing rats to run out the back and escape.

Anyone have similar issues?

I don't know if it's the change in humidity, or all these racks are just built wrong.

[Simple Man]

I'm not sure how yours are built but I've never had an issue like that with my racks. The tubs should be tight and fully supported around the edges. I'm using Lowe's concrete mixing bins with my racks. Humidity shouldn't affect 2x2 :p

Regards,

B

[Anatopism]

Could it be the tubs used not supporting the weight? What are you using for tubs, and what is the spacing of the "tracks"? Is there a "stopper" on the back? Can you post pictures of the whole setup?

Sorry for all the Q's, just trying to see if we can find what the problem is. I have only ever had the problem of tubs being too tight.

[Adam Chandler]

Sounds like something is off with the build. I've never had that problem with my rack.

As Simple Man said humidity wouldn't affect 2x2's to such a degree as to warp them that quickly.

[reptilegirl07]

Do you guys wanna see more detailed photos.

I'm wondering if it's twisting because i didn't put bracing on the rack? My original rack i built with bracing doesn't do it. Just the new one I have.


I use home depot cement tubs.

Humidity is near 100% we're in the process of fixing the water issues.
(it's not that wet down there all the time, that was the worst day we had and it lasted only a day).

[spitzu]

I built this one last summer. It's a tad bit bigger, but same principle. The stoppers made this rack strong.

[JohnNJ]

I'm wondering if it's twisting because i didn't put bracing on the rack? My original rack i built with bracing doesn't do it. Just the new one I have.

I have used side braces and a stop in the back with every rack I built. It is how I keep the whole thing square because of the 2x2's that are never really straight and leaning basement floor.

I use big clamps to hold the rack square and then screw the braces to it. Then I remove the clamps and it's solid.

[Simple Man]

Agreed with everyone. Back stops are essential for structural integrity in my builds. It prevents the rack for contorting. I also use 2x2 for my rails to support my tubs so they sit in more firmly and it keeps the tubs tight to the harware cloth tops. 1x2 might work but your tolerances would have to be a lot tighter so you don't have any gaps.

Regards,

B