Q: HD black tubs have a molded-in keyhole shape on rim??

[Steve-J]

So i'm building a rat rack thanks to some threads on here, I bought the concrete mixing tubs from Home Depot and I also went and bought the ones from Lowe's to compare them to each other (once I decide which ones to use, I'm going to return the unused ones. . .) I've read a few posts where some folks find the HD tubs to be sturdier and the Lowe's tubs to be thinner plastic, I'm leaning toward the HD tubs but there is one thing that's bothering me. The HD tubs have a flattened area of the rim on the top of the sides where they have molded-in measuring ticks, standard on one side and metric on the other, so first question are these flattened portions of the rim going to be more succeptible to chewing?
Second issue, the HD tubs have a molded-in "hanging hole" it's a keyhole shape on one end on the rim, I haven't read any posts where it's mentioned so I'm wondering: second question are these a new style of the HD tubs or do those of you out there who use the HD tubs also have this hole and if so, does it make it easier for rats to chew on that area?
Thanks for any input!

[Wonzzer]

I love the home depot tubs. They won't chew the side because of the flats, but the hole WAS an easy way to chew through. All you have to do is buy 1/4-20 screws and nylock nuts and screw together. Doesn't cover everything, but enough to keep them from chewing

Here is a picture. Good luck.



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[Duffster]

Great thread by the way. The hole is a non issue if the tolerance between the tub and the rack are tight. If there is less then an 1/8" gap you will be fine. Also put the tub in the rack with the hole in front. The rats tend to stay in the back of the tub. We have over a 1000 plus of these tubs in use and have never had a chew through around the hole area. I have seen a few other breeders racks where the gap was excessive and they were having chew out problems. Just our $0.02

[Steve-J]

Thanks for the replies! I went out and got some small hardware to try Justin's idea, I wasn't sure how obtain a tight gap with a screw sticking up, so I also tried putting small cuts on the inside ring of a split finishing washer and clamping it down to create a "false grommet" that might be less chewable, here's a picture of that attempt
[IMG][/IMG]
it's on there really tight but I'm willing to bet that it wouldn't be long before it was uprooted and might even, in the end, make the matter worse. . .
I could probably heat it up and get it to melt/bond with that area, but I'd rather not mess up a good tub.

Thanks Duffster for the info, I was just at the point of deciding it might be best to leave it alone and put it at the front where I could keep an eye on it when I checked back here and saw your post. I just finished putting together the first frame and I was looking at the spot where the hole sits under the center part of the frame and I was wondering if they can even really get a tooth-hold there. . .
I'm sure I can get the gap to be under 1/8" so I'm just going to go ahead with the build and not worry about it
thanks again for the responses, super helpful stuff you guys!

[Andrew21]

I had some mice get to that hole and chew it a little bit. I put some hardware cloth over it and hot glued it down. They chewed the glue for just a little while but got bored. It's been fine ever since. I think what you did will work great though! sure does look better than my fix.

[snakesRkewl]

bolt, washer, nut, done...

[Steve-J]

bolt, washer, nut, done...

Thanks Jerry!
if you have a chance at some point, could you post a pic of one of your tubs with the bolt and washer?

[snakesRkewl]

Thanks Jerry!
if you have a chance at some point, could you post a pic of one of your tubs with the bolt and washer?

All our rats are at my partners these days.
All you need is a bolt that will fit into the hole and long enough to put a washer and nut on it.
It helps if the washer is a bit over sized so it covers the entire hole so they can't chew on it.

[Steve-J]

All our rats are at my partners these days.
All you need is a bolt that will fit into the hole and long enough to put a washer and nut on it.
It helps if the washer is a bit over sized so it covers the entire hole so they can't chew on it.

Ok, thanks for that info!!