My first cage/snake I got "used" was an Animal Plastics and a Pro Products rhp. The cage had a nice hexagonal hole in the top that the nut set down into and the bolt threaded into it from the inside, holding the heat panel up against the top of the cage and everything looks really nice and flush. My second cage/snake I got new and installed the heat panel myself. I went to the hardware store and bought a tee nut and hammered it down a little so the teeth on it would bite into the pvc, and then I threaded the bolt in from the inside until it held the panel up against the top of the cage and then cut off the excess. It's pretty much flush, but not as nice looking at the other one I got. Now, I'm on a 3rd one and about to install another Pro Products rhp onto the top. I asked on a local snake forum and the girl that builds the cages I buy said a 1.5" wood screw and leave a gap and not to mount it flush up against the top. With both of my previous ones being flush and having no issues (been running them that way for quite a while) I am curious why she recommends leaving a gap. She is a breeder and has tons of experience, but I wanted to ask you guys for multiple opinions. I have asked her but still awaiting a response.

Also, what ways are you guys attaching them? I don't mind using a wood screw, but the mounting holes on these rhps are so small, I wouldn't imagine they'd make a wood screw small enough to fit through that while still providing enough bite to hold the panel in place, but I could be wrong.