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Old 01-25-2019, 02:44 PM   #1
Black_Inky_Eyes
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Default Detolf Lid Measurements

So I've heard different lengths and widths for what the Detolf Lid measurements are. I've decided to go with that rather than a barred cage. So have any measurements for me?

Also, is there another way to attach mesh other than a staple gun because I actually don't have one.

Finally, I'm planning to paint the lid white to fit in with the room. Should I just use PlastiKote white or not paint it at all?

Thanks!
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Old 01-25-2019, 03:16 PM   #2
alpacassei
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Default Re: Detolf Lid Measurements

I’ve seen people use those staple shaped nails and hammer them in (might take a while) or use bolts and washers to screw it in place
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Old 01-25-2019, 06:17 PM   #3
larry ben kenobi
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Default Re: Detolf Lid Measurements

I think it can vary a little depending on the assembly. Also, the new Detolfs don't have the hole in the wooden part etc so some tutorials are outdated.

My first lid -- a 15" window screen set -- worked until my ham piled up a bunch of toys and chewed out. I absolutely do not recommend that. Luckily, ham was recovered and then I had to make a lid ASAP for the night... so I came up with my current setup.

I ended up buying some 12" x 28" metal reptile screens, then attaching a 2" dowel on one side and a 1" dowel on the other. My inner width measurement was about 15". The dowels supporting the screen rest on the Detolf's inner bars, which I did not remove. The adhesive I used to attach the dowels to the reptile screen was a permanent adhesive strip because I didn't want to use a smelly glue.

This is a nice heavy lid and my ham has never escaped with this one on. I covered the sides with white duct tape to make them match the detolf lol.

I filled the gap in the middle with more dowel but there is still a little 1cm gap, so I don't put anything climbable there.

This was supposed to just be a temporary fix but tbh it has been working really well for me.





Not the classiest but I own no tools.

Last edited by larry ben kenobi; 01-25-2019 at 06:27 PM. Reason: Adding photos
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Old 01-26-2019, 02:35 AM   #4
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Detolf Lid Measurements

The easiest way is probably just to measure the interior of the detolf when it's assembled.

So take the interior length and divide it by 2. (eg 82cm) Then get four pieces of wood cut to that length - less a couple of mm on each length (to allow them to fit together easily.

You then need to measure the width (short side) of those four lengths of wood. So if the wood is 10cm wide and you have two lengths for each lid then 10cm x 2 is 20cm.

So you then take the measurement for the internal depth of the detolf (above the bars) and deduct 20cm from that (eg if the measurement is 37cm - 20cm then you need four pieces of wood that are 17cm long).

So the short pieces sit inside the long pieces - I would get the short pieces cut exactly the right length and just use some sanding paper to reduce the length slightly so they fit tightly between the long pieces without gaps.

You can get little corner brackets with screw holes in and a screws that go with them and just join each long and short section with the corner brackets.

This method allows the detolf lid to sit on the bars inside the cage (which is why you measure above the bars).

1cm mesh is usually used by most people - it's sold on a roll usually and you just ask for a piece large enough to be cut off.

Seriously I would just buy a stapler! An ordinary household stapler does the job fine. Get soft pine wood for the wood and the staples should go in easily.

I have seen the lids painted and don't know what people use. I would think it would be cheaper to just leave it wood coloured and that looks quite nice. If you really wanted to paint it then personally I would only use plastikote - and it would take quite a lot. Some people have used Cuprinol garden shades - but I am still not 100% about that. I believe it is sold as non toxic but that might just be non toxic to the environment rather than to pets and I would be concerned if it was safe to chew.

So - I'd say - a few pots of plastikote! Might be worth it though as some of the colours are really nice. I have garden green on Newt's shelf.

Erin's Hamsters just used a normal household stapler opened out flat. But you can actually get a proper staple gun for £10 with the staples which would make the job easy and probably cost the same as u nails and a hammer.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Staple-VOKI...n+with+staples
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Old 01-26-2019, 02:41 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Detolf Lid Measurements

These are the type of corner brackets, but you can get smaller cheaper ones in the diy store.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Fla...ts+with+screws
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Old 01-26-2019, 03:55 AM   #6
Black_Inky_Eyes
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Default Re: Detolf Lid Measurements

Thanks for the advice!

Just wondering serendipity7000, if you're saying to make a wooden frame and then have another smaller one screwed to the underside of that which sits on the bars or just the simpler way which is just two wooden frames that sit on the bars by themselves
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Old 01-26-2019, 03:58 AM   #7
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Detolf Lid Measurements

Sorry if that sounded confusing. No it was just two simple wooden frames I described - long side pieces x 4 (2 for each side by side lid) and short end pieces x 4 (2 for each frame).

Just two wooden frames that sit on the bars.
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