Hamster Central - View Single Post - Bin homes

humfry · 04-28-2014, 04:42 AM

Someone else may have posted similar hints, so apologies for any duplication, but thought I would share some lessons learned.

IKEA SAMLA BIN
Just discovered there are two ways to set the wheels, so you can wheel your bin side to side or backwards & forwards - which is useful for me as the bin will sit against a wall between two items of furniture. The wheels just click off & can then be turned 90 degrees. Simples!

This bin is very thick plastic so it took ages to cut out panels on the first one. I tried craft knife & hot knife but made little impression. In the end I drilled some starter holes & used a coping saw but it was a bit wiggly & took ages. My OH did my second bin & used an electric jigsaw with a fine blade. Like a knife through butter, although might tend to crack thinner plastic & also if you go too slow the cut edges melt then fuse back together. So if you know a competent handy person I would definitely recommend this method.

Steep learning curve! As I have connected the two bins vertically with Ferplast tubes realised I need an opening hatch in front of each bin for access rather than just mesh - so I cut up my old wire cage which had 2 doorways & fixed them in place with plastic ties & thin wire.

More hints may follow but please add your own!

04-28-2014, 04:42 AM
humfry Senior Hamster Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stalybridge Posts: 473	Bin homes - handy DIY hints Someone else may have posted similar hints, so apologies for any duplication, but thought I would share some lessons learned. IKEA SAMLA BIN Just discovered there are two ways to set the wheels, so you can wheel your bin side to side or backwards & forwards - which is useful for me as the bin will sit against a wall between two items of furniture. The wheels just click off & can then be turned 90 degrees. Simples! This bin is very thick plastic so it took ages to cut out panels on the first one. I tried craft knife & hot knife but made little impression. In the end I drilled some starter holes & used a coping saw but it was a bit wiggly & took ages. My OH did my second bin & used an electric jigsaw with a fine blade. Like a knife through butter, although might tend to crack thinner plastic & also if you go too slow the cut edges melt then fuse back together. So if you know a competent handy person I would definitely recommend this method. Steep learning curve! As I have connected the two bins vertically with Ferplast tubes realised I need an opening hatch in front of each bin for access rather than just mesh - so I cut up my old wire cage which had 2 doorways & fixed them in place with plastic ties & thin wire. More hints may follow but please add your own!