quick question for those who've assembled cages

[WhWRabbitry]

Alright so I'm trying to figure out assembly of Klubertanz j series cages. Yes, there are directions but they are not as thorough as I'd prefer. (I want pictures!) :?:
I see what are called J clips & also pen rings.
Am I correct that the J clips are what us used for attaching back to sides, tops etc. and the pen rings would be for attaching urine guards (or if applicable dividers)?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Yes, the J-clips are for the cage itself. If you have enough, I would recommend putting them at a distance of no more than 2" apart around the perimeter of the floor to prevent sagging.

Make sure that when you install the floor that the 1/2" wire spacing is on the upper side.

 

[Marinea]

I have never used pen rings, but all my cages have J clips for attaching the pieces together.

Just do yourself a favor, and put more clips than the directions call for. Every 2" would be good (except the top, of course, doesn't need as many).

MSD beat me to it

 

[WhWRabbitry]

Thanks so much for the quick replies! Okay, one more question (lol - more may come too!)...
I know you are supposed to get the wire sheets for the back and sides as flattened out as possible (as they came rolled) but is it normal/okay for there to be a little bit of wave here and there? I don't know how "perfect" I need to get it.
Thanks bundles!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

MSD beat me to it

Mwa-ha-ha!!!

Victory is mine! :hooray:

AGAIN! :twisted:

And to think, I believe I got a "C" or something in typing class. :?

I know you are supposed to get the wire sheets for the back and sides as flattened out as possible (as they came rolled) but is it normal/okay for there to be a little bit of wave here and there? I don't know how "perfect" I need to get it.

I haven't had experience with the metal panels, but I would say get them as "perfect" as possible to prevent waste buildup, caught toes, etc.

When you fit them in the cages have them crown (bow) toward the inner aspect and flatten them out as best you can.

 

[Marinea]

I agree, once again, with the speedy typist, but I will add this, just in case you're anything like my perfectionist, former millwright hubby: remind yourself that it's just a rabbit cage. It really isn't rocket science, and the earth will not stop in its tracks if your urine guard has a bend or two.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

but I will add this, just in case you're anything like my perfectionist, former millwright hubby: remind yourself that it's just a rabbit cage. It really isn't rocket science, and the earth will not stop in its tracks if your urine guard has a bend or two.

Gasp!

Just a rabbit cage?!? :fainting:

Pssst... :gossip: Marinea's Hubs... I am so sorry that you (and I!) are so misunderstood.

 

[WhWRabbitry]

You two are funny!

I probably called them by the wrong name. The thing I was trying to get not wavy is the whole large sheets of wire that forms the back and the sides of the whole stackable unit. I won't be to the urine guards and all that until who knows when! I must stop and feed my family at this point.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

The thing I was trying to get not wavy is the whole large sheets of wire that forms the back and the sides of the whole stackable unit.

Oh... just regular 1" x 2" wire? You can flatten it somewhat by laying it on a hard flat surface (like a concrete patio) with it crowning up and then just walk the length of it to flatten it. When I assemble cages, I always have the wire itself crown out or up depending on whether it is for the sides or top.

I think I understand what you mean by the "waviness" though- when you install the inside panels they are of course the same dimensions as the outside, so will be wavy unless you attach the sides to the outside edge of the top and bottom... and you will still probably get a bit of a "wave" somewhere.

 

[Marinea]

The cage pieces themselves will likely straighten themselves out as you clip them together. They can seem a bit wonky until they are a single unit.

And MSD, hubs *gives you a high five*

 

[WhWRabbitry]

Thanks again Marinea & MamaSheepdog!
I'll get back to working on the cages some more tomorrow for a bit. We'll see if I have anymore questions then.
Had to get all the Christmas presents wrapped for my girls! Now it's off to bed!

 

[Silver Cloud]

Did they send you the J-Clip pliers or did you purchase a pair, have some laying around? I hope. Just want to make sure you know you need them. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I have seen folks try using reg pliers for them and it's not pretty lol. Depending on the size of the cages they sell floor supports also if you need them to take the bounce out of the cage also helps to keep floor from bowing. Just trying to be helpful.

How to use J-clip pliers (not the greatest video) https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=yo ... 0C1F661351

J-clip pliers - http://www.bassequipment.com/Default.aspx?TabId=11

 

[WhWRabbitry]

SilverCloud,
I very much appreciate the help and you wanting to make sure I know what I need and how to use it! I do have j clip pliers that I purchased with the cages. I actually watched a video last night as I didn't know how to use the things! So far it's working great.

Thanks!

 

[Silver Cloud]

Sweet, I hope it goes very well for you and the bunnies have a great christmas gift and you all have a merry christmas.

 

[grumpy]

Have you ever straightened out a "curly" sheet of paper by "pulling" it over
the edge of a table or counter-top?

Same thing with the wire.....but DON'T use the two examples above. :angry:
Try a work bench or something. :x :x

 

[WhWRabbitry]

The first set of stackable cages is done!!!!!!! I'll have to post some pictures soon.
I have never done anything of this sort and really wanted to do it on my own without having to enlist my husband's help. Much to my surprise (and some prayer!) I did indeed assemble them on my own! They turned out great - no issues and for some reason I didn't even need to wear gloves. I took others advice and put those j clips so much closer than suggested. Ha. I'm going to have to buy more because I used so many I won't have enough for the other set of cages.

:bunnyhop: Pleased and thankful!

 

[Miss M]

no issues and for some reason I didn't even need to wear gloves.

Either you got the good pliers, or I call NO FAIR! LOL

 

[WhWRabbitry]

Lol. They did seem to be good pliers. I may have been a little obsessive about how many j clips I used! I took everyone's advice in using more than suggested. What I received for doing two sets of stackables I used over 3/4 on one set. I bought 200 more (besides what was left) for the 2nd set of cages and still ran out again! So at a delay again.
They're good and sturdy though!

 

[Miss M]

Well, if they were the cheap pliers, you'd probably have been able to tell. These are the ones I'm talking about: http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/h ... ing-pliers

They're practically two-dimensional. Yeah, they hurt. :x

 

[Zass]

Well, if they were the cheap pliers, you'd probably have been able to tell. These are the ones I'm talking about: http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/h ... ing-pliers

They're practically two-dimensional. Yeah, they hurt. :x

31 one reviews, and only a 1 star rating. :shock: Everyone must hate those things!

Klubertanz sells some decent ones for less than $15. I have to say it WAS worth the wait. <br /><br /> -- Sun Dec 28, 2014 8:36 pm -- <br /><br /> Speaking of Klubertanz, if anyone is planning on ordering cage supplies for spring, I suggest getting your orders in soon. The spring rush was a nightmare for them last year.