I plan on adding 100-120 cages to my barn (in banks of 3-4) over the course of a few months. This is a lot (A LOT) of J clipping. Bass has a gadget called The Ringer (http://bassequipment.com/Cages/Cage+Assembly+Tools/default.aspx) and I'm thinking about getting it. Has anyone here used it? Or, for that matter, does anyone use the C rings instead of J clips? I've heard they don't rust as quickly because they don't hold in moisture like the J clips, but I still question the durability of them.
The Ringer
- Thread starter pfaubush
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sammysue63
Well-known member
Just throwing this out there. I do not know from experience, but when we were deciding on what to use we were told that the c rings work well and they may not rust out as quick but do not hold the cage together as snuggly as the j clips. We decided to go with j clips, the breeder we got our stock from uses c rings, so I quess it is personal preference. Should add that we were told the j clips would most likely not rust out before the cage would need to be replaced anyway.
After having said all that my husband was thinking of changing to c rings to save his hands as well, so far he has not switched.
After having said all that my husband was thinking of changing to c rings to save his hands as well, so far he has not switched.
Half Caper Farm
Well-known member
I use C-rings. I used to work for a mink farmer and that's what his cages are built with, so I was able to get lots of them for free. He's built several thousand cages, so I figure C-rings are the way to go.
Well, I just called Bass and the lady said for galvanized wire, I wouldn't be happy. The rings that it takes won't hold it securely enough. I guess I'll go with J clips and get the pliers they sell. They seem a bit more comfortable than the standard ones I have now. Bummer!
ottersatin
Well-known member
I use [J] clips for all my cages but I have heard that some prefer
the C rings to attach the floors as they are easier to remove when replacing a floor.
I have never had too much of a problem when removing the [J] Clips.
I use a very small thin screw driver to open the clip.
I guess it's just a personal choice.
Ottersatin.
ldtimer:
the C rings to attach the floors as they are easier to remove when replacing a floor.
I have never had too much of a problem when removing the [J] Clips.
I use a very small thin screw driver to open the clip.
I guess it's just a personal choice.
Ottersatin.
ldtimer:http://www.klubertanz.com/images/Klubertanz_Pg11.pdf
They also make pneumatic banders, kinda like giant J-clips for material handing (packaging/shipping) industry.
They also make pneumatic banders, kinda like giant J-clips for material handing (packaging/shipping) industry.
I have a member of one of the local clubs that as one, or something similar (actually He's does or did some type of fab)
And he will lone them out, so.... if you don't mind paying for the clip cartridges, which are a little pricey, the rest if free.
Oh, and on Pulling J clips
I have a pair of pinching needle nose pliers, like this
http://www.amazon.com/Olympia-10-548-11 ... 95&sr=1-54
I sharpened the tips to a point, so that it can get underneath the j clip and pop it open, then twist of the wrist and it's off.
And he will lone them out, so.... if you don't mind paying for the clip cartridges, which are a little pricey, the rest if free.
Oh, and on Pulling J clips
I have a pair of pinching needle nose pliers, like this
http://www.amazon.com/Olympia-10-548-11 ... 95&sr=1-54
I sharpened the tips to a point, so that it can get underneath the j clip and pop it open, then twist of the wrist and it's off.
Frosted Rabbits
Well-known member
I've used a pair of long needle nosed pliers- stick the point under, pinch, and twist. No matter what iuse, I'm gonna hurt- old Uncle Arthur Itis pays me a visit every time!!!!
Shara
Well-known member
Hey, Paula....I'll take a cage or ten while your building them....
BTW...Anyone in OR or WA ever think about making cages for sale?
BTW...Anyone in OR or WA ever think about making cages for sale?
Shara, I've often thought of selling cages. Chris is an HVAC tech and has all sorts of connections for galvanized sheeting and very big box and pan brakes, that I'm sure I could use (in their shop) for a small rental fee. I could do feeders, pans, etc. This has been on my list of money making ideas for a long time.
I've always used J clips, did have the following problem. First set of pliers I bought were the cheap economy ones from TSC, think their from Bass. They worked fine, were hard on the hands, as your clamping down the 'blades' bypass each other making for a tightly rolled J clip, good deal. Decided to buy the better, heavier pliers, well they stink, because they do not bypass each other, instead they touch each other and stop, making for a much looser j clip. Cheesed me off, now I have to go get another pair of the cheap ones.
Ugh. Definitely not what I wanted to hear. I wonder if slipping thick foam of some sort over the cheapies would work. Anything has to be better. After a bank of cages, my hands just ache. I need to figure out a better way to cut it to. I am not good with a grinder. I end up shaving some of the wire along what I'm cutting or leaving long nubbies of wire. My dremel takes longer than cutters. Maybe if I cut one day and clip the next my hands wouldn't end up hurting as bad. Hmm..
Frosted Rabbits
Well-known member
Maybe if I cut one day and clip the next my hands wouldn't end up hurting as bad. Hmm..[/quote]
That is what I did--Cut wire in the correct numbers and sizes,and stacked them in 'bundles' that each represented one cage. Then, I would grab a bundle, and in between certain activities, clip sections together.
And yeah, the cheaper Jclippliers are a lot better for quality of the cage construct-AND they can fir into tighter spaces. I don't like having to clamp each clip twice to make an even crimp, but hey, the crimps last!
That is what I did--Cut wire in the correct numbers and sizes,and stacked them in 'bundles' that each represented one cage. Then, I would grab a bundle, and in between certain activities, clip sections together.
And yeah, the cheaper Jclippliers are a lot better for quality of the cage construct-AND they can fir into tighter spaces. I don't like having to clamp each clip twice to make an even crimp, but hey, the crimps last!
