How to Properly Install a Magnetic Closure?

[miss moxie]

Hello, I recently bought a new type of container to try as an enclosure, and it's great except for one thing-- it doesn't snap closed. This isn't an issue for scorpions since they can't climb up, but I worry tarantulas would be able to push it up if they were persistent and big enough.

So! I think the best way to add a strong closure is to use a magnetic closure. I'm thinking I could silicone one in at the top in the middle. So:

1. What's the best way to secure a magnetic closure? Silicone? Hot glue? Something else?
2. What's a good magnetic closure to buy? Which would best suit my needs?

 

[Chickenfeeder100]

First off, what is a magnetic enclosure?

 

[miss moxie]

First off, what is a magnetic enclosure?

You know, like what they use for some cabinet doors to keep them from drifting open.

Like this.

 

[Venom1080]

I'd just put a hinge on the other end. With a sort of lock through it.

Sounds much easier to me.

 

[Chickenfeeder100]

Oh

 

[miss moxie]

I'd just put a hinge on the other end. With a sort of lock through it.

Sounds much easier to me.

It's kind of got a lip to it. I'm not sure how to put a hinge on something with a lip. An acrylic hasp was my first instinct, but the lip made me go to magnetic closure.

 

[Venom1080]

It's kind of got a lip to it. I'm not sure how to put a hinge on something with a lip. An acrylic hasp was my first instinct, but the lip made me go to magnetic closure.

Ah, my bad.

How deep is the lip? Could you burn a small hole through and shove something inbetween?

 

[miss moxie]

Ah, my bad.

How deep is the lip? Could you burn a small hole through and shove something inbetween?

It's pretty thick plastic. I mean, if I turned my soldering iron up all the way I might-could burn through it.

 

[Venom1080]

It's pretty thick plastic. I mean, if I turned my soldering iron up all the way I might-could burn through it.

Lip looks pretty low to me. But I don't know how slender your iron is.

I'm not sure how magnets would work either tho..

 

[Chickenfeeder100]

If it's not secure I suppose you can have my dog sit on it.

 

[Chickenfeeder100]

Sixteen pounds of pure fat.

 

[Chickenfeeder100]

Also where did you buy it?

 

[miss moxie]

Also where did you buy it?

Amazon, $15.99. They come in different sizes too. They're great, except for that lid not snapping into place.

Lip looks pretty low to me. But I don't know how slender your iron is.

I'm not sure how magnets would work either tho..

It's actually pretty slender. I'd get a picture but it's after midnight so I'll do it tomorrow. I'd say it's maybe...14g? 12g?

 

[The Snark]

Hot Glue is your friend.

 

[The Snark]

One trick I've seen a lot of people do. They use a glue like Super Glue or epoxy on the main bearing surfaces, then hot glue the parts in place. The hot glue becomes a clamp to hold things still while the other glue sets.

 

[Garth Vader]

Is the lip on all sides or only the front? If it is only the front then you can use 2 small hasps on the long sides to hold the lid down. I would use 2 part epoxy for plastic- it holds incredibly well and sets quickly.

 

[miss moxie]

I ended up burning out part of the front lip with my soldering iron and applied an acrylic hasp with hot glue. It's a little messy but it serves it's intended purpose!

I did it for my new P. imperator enclosure, and I'm gonna do it for my Heterometrus enclosures next. The plastic bin two pack I bought, one of them had a piece of the corner cracked off and missing so I can't even use it. Unless I can find the broken piece in the packaging and can glue it into place with some acrylic cement.

 

[Garth Vader]

Looks great! I ordered one of these a while ago and it arrived cracked. I didnt use it for a T and it holds a bunch of my makeup instead!