Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thanks to chris_harper2, I purchased the tracks for my cages. I am having trouble with the glue to hold the plastic track to the wooden cages. I tried the Loctite and it failed. I think that the Gorilla Glue is going to hold. Any experience here?

You don't just use regular loctite, you use their version of construction adhesive.

I have used latex based liquid nails, clamping down the track with painters tape while it dried. I have also used silicone and hot glue and was not entirely happy with either.

I bet Gorilla Glue would work. My biggest concern there would be if it expanded at different rates along the length of the track. That could make it a bit wavy in a worst-case scenario situation.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Jave local (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

1.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Celebes locale (Black & Tan)

Thanks for your response. The Loctite that I used is their Sumo brand. Supposedly very strong. The only Liquid nails that I found in our hardware store is in a gallon container and way too much for what I need.

I tried the Gorilla glue on one strip and I was very impressed at how it held. I did not notice any rippling along the strip (30 inches long). I know that you like the Liquid Nails and I will see if I can find it in a smaller amount. Thanks again.

I have seen liquid nails in small, toothpaste sized containers. You don't even need a caulk gun. That may the solvent based product only, but I don't think that's a huge concern.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

1.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Jave local (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

1.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Celebes locale (Black & Tan)

The Gorilla Glue held very well to the wooden side but did not stick to the plastic glass tracks. I have to look for the latex based liquid nails.

I have tried a whole bunch of glues and none of them have proven totally satisfactory. My best result was with the old fashioned 2 part epoxy but even that broke loose in a couple years.

Now I inset the plastic tracks into a routed channel in a wooden lip and glue them in with aquarium sealer which has so far held them very well (about 3 years) The sealer can grab on all 3 sides of the track and it can't be knocked off. Of course you need a router and it takes longer to do.

I sure wish they made this stuff with a nailing strip on it! I have some old cages where I have peened small brads down thru the track in the glass channels and those hold ok but you have to get the nail heads down into the plastic or they bind the glass.

Peter
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Peter and Sara
Beouf River Reptiles

Thanks for your response. I am converting old display cages that had rear access. (They were purchased from a pet store that changed their displays). I want sliding doors in front.

The router groove is an excellent idea, but then I would have to dismantle the cages to do the router work.

I am having trouble finding the latex based liquid nails suggested by chris_harper2. I went to Lowe's and Home Depot yesterday and did not find the glue. I will try other stores today.

Thanks again.

I've had sucess with clear silicone. I've tried 2 types one didn't work well but the other has held perfectly. I'll look around for an old tube and let you know.

Nate

Well, I had a similar problem with my design and ended up framing in the plastic (Channel-Mate) glass track with finishing wood that went all the way around the cutout inside and out. I also used an adhesive but essentially the glass holds the track in place vertically and the framing holds it in on the front and the back. Maybe this is different than your setup but it worked for me. Cheers