Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm building a melamine rack and using heat cable for the heat - I've routered grooves for it in the floorboards, but need some way of holding it in the grooves - ideally relatively easy to overcome in the event that the cable fails and needs to be replaced. Small dabs of glue? Wood putty? What do others use?
-Lee McMurtry

I have never used heat cable, but I would think you can place the same foil tape over it that people use with flex watt. I dont think I would cover it thru the entire length, but in sections to allow better air flow and avoid it over heating.

I thought about foil tape, but I think it will eventually start to peel up from sliding the box in and out - I make my racks pretty tight to help prevent escapes.
-Lee

I am not sure how exactly you have this thing set up, but you might try dabs of silicone every few inches.

I wouldn't completely cover the cable with silicone.

I use heat cable that is 1/4 inch thick and is rubber coated. I router the grooves at exactly 1/4 inch or even 3/16 inch and then just press the cable into the groove. It works great and its easy to pull up and replace.

Although if you already routered the grooves this isn't too helpful. What about staples? The kind made for a gun but used with a hammer?

Lee,
The metal staple idea is also a good one if the groove is wide enough. In fact, that may be your first plan of action, since it is completely removable.

I have used epoxy putty. It is sold in the adhesive section of hardware stores. A very small bead will hold that section of cable down, and the stuff won't get gooey when heated. If you use small beads, you can still remove the cable. If you use larger amounts, you may need to use a dremel or something to free up the cable. Polyester filler like Bondo can also work, but the epoxy is cheaper and easier to use.

I would try staples first. If not possible, then give the epoxy a try.
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Mark