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How to Make a Wire Snap-Shut Rat Cage

A wire snap-shut rat trap can be built from wood, to humanely trap rats that are in or around your house. This is done by first cutting the material and then making the frame. Wire is used to provide ventilation and to keep the trap from being enclosed. The door is designed to close by using a spring-loaded hinge that snaps the door shut, after the rat has gone inside.

Things You'll Need

1-by-2-inch board, 2-foot long
Tape measure
1/4-inch scrap plywood
Table saw
Wood glue
Clamps
Spring-loaded hinges

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and mark the 2-foot board at the 5-inch and 10-inch points, using the tape measure. Cut at the markings to create two 5-inch pieces, using the miter saw. Measure and cut four additional pieces -- each 4-inches long.
- 2
  Measure and mark a scrap piece of plywood to 8-by-8 inches. Cut the plywood to this size, using the table saw. Measure and cut another piece of the plywood to 5-by-5 inches.
- 3
  Attach the 4-inch pieces to the corners of the plywood, with wood glue. Secure the wood using a clamp, and allow 4 hours for the glue to dry.
- 4
  Secure the 5-inch pieces to the top of the 4-inch pieces, with the wood glue. Allow the glue to dry. Glue the 5-by-5-inch piece of plywood cut in Step 2 to one side of the frame.
- 5
  Cover the top and sides of the frame with chicken wire. Secure the chicken wire to the wood, using a staple gun.
- 6
  Measure and cut a piece of scrap plywood to 4-by-4 inches. Attach the piece of plywood onto the top of the frame with hinges. This will be the door, and it should open in, from the bottom.

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