Cage panel attachment questions

[gibson2503]

Some of the threaded sleeves that accept the little bolts are spinning freely within the cage panels. As a result, they won’t let me install or remove the bolts because they spin with the bolts. I had to cut a few bolts to take the cage apart for DEEP cleaning. How can I fix this issue? Some sort of clips or clamps?

 

[LeeC]

Some of the threaded sleeves that accept the little bolts are spinning freely within the cage panels. As a result, they won’t let me install or remove the bolts because they spin with the bolts. I had to cut a few bolts to take the cage apart for DEEP cleaning. How can I fix this issue? Some sort of clips or clamps?

@gibson2503, assuming that you don't want to braze or weld a replacement (due to equipment needed, skill needed, and damage to powdercoating if not a stainless-steel cage)...

Look up rivnut (a combination of a rivet and a nut) and well nuts. I would recommend stainless-steel rivnuts if you go that route. They are both available on Amazon.com; but, they are easier to shop for on McMaster-Carr.

Rivnuts at McMaster-Carr
https://www.mcmaster.com/rivnuts/

Well nuts at McMaster-Carr
https://www.mcmaster.com/well-nuts/

Well nuts would be easier to install, no installation tool required; but, they would become uninstalled each time you remove the attaching screw.

YouTube has plenty of videos demonstrating each. There is a hack you could try for installing a rivnut without the proper installation tool. It may be hard on the threads, though.

 

[LeeC]

Important note: Either of those would introduce a small gap between the mating surfaces of the cage panels, which may or may not be a toenail snag hazard, depending on your cage and parrot(s).

Could you possibly sneak a t-nut inside the cage-panel tubing?

https://www.mcmaster.com/tee-nuts/

The design keeps it from spinning, if you get a decent fit.