6 replies to this topic

[T.C.]

Hey, guys... just a quick question. Can you drive screws into your grout formicariums without it cracking. I know plaster cracks if you do but how about grout. I want to screw a piece f plexi glass onto the front of the formicarium rather than gluing.

 

Thanks,

    T.C.

[sgheaton]

I highly doubt it though I honestly have never tried... I'd drill a hole/channel first and then try the screw. That will help in preventing cracking. 

Could you avoid putting in any holes and use some heavy duty magnets? 

[T.C.]

I highly doubt it though I honestly have never tried... I'd drill a hole/channel first and then try the screw. That will help in preventing cracking. 

Could you avoid putting in any holes and use some heavy duty magnets? 

Actually I could drill some small holes before i do it, never thought of that. However I really like the magnet idea, but they would have to be pretty strong so in case of any accidents and the glass were to come off, I don't have a mess of ants every where? Anybody know of some small but strong magnets?

Edited by T.C., November 17 2016 - 9:18 AM.

[CallMeCraven]

When putting screws into grout, drill pilot holes first. Go very slow and make sure to clear out the hole often if the drill bit isn't doing a good enough job removing material. I agree with SG that magnets like THA uses is a better solution. Rare earth magnets from a hardware store should suffice in the strength requirement, but there are websites out there they can offer many different varieties of strength that they actually measure. Some quick google-fu offered up this website along with many more:

http://www.kjmagneti...CFU5WDQodxFYDyA

 

*Note that some of these are not cheap... they do offer "surplus" magnets at a discount.

[dspdrew]

Masonry bits.
 

[Kevin]

Yes, what drew has showed is a great bit for drilling through stone. Go slow with your pilot holes, and do not apply too much pressure.

[T.C.]

huh, yeah thanks guys, probably get me some of those masonry bits and magnets and test out both of them to see which one has the best results. Thanks again people