Tool for opening blank Trio doors

[Guest]

In quite a few posts, I read that the poster has modified a 12-compartment Trio house to 6 larger compartments. I have done this, too, and find that the nest always is next to the blank door, as is desired. I wonder how everyone else opens these doors.

I use a tool which is made to remove the lids from paint cans. I always get one free with a new can of paint, and end up with several. This tool is called a key in the trade, I believe. I insert the hooked end under the bottom lip of the door and pull, while pushing in at the top of the door. Without doing the latter, I find that the doors tend to crack at the points where they hang on their rod (especially the older doors, without the reinforcing dimple). I keep one of these keys hanging in the hardware cloth at the top of each pole's predator guard. This technique might work with other types of houses as well. I hope this info helps someone.

Tony

[Guest]

YOu could also use an eye bolt. Drill a hole in the door, put the eyebolt & use a nut on the back to hold it on. Kinda like a door handle.

[Guest]

I successfully use a nylon cable clamp, 1/4-in. size (diameter), attached to lower corner of blanked-out door with a slotted #4-40 machine screw (it says right here on the package) and nut. ~Frank

[RC Moser]

I use a small allen head wrench the longer the better. Lay it on top of my stovepipe predator guards for the next time.

[carlymac]

I simply used a small machine screw which has two nuts threadded on it. Sandwich the door between nuts and add a drop or two of thread lock (superglue)
Here's a pic of my door knobs.[/img]