[Dyesub Dave]

Well ... I was looking at magnets on the net and came across this unique substance. I learned something and had a laugh at the same time! Check it out.

These disc magnets are coated with PTFE (aka Teflon). The color of the coating is white, not black or gray as most of us are accustomed to seeing in non-stick cookware. PTFE is very non-reactive and water does not adhere to it so it is often used in laboratory mixing applications. It has a very low coefficient of friction. An interesting fact from wikipedia about PTFE: "PTFE's resistance to van der Waals forces means that it is the only known surface to which a gecko cannot stick", so if those pesky geckos are always swiping your magnets, this is the solution you've been looking for!

Dyesub Dave.

[springtech]

Originally Posted by Dyesub Dave

Well ... I was looking at magnets on the net and came across this unique substance. I learned something and had a laugh at the same time! Check it out.

These disc magnets are coated with PTFE (aka Teflon). The color of the coating is white, not black or gray as most of us are accustomed to seeing in non-stick cookware. PTFE is very non-reactive and water does not adhere to it so it is often used in laboratory mixing applications. It has a very low coefficient of friction. An interesting fact from wikipedia about PTFE: "PTFE's resistance to van der Waals forces means that it is the only known surface to which a gecko cannot stick", so if those pesky geckos are always swiping your magnets, this is the solution you've been looking for!

Dyesub Dave.

That is some ironic comedy right there lol... even funnier than "I acquired the magnets from work" lol... acquied... you thief!

[Dyesub Dave]

Hey ... not my fault they didn't use PTFE!! And after doing a job using small magnets for almost 10 years I'm bound to have a few kickin' around. Just enough for a couple of prototypes!!

Dyesub Dave.

[springtech]

LOL, I like your style... and great job on the prototypes... I would buy one from a petstore/expo.

[AWW]

Awesome idea with the magnets. You should definitely patent!

[kruler]

Nice solution Dave. I've tried various ways to secure horizontal bamboo in my phelsuma enclosures over the years. I used to take a piece of 1x4 pine, drill a hole the diameter of the bamboo in it and then cut it in half so I was left with 2 pieces that look like the letter 'C'. I then siliconed them to the inside walls and they would just cradle each end of the bamboo. Worked perfect.

I now have found an easier, cheaper and more attractive solution. I simply cut the bamboo to length and use some coconut husk on each end as shims to get it nice and tight. I use the coconut husk stuff that they line hanging baskets and planters with that is available at most garden centers. It works amazing and has a nice natural look.

I've always thought that one of the big guys (exo terra, zoo med, etc.) would come up with a bamboo pole which was spring loaded and length adjustable like a shower curtain rod.

[T-ReXx]

Great idea! I like the simplicity. The best inventions are often simple but effective, duct tape, for example. I could definately see a major reptile supply company being interested in this kind of invention.

[3reptiles]

This is a bamboo question ... but not how to attach it.

What can I plug the ends with??? I have a pc laying from corner to corner right now and thought that really good packing tape would be suffice! My little turkey has decide to pick at the tape and pull at it. I don't want him to eat it!! I have caught him picking at the screws that are on the inside of the cage too! Yes, he's a good eater! I think he's just gone MAD!! Or does it need a chew toy ??

It's the Gehyra Marginata btw.

Thanks for any ideas !