What do you use to close your outside nest boxes?

[Puresilk]

I have always used brass snaps to close things like that, with a hinging hasp. Has anyone ever had a coon open one of those, or any kind of snap? Or is there a better idea I havent hit on yet?

 

[bigoakhunter]

Check the 2nd picture on my BYC page it shows the type of hasp I use... It protects a couple of different ways.After latching, you turn the one piece sideways and then use a clasp to hold it. Even a smart racoon could not open, yet it is easy for humans to work!

 

[Puresilk]

I use that type of hasp except it doesnt turn. I would only be replacing 3 hasps, I likely will replace them with the ones that turn. But has anyone EVER had a coon manage to get a snap off a door latch?

 

[CoyoteMagic]

metal caribiner clips work well too. Thing with raccoons is, you need double protection. The little buggers are smart. If they get the hook off, (which is possible if the raccoon has worked them before) they still have to turn the center of the hasp. Hopefully, either the hook or hasp are stiff enough that he can't move them. I play it save and put locks on everything. I haven't met a raccoon that can use a key.

 

[Puresilk]

I found a type of brass snap, its a horse snap that functions like the high end caribiners, you have to turn a barrel (that is spring loaded and stiff) to allow the snap to open. I will feel good about those. Bad part is they are like $8 apiece, lol.

 

[92Pony]

I don't know if I have any coons around (I'm sure they're around) but I haven't seen any. I doubt they'll be smart/nimble enough to open one of these (sometimes for me it takes both hands - well, it's easier that way). My only concern would be if they could pull it loose from the wood by brute force.

 

[Puresilk]

Quote:
I SO did not even think of those...that sure would work and would have been a lot cheaper than these snaps I bought, lol...

 

[92Pony]

Quote:
I SO did not even think of those...that sure would work and would have been a lot cheaper than these snaps I bought, lol...

Well, I wish I could say that I was smart enough to have thought of it, but..... I was planning on the regular old hook-n-eye (sans the spring), and was looking for them in Home Depot when I stumbled across the spring-enhanced clip.

Wade