I recently acquired a Harakhan cage that I am now having problems with. When it expands, the screw and the spring end up shooting out of the bottom, collapsing the cage inward after production. I can put everything back together, but it keeps happening continuously. The perch does not seem to be stripped. I suppose I could glue it to make it stay, but the stress that happens with production would probably make it come loose again anyhow.

Has anyone else had this issue with an appearing cage? I've contacted Richard Hughes who may be able to repair it, but I figured it would make sense to find out if this is a common issue. Nothing appears to be damaged in any way, which is what is really puzzling.

Best,

Allen

I own two harakhan cages but never had a problem with them like that are you sure it is a real harakhan and not a chinese or indian knock off?

My 2 have never come apart as well. To help you with your problem, I cannot see the screw you are speaking of, but usually how you repair stripped screws is to replace it with the next large size. You may have to by a Tap and Die set to re-thread the inside. Another method is to use a heli-dcoil which is a small spring that expands when the screw is inserted. Check with your local Hardware store and see their special fasteners section to see if you can find anything that will fit.

Hey Dan,

I am pretty positive it's real, as I got it from a trusted member here on the Café. I actually thought about PM'ing you with this question since you have spoken highly of Harakhan before, and I know you trust them with your birds.

Bill,

The coil you are mentioning makes sense and seems like it may work. The screw doesn't seem stripped to me as it does go in and hold for a while, but I suppose it must be to some extent since it's falling out. It will usually work properly one time after repairs before flying out again.

Best,

Allen

If it is pulling out, then it is stripped, good that it catches a little yet as that means there are some threads still in the hole.

Went to the shop today and looked for the stuff to re-thread it. The sales person recommended some Lock-Tite though, so I decided to try that. I'm gonna let it sit for 24 hours, and then see if that helps anything. If not, I might try some different kinds of glue that can fill the space.

Thanks again everyone,

Allen

Just an update. For anyone who may have problems like this with an appearing cage in the future, let me say that glue is not the way to solve them. If the glue is weak enough to be removed later on, it won't be strong enough to hold the screw in place permanently. If the glue is strong enough to hold it in place and it eventually does break again (like mine did) any of the threads that were left will now be gone. Working on some other options right now to get it fixed, but I'm not sure if will really ever work correctly again. Even if I do get it fixed, I probably won't trust it with a real bird inside since it could easily get crushed or worse if it breaks again. Luckily, I hadn't placed a live bird inside it before it broke.


Allen

You might have some luck with JB weld which can be drilled and tapped.

Hey Richard,

I'm actually having someone give that a try right now. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Allen