Chicken hutch door catch

thingiverse

The purpose of this catch is to enable a sliding chicken hutch door to be lifted by a string, while preventing it from being pushed up by a fox or other animal. The string runs through the locking catch and bracket, lifting the catch clear of its lock position when pulled. When the door is pushed up, the catch engages as a secure lock. In my example, it locks onto the wire bar of the weldmesh behind it. It would also work on a smooth surface if an edge to engage the lock were provided. Integrating well with an automatic chicken door opener, this design offers added security for chicken keepers. Using a length of string on a pulley allows me to open and close the inner hutch without entering the outer compound. I've lost a few chickens to foxes in the past, so I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing my coop is locked securely. To prevent even the smartest fox from figuring out the catch, it's best to place the string behind a screen. Designed for use on 9mm thick doors, this catch requires an M4x40 screw and nut for attachment to a hinge. A small hole through the width of the catch allows for the addition of an M4 stud, which adds weight and ensures the catch drops down properly. After months of use, I'm pleased to report that it's been reliable and effective. Printer Settings: Printer: Any Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: Yes Infill: Dense I designed this catch after experimenting with several versions and ideas. Initially, my design was complex, featuring levers and linkages. However, it eventually simplified itself to its current form, which I'm pleased to call my own unique creation. Although it's possible that someone else may have come up with a similar design, I believe that this catch offers a practical solution for chicken keepers looking to secure their coops.