The peg board cage top performs a couple of functions.  First,  it provides a rigid, secure cage top to keep your animals from escaping.  Second, it serves to ventilate your cage boxes.  You'll cut this part last, as you need to take a measurement from a partially assembled rack level to get the best fit.  The process of assembly is detailed in the Assembly Sequence section of these instructions. 

The cage tops are constructed of 1/4 inch peg board panel which is cut to fit the dimensions you record in lines 24 & 25 of your Measurement Worksheet.  The panel is designed to slide into the grooves that have been cut in the cross rails and the side rails.  The panel is locked into place by the box rails when they are attached later.

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Peg board usually has one rough side and one smooth side.  It is recommended that the smooth side face down into the cage.

Before you cut the peg board panel you need to measure the internal dimensions for the rack level.  To do this follow Steps 1 through 3 on the Assembly Sequence section of these instructions.  Then measure and make sure you record the measurement on your worksheet in lines 24 & 25. These calculations add 1/2 inch to both the internal length and width.  This extra length will slide into the grooves in the cross rails and the side rails.  

The peg board panel cage top slides into the grooves in the cross rails and side rails and is locked into place when the box rails are added.

Click here for a picture of the corner assembly!