How To Fit A Cat Flap
How To Fit A Cat Flap: Make your cat's life a little easier by learning how to fit a cat flap. Give your cat some independence by installing a cat flap immediately the VideoJug way.
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Step 1:
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You will need
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Step 2:
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Measure your cat
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So that your cat can come and go with ease, you should position your cat flap 10 to 15 cm, or 4 to 6 inches from the floor. This is the average belly height of a cat. Mark this height with a pencil in two places so as to ensure a straight line.
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Step 3:
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Position the cat flap
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As is most commonly the case, you may choose to fit your cat flap in the middle of your door.
If this is so, use your tape measure to locate the centre of the door and make a mark at this point. Then, using your ruler, draw a straight horizontal line which crosses the centre point marked.
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Step 4:
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Attach the template
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Cat flaps come with a paper template which shows you where you need to drill. Position the bottom of the template on the pencil line that you drew earlier. Make sure that the centre point on the template is in line with the centre point marked on the door. Use masking tape to stick the template in position.
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Step 5:
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Select a drill bit
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You will need to use a flat bit that is slightly wider than the blade of your jigsaw. Your instructions may suggest the necessary width.
Before using your drill, remember your drill safety. Put on your goggles. Make sure that all loose items of clothing and hair are tucked away. Clear the area of any potential hazards and find a steady standing position.
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Step 6:
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Drill holes
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Drill a hole in each corner of the template. The position of these holes will be clearly indicated. Once drilled, these holes will allow you to cut out the shape of the cat flap with the jigsaw.
Blow out any sawdust.
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Step 7:
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Outline the opening
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Using your ruler and pencil, draw four lines which connect the holes and outline the cat flap opening.
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Step 8:
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Saw along the lines
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For steady sawing, first make sure the door is closed.
Before you pick up the jigsaw, remember that using any saw has its risks. Make sure that you are wearing safety goggles and clear the area of potential hazards. Find a steady standing position and remember to watch your fingers when you do start sawing.
Now use the jigsaw to cut along your pencil outline, moving from one hole to the next.
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Step 9:
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Tidy up the hole
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After you have turned your jigsaw off, push out the wood to reveal the hole. You will need to smooth down the inside edges with a piece of sandpaper. Remove any excess sawdust and keep sanding until you are happy with the finish.
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Step 10:
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Test the fit
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Place the front of the cat flap over the hole and check that the flap moves in and out with ease.
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Step 11:
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Mark the screw holes
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With the front of the cat flap in position make a mark through each of the screw holes located in the four corners of the cat flap.
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Step 12:
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Select a drill bit
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To drill the pilot holes, select a bit that is slightly narrower than the screws and insert it into the drill.
Remember your drill safety
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Step 13:
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Drill screw holes
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Drill on each of the four pencil marks until you reach the other side of the door.
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Step 14:
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Screw together
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It's now time to fix the two sides of the cat flap together. Hold the front of the cat flap in position and gently ease the four screws into their holes. Then open the door. Pick up the back of the cat flap and place it over the protruding screws.
Position yourself with an arm either side of the door so you can attach the nuts to the screws.
Carefully place a nut onto a screw. This will be fiddly. Hold the nut secure in one hand and with your other hand, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws. When the nut is as tight as you can make it, repeat this process with the other three screws.
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Step 15:
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Check it
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Test the cat flap to make sure it works.
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Done