Bird Cage for 43mm Chip Racks - Found Them! (1 Viewer)

[Old State]

A few years ago I purchased a set of 43mm BR Pro ceramic chips. At the time the only available solution to carry these in a bird cage was to use the Apache Chip cases.
https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/apache-poker-chip-rack/ ….And I think now Justin has them. So that’s what I did. Standard sized bird cages for 39mm chip racks were all that were available.

I recently went back to the Bank Supply website and noticed that they had not one, but two options for bird cages that hold 43 mm chips and the racks. A standard and heavy duty model. Still being skeptical I called them up and asked for the internal dimensions which they sent. After seeing that I placed the order. They also carry the racks, but I elected to go with the BR pro racks to be 100% sure they would fit the chips I had.

I’m happy to report that the racks and the birdcage work together! The two piece racks that Apache and Justin sell work well and are great for a standard birdcage, but I was sometimes annoyed by having the two pieces.

I’m not quite sold on the BR pro racks as they are a bit wobbly, but again I bought them to be 100% sure. Bank supply sells racks but they’re more than double the cost. I’m wondering if Chipco racks would work better.

Not sure if this is well known right now or not. Anyway, I thought I’d share this with everyone as this was an issue a few years ago..

https://banksupplies.com/large-bird-cage-style-10-tray-acrylic-chip-carrier-840-87815

 

[Baldeagle9]

So Justins 43mm racks will also work in this bird cage?

 

[Old State]

So Justins 43mm racks will also work in this bird cage?

I’m not familiar with his racks. I had thought they were similar to the Apache racks in that they were designed to get 43mm chips to fit in a 39mm bird cage. If that is the case, this bird cage is bigger

 

[AlbinoDragon]

Could you lift the clear lid off the assembly and measure the inside dimensions across the opening for us? That would tell which racks would fit in this.

Thanks in advance. I've got Justin 43mm racks for my CPC 44mm chips and would really like to have a proper cage to hold them and this might be exactly what I'm looking for if it truly is large enough for them.

 

[ekricket]

How many screws are in the bottom?

I know, out of context thread incoming

 

[mugenpowr]

How many screws are in the bottom?

I know, out of context thread incoming

The banksupplies bird cages have no screws. They’re just one big piece

 

[ekricket]

The banksupplies bird cages have no screws. They’re just one big piece

Can you take a picture? Curious to see if it’s machined out of one piece? Or maybe printed or extruded? Sounds intriguing!!

 

[joeyshin]

Apache/matsui racks also fit birdcages

This is a standard 39mm birdcage with matsui 43mm racks

 

[joeyshin]

Apache/matsui racks also fit birdcages

View attachment 1513008



This is a standard 39mm birdcage with matsui 43mm racks

Okay I just read through op and see you were trying to not use these. Hahah

 

[mugenpowr]

Can you take a picture? Curious to see if it’s machined out of one piece? Or maybe printed or extruded? Sounds intriguing!!

I’ll take a photo tomorrow morning

 

[Old State]

I added the felt pads

 

[Old State]

Okay I just read through op and see you were trying to not use these. Hahah

The other issue I have with the Apaches racks is that they are so brittle. When I ordered them two came smashed. My table is over a carpeted area but I’m pretty sure if you dropped on in a hard surface they would break. They almost feel like they’re gonna break when I put them together and close them.

 

[joeyshin]

The other issue I have with the Apaches racks is that they are so brittle. When I ordered them two came smashed. My table is over a carpeted area but I’m pretty sure if you dropped on in a hard surface they would break. They almost feel like they’re gonna break when I put them together and close them.

I agree. I switched most of my racks to Justin’s. They just feel more durable and with a cover I can store them sideways in Apache cases

 

[mugenpowr]

Can you take a picture? Curious to see if it’s machined out of one piece? Or maybe printed or extruded? Sounds intriguing!!

 

[Cratty]

I have a few 43mm sets in justin racks in the versa 1000 acrylic bird cages. They have 3 screws as well, but likely not going to fit full size racks.. good find on the larger size!

https://a.co/d/1uJ71Zu

 

[EmptyPocs]

I am bumping this thread up because it is not too old and I recently picked up the Bank Supply 43mm rack carry boxes (bird cage).
I was all set to start a new thread, but then saw this one has plenty of the info needed.
I have some other info to offer in addition to what is already here throughout the thread.

With all the 43+mm chips out there now, I would imagine others would like to know what their options are in a nutshell
(as far as bird cages and what racks will fit in them).

Summary from this thread:
OP: @Old State

Bank Supply carrier for full size 43mm open racks: https://banksupplies.com/large-bird-cage-style-10-tray-acrylic-chip-carrier-840-87815
----I just purchased two of these and love them .
Large Bird Cage Style 10-Tray Clear Acrylic Chip Carrier
#840-87815

• Capacity: Holds up to 10 trays of 43mm chips
• Material: Strong, clear acrylic
• Dimensions with handle: 7-3/4W x 12-3/4H x 10-1/4D

More info about these big carriers I will add below.

Apache 39-43mm lidded racks that fit standard 39mm bird cages: https://www.apachepokerchips.com/product/apache-poker-chip-rack/
----A great option of you do not want to invest in a new larger 43mm rack bird cage. They hold 100 39-43mm.
----Does anyone know if they will hold 44mm ASM/CPCs ?
----I purchased a number of 45mm & 50mm racks (Burn Card Shop) in this style but they are too long to fit in either 39mm or 43mm cages.
----I just do not like lidded racks. IMO they do not stack well and well and do show off the chips very well when back on the shelf.
----I am wondering if I can get my ASM/CPC 44mm chips into these Apache racks (a full barrel of 20 (not 19 like the 43mm & 50mm open racks )).

@joeyshin :
Mentions that the Matsui lidded racks fit the 39mm bird cages. Do those hold 100 or 80 chips?
answer:

Matsui racks for 100chips do fit birdcages. These racks fit 39mm albeit loose, and 43mm chips. You can get spacers so they hold 39mm better but I think Justin racks 39mm and 43mm are better and you can get one of they adaptors to stack them

@AlbinoDragon :
----Not sure if your question was answered about Justin racks when the dimensions were shown. I do not have any of those.
----I will catch up on the information that I just found here: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/cpc-justin-racks-interest-thread.119722/

So, here is my additional info on the Bank Supply 43mm cage.
There is assorted mention about how many screws at the bottom of the 43mm Bank Supply cages. I see 2,3, and one piece.
The two I just purchased have two screws holding the handle to the base. I would imagine glued also but not about to dissect them. They are very sturdy.

One problem I encountered is that one of them had the handle attached not centered. .75" on one side and 1.25" on the other.
The top did fit as the slot was just wide enough. Of course, that was the first one opened but the other was perfect.
Not the end of the world, it is still functiona,l but I am calling Monday regarding areplacement.

EDIT 1/22: Bank Supply was very fast in resolving this. I am receiving a no charge replacement.
They thanked me for alerting them about the problem and will inspect the rest of the stock.

The handle area is large enough for a big hand. In fact, once loaded with 1000 big heavy chips if you want to wear a glove your hand will still fit.
Also, it has holes for security locks or cables on each side of the handle. I fit 3/16" & 11/64" bits into them.
The holes are a bit close to the lid so I'd go with something 4-4.25mm max. I just ordered a pair of small suitcase locks just to see.
Not really for security, but in the unlikely event of a drop or tip over, the lid does not go flying off with all the chips (unless is cracks open ).

Edit 1/21: The small solid lock originally pictured did not work out.
Tough to get on because the lock holes are not fully above the top cover, and I could not get it to fully close and lock.
I re-ordered a pair of small cable-type suitcase locks and they worked perfectly:

The side supports are metal, not plastic, and the top's walls are 6mm thick.

@TheChipVault

I use the Spinettis 43mm & 50mm racks.
Another post coming up about the Spinettis 50mm open racks used with both 43, 44, &50mm chips in 39mm bird cages.
Will finish later.


sneak peek
comments and notes about these to follow next time...

50mm chips in 50mm racks in 39mm cage

43mm chips in 50mm racks in 39mm bird cage:

44mm ASM/CPC chips in 50mm racks in 39mm cage:

44mm chip racks with 44mm ASM/CPC chips in 43mm cage

Thanks to @Machine for DM input

Edits:
7:25PM fixed typos and added missing picture (44mm chips in 50mm racks in 39mm cage)
01/18/25 10:10AM revised handle picture with lock holes to show grip opening size

 

[joeyshin]

@joeyshin :
Mentions that the Matsui lidded racks fit the 39mm bird cages.
----Do those hold 100 or 80 chips?

Matsui racks for 100chips do fit birdcages. These racks fit 39mm albeit loose, and 43mm chips. You can get spacers so they hold 39mm better but I think Justin racks 39mm and 43mm are better and you can get one of they adaptors to stack them

 

[EmptyPocs]

I updated the handle grip shot with the opening size

 

[Old State]

As an owner of both options I would definitely recommend the larger 43mm designers cage and racks if you feel like spending the extra money. Banksupply also sells more expensive option for most the cage and the racks but I couldn’t get a good answer on exactly how much stronger they are. That said the “cheaper’ option feels more than quality enough for home use. Maybe if they were getting beat on in a casino I’d opt for the more expensive option.

As I said before, the Apache racks are very brittle and feel like they may crack simply clamping them together. They wouldn’t last a day in a casino . The benefit is that they obviously fit regular size birdcages but also are good as a standalone storage option for extra chips which is why I like them. The fact that they are covered, makes them easy to stack things on. It was the first option I went with, but decided I wanted to try something a little more substantial and professional looking as well.

 

[EmptyPocs]

Banksupply also sells more expensive option for most the cage and the racks but I couldn’t get a good answer on exactly how much stronger they are. That said the “cheaper’ option feels more than quality enough for home use.

Agreed. I did not call them but looked into it using web search.
The less expensive Acrylic is the choice.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Strength: Extremely high impact resistance, 200x stronger than glass, flexible.

Clarity: Good, but slightly less than acrylic, can have a tint.

Scratch Resistance: Softer, scratches easily, needs hard coat.

UV Resistance: Poor without UV-stabilized grade (yellows).

Temperature: Higher heat resistance (up to ~250°F).

Fabrication: Harder to cut/drill (can splinter), can't be polished.

Cost: More expensive.

Uses: Safety shields, riot gear, skylights, machine guards.


Acrylic (PMMA)

Strength: Stronger than glass (10-17x) but brittle; rigid.

Clarity: Excellent, crystal clear, shinier, better light transmission.

Scratch Resistance: Harder surface, polishable.

UV Resistance: Naturally UV resistant.

Temperature: Lower heat resistance (up to ~180°F).

Fabrication: Easier to laser cut, drill (without cracking), polish, and glue.

Cost: Less expensive.

Uses: Signage, aquariums, lenses, displays, furniture.

How to Choose

For Impact/Safety: Choose Polycarbonate for unbreakable, shatterproof applications.

For Clarity/Appearance: Choose Acrylic for best clarity, gloss, and ease of shaping/polishing.

 

[EmptyPocs]

These flex-cable locks worked perfectly. One is fine, but two keep that cover solidly in place.
I added more pics in the post above.

 

[Machine]

Thank you for all the research and time you've put into this, its very helpful!!!