Martins Wire Spacing?

[Kiko]

I plan on adopting some rats (if all goes well) around October (although that is yet to be finalized)  Anyways, I have been researching and reading up on them like mad.  There is one small point that I don't quite understand yet...

I've read that wire spacing is dangerous when it is 1/2" by 1".  I know that this shouldn't be used on the levels/floors of the cage for shelfs (although mine will be covered any way.)  And I've seen that Martins uses 1/2" by 1/2" on their shelfs, so I know that I should be safe there (just in case it gets uncovered by a smart future rat of mine.) 

However, I've seen that Martins uses 1/2" by 1" on the sides of the cage.  Is this safe?  Most rats will climb up on that, so would they run the risk of getting their foot stuck? 

Thank you in advance!

[Ratwings]

1/2" x 1/2" is fine for shelves.  It's small enough that little rattie paws won't get caught.  The 1" x 1/2" on the sides of the cage is also safe.  I have been using Martin's cages for years and have never had a problem.  the 1/2" part is the width of the space, while the 1" part is the height (if that makes any sense, lol) which makes it very unlikely that rats could get their feet caught.

[Dearpie]

I think the problem comes when a rats 'weight' will put their foot through the bars, which isn't typically going to happen while climbing.  They're climbing, and not putting weight on their back feet.  Although I've never heard of any rat feet getting caught on the walls, I suppose an accident is always possible, just less likely.