Thanks. I am still debating on whether or not to replace the pan to a PIT pan system. I have the PIT on a couple of Northwood #2's and love the system.
Great recommendations, some of the bigger coyotes here in sd have been pulling my rebars up some and had 2 escapes. Trying to look into springs for the chains, jc connor specifically any recommendations?? Sure do miss that georgia red clay compared to some of the soft muck up here.
I would try super stakes with #2 or #3 USA straight link chain. I had the same problem with rebar stakes here. If you are going to use rebar, are you single staking or double staking? I would recommend double staking--that is making a X -- one goes in one direction and the other from the opposite direction making an X in the ground. As far as the springs, Conners will be fine, I used the PIT springs 18's I believe cause they were a little cheaper and you can get them with the hooks in each end now.
Only downside to Laminations is it may slow down the closing speed of the jaws. however, adding a 4 coil spring kit will solve that problem. I like the JC Conner kits, but with the bridgers, i was more going for the lowest cost budget for those -- basically to see if I could mod a good trap for less than a mb550. I did with the exception of a PIT pan system. with the PIT pan cost, it will get the cost right at the same price as a dozen stock 550's.
If you are really good with the file, you can do the night latch, but I did not have the time or the patience to hand file night latches in a dozen traps and tune each one. but yes you can do that if you prefer. also the night latch will work better with a smooth end on the pan vs the latch thingy hanging off the back of the pan where the regular dog hooks into. Laminations are a no brainer. more holding area, holding power, and strengthens up the jaws.
If they are taking off on you, maybe it is time to look into a better staking system and larger trap. I think, setup field cam so you know what is really happening first and foremost.
That's complete nonsense. Closed jaw traps don't amputate anything,there's not enough force for that to happen.they only hold the animal in place. If it amputated the catch you wouldn't have a catch because it would run away -not very useful to a trapper Any trap can be laminated and the laminations spread the force over a larger area of the animals appendage
Thanks. I am still debating on whether or not to replace the pan to a PIT pan system. I have the PIT on a couple of Northwood #2's and love the system.
Very nice job
What brand of rivet do you use? Enjoyed the vid
Welding is bettered ! You did good ! Good luck on catching !
This is great info. Thanks
Hey Howard, what's the purpose of doing a different base plate?
also if you got your file out to shorten your dogs why not file in a night latch?
and the laminations?is it a good idea to have lams or no?
Great recommendations, some of the bigger coyotes here in sd have been pulling my rebars up some and had 2 escapes. Trying to look into springs for the chains, jc connor specifically any recommendations?? Sure do miss that georgia red clay compared to some of the soft muck up here.
I would try super stakes with #2 or #3 USA straight link chain. I had the same problem with rebar stakes here. If you are going to use rebar, are you single staking or double staking? I would recommend double staking--that is making a X -- one goes in one direction and the other from the opposite direction making an X in the ground. As far as the springs, Conners will be fine, I used the PIT springs 18's I believe cause they were a little cheaper and you can get them with the hooks in each end now.
Do baseplate and laminate your traps!on your own or do they come that way?
Only downside to Laminations is it may slow down the closing speed of the jaws. however, adding a 4 coil spring kit will solve that problem. I like the JC Conner kits, but with the bridgers, i was more going for the lowest cost budget for those -- basically to see if I could mod a good trap for less than a mb550. I did with the exception of a PIT pan system. with the PIT pan cost, it will get the cost right at the same price as a dozen stock 550's.
Also do I have to baseplate and laminate a trap to catch coyotes?
The Christian trapper nope. It's nice not necessary on bridges. You will need more springs tho.
Not 100 percent necessary but definetly strengthens the traps, and you have less damage.
If you are really good with the file, you can do the night latch, but I did not have the time or the patience to hand file night latches in a dozen traps and tune each one. but yes you can do that if you prefer. also the night latch will work better with a smooth end on the pan vs the latch thingy hanging off the back of the pan where the regular dog hooks into. Laminations are a no brainer. more holding area, holding power, and strengthens up the jaws.
did you see the coyote run off with the trap or your just guessing??? could it have been a deer or mountain lion? they so could take off with the trap
Deer just pull right out
do you recommend offset jaws or no?
Offset jaw traps allow the levers to raise higher on the jaws and hold better.
Noticed your thumb nail.. I got mine the other day on a 4 coil..
can we call these a trappers thumb? something like gardeners have a green thumb..LOL
Nice mods.
If they are taking off on you, maybe it is time to look into a better staking system and larger trap. I think, setup field cam so you know what is really happening first and foremost.
Why not just take a pair of bolt cutters to that chincy chain attachment on base plate? No need to save it
you must have caught something big because I catch coyotes in traps with smaller chain than that
You come out cheaper to get MB traps ! one Less problem to worry about !
Crush the eye of the dog closed a little and it will help with keeping the pan at a constant level. Good work otherwise
Closed jaw traps amputate most catches.Onlyoffset Jawed traps are the only ones to be modified .
That's complete nonsense.
Closed jaw traps don't amputate anything,there's not enough force for that to happen.they only hold the animal in place.
If it amputated the catch you wouldn't have a catch because it would run away -not very useful to a trapper
Any trap can be laminated and the laminations spread the force over a larger area of the animals appendage