Trapping tips 101...Part 2 Chain selection

...with Ted Mitchell

All foothold and leghold traps have some sort of chain system so as to be able to anchor them to the ground, or attach to a drag set up.

Before we go any further on chain systems, a foothold trap does just that, hold the foot.  Usually just above the rear most pad. A leghold trap holds the captured animal somewhere above the foot, between the rear most pad and the elbow or knee joint. Not a big difference, mainly in trap size rather than style, and we will go on from here.

Complete chain system showing MB Crunchproof swivels x 3,
Chestnut double stake ring, and ‘T’-bar shock spring.

The chain which comes with the vast majority of traps needs some modification; one trap brand which comes to mind that doesn’t is J.C.Conners “Jake” trap. In my opinion, Jim Conner’s trap is the ‘Rolls Royce’ of traps, and is beautifully finished, and ready to go. I like his chain set-up so much, that I copy it in its entirety on every trap I use, no matter the brand, size or style. You see, Conner’s chain set-up incorporates a heavy American #3 size chain, his own ‘T’-bar in-line shock spring,  three MB (Minnesota Brand) Crunchproof swivels, and ends with a ‘Chestnut’ double stake ring.

Now let’s look at these parts individually so we may better understand them. Starting at the trap, we have a swivel, which is an indispensable item in itself. The swivels are needed to stop the chain from twisting up and shortening to the point that the captured animal’s leg breaks, or at best, is severely damaged. Most captured animals have a tendency to go round in circles, in the one direction. The swivels let the trap go around in these circles without hanging up. One swivel is definitely not enough. And I think three is better than two. One swivel can be easily bound up with wire grass, vines, or dried clay etc, and having those extras is then vital. The MB swivels are the strongest on the market.
We then have a length of strong American #3 welded chain. Obviously the whole system is only as good as the chain. If it is weak, then you not only lose your trap, but your target animal as well. Never compromise on chain strength for the sake of a few dollars.

Another MB Crunchproof swivel attaches the chain to the ‘T’-bar inline shockproof spring. There are many styles of springs on the market, but again, in my opinion these are the best. These springs are important as they serve several purposes. They help prevent injury to the animal by cushioning the sudden stop when it is fighting the trap. This also helps prevent the animal from escaping as the dampening effect absorbs energy. The springs also help minimize damage to the traps jaws and frame in the same way. The fourth purpose I can think of, is that the spring will help stop the animal from pumping the stake/s out of the ground.

Again, another MB Crunchproof swivel connects the spring to the ‘Chestnut’ double stake ring. Now this simple but ingenious idea is simply a oval shaped piece of metal rod which, because of its shape, can accommodate two stakes. This is extremely important when anchoring a trap used for trapping wild dogs.

We will talk more about stakes and other anchoring systems when the time comes, but next we will get back to the traps themselves.

Next time we will look at more on trap structure and choice.

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