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modified traps?

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 1:20 pm
by leadbiscuit
I've been looking through some of the posts in this area and I've noticed you fellas talk quite a bit about modifying different traps. I'm not really interested in starting to trap but I've been a welder/steelworker for 15 or 16 years now and I'm curious about the changes you make to your gear. I would like to learn more about it. If any of you could post a few pics of what you're doing along with a desciption, I would be grateful for it.

leadbiscuit

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 6:38 pm
by barebackjack
Better yet, you come over and ill employ your welding skills and you can get hands on modifying experience! :wink:

I can weld, but its not pretty and nearby kids get to learn new words.

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 5:33 am
by lyonch
Let me see what i can come up with LeadB.

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 6:48 am
by Prairie Ghost
Lamination: Welding a piece of number nine wire, flat stock of various sizes ect on at least one side of the jaw face (top, bottom or both) so that you have a bigger piece of steel in contact with the leg to displace the power and reduce damage.

Offset: welding a small piece on or square stock on both the face of the jaws to keep them from closing 100% to touching (1/4" is common) to again make them more of a handcuff and reduce damage and make the animal more comfortable.

Other things that welding for a trapper is a good trade to know. Welding jay hooks shut (a must for coyote work), some guys go as far as welding on the base plates a D rings instead of having the trap company do them. A lot of this is done not on brand new traps (easier to have the company do them) However a lot of guys find a good deal on traps at an auction or such of somebodies collection and then modify them for their own use.

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:37 am
by lyonch
LeadB - here is a link showing some of the different modifications that are done to a trap(look at the same size trap and all the different forms they can come in). These same modifications can be done to several different brands of traps. These are mainly just foothold modifications. There are also modifications that can be done to conibears to help better them as well.


http://www.fntpost.com/Categories/Trapp ... ing+Traps/

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 4:27 pm
by leadbiscuit
BBJ, if I wasn't so damned far away I'd be there in a flash. The traps I looked at on the link were standard and modified Bridgers. It looks like the factory offset traps have the working face of the jaws ground back a bit. Good link. I'm starting to follow what you guys are talking about. So, a fully modified trap has laminated jaws and an additional piece of flatbar welded to the bottom where the d-ring hooks in? Is that about it? Thanks guys.

leadbiscuit

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 5:02 pm
by Prairie Ghost
They are offset also. (Keeping space between the jars when the trap is closed by usually 3/16 to 1/4")

Re: modified traps?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 5:26 pm
by leadbiscuit
10-4. Thanks PG