Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
#1437820
08/01/09 08:48 AM
08/01/09 08:48 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 29 Columbus, MI
Walter R
OP
trapper
|
OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 29
Columbus, MI
|
Hey guys,
I have a question about tail bone pullers/pliers, what have you.
I am not an experienced fur handler, in fact, I have only dealt with green so far (except a few squirrels for "practice").
Is there a trick to removing tail bones? Are most animal tails as delicate as a squirrels?
I ask this as a matter of technique. If the tail of a furred animal is cut from vent to tip any way for stretching, why not remove the tail bone after the entire cut is made, as opposed to pulling it through a 1/4 to 1/2 length cut before opening the tail the entire length?
I remember on the squirrel I used a razor knife and cut about 1/2 of the tail length. When I tried to pull the tail bone through, I was left with a hand full of fur and a severed tail.
Sorry for all of the questions this morning. I have been away from trapping for a few years, and I am just getting back into it this winter.
Thanks, Walter
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: Walter R]
#1437827
08/01/09 08:52 AM
08/01/09 08:52 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,973 Western, MI
Reds
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,973
Western, MI
|
Buy a tailbone puller. Well worth the price!
New Construction and Remodeling Professionals!
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: Reds]
#1437833
08/01/09 08:56 AM
08/01/09 08:56 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,042 S.E.Iowa 36 yrs
ATLTrapper
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,042
S.E.Iowa 36 yrs
|
I split mine until I get to the point where you can see it will pull easy.Do it a couple times and you will know where that point is.But yes definitely a tail stripper.It is easier to pull them and split them after the bone is out.
Last edited by ATLTrapper; 08/01/09 08:56 AM. Reason: spelling
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: Reds]
#1437843
08/01/09 09:02 AM
08/01/09 09:02 AM
|
2poor
Unregistered
|
2poor
Unregistered
|
It depends on the species you are pelting. Sure is a time saver with Coon, Mink, Fisher etc.
When dealing with smaller animals like Weasels and Squirrels I prefer just opening the tail up part way and using my thumb nail to separate the tail from the bone.
Like anything else experience and confidence will make tail stripping on smaller animals quite easy over time.
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: ]
#1437850
08/01/09 09:14 AM
08/01/09 09:14 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,052 Greensburg, KS 3 blocks from t...
k. miller
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,052
Greensburg, KS 3 blocks from t...
|
have used two sixteen penny nails for ever.. think i'll break down and buy a stripper this year if i remember... one of those things i always forget... guess i need to write a list......before the kansas rondy
take me to where the blacktop ends.. then go further with me
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: SoDak23]
#1437870
08/01/09 09:33 AM
08/01/09 09:33 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,039 SEPA
Lugnut
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,039
SEPA
|
The metal pullers are great and will last forever. I seen guys with way more experience than me use regular pliers very effectively.
Skinning out the tail takes forever, the stripper is the way to go.
Old boar coon tails are always going to be tough though.
Eh...wot?
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: Lugnut]
#1437885
08/01/09 09:51 AM
08/01/09 09:51 AM
|
michael_obrien
Unregistered
|
michael_obrien
Unregistered
|
I've used a wiiden clothespin on mink when I couldn't find mine.
Get a steel one!
michael
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: white17]
#1437896
08/01/09 10:03 AM
08/01/09 10:03 AM
|
MrAmerica
Unregistered
|
MrAmerica
Unregistered
|
The thing i used to do before i got a metal tail puller was use two metal rods about a foot long each. Put it on both sides of the tail, squeeze both ends together and yank straight down. I never really had any problems with this method. I bought the metal puller because i kept losing my rods (using them on other projects)
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: ]
#1437908
08/01/09 10:17 AM
08/01/09 10:17 AM
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
Click on that video link. I use the plastic pullers and so does my trapping partner. We've skinned hundreds of coons and NEVER broke but one (he stepped on it lol). ~ADC~
Last edited by tmrschessie; 11/06/12 05:49 PM. Reason: updated to show video
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: Walter R]
#1437924
08/01/09 10:29 AM
08/01/09 10:29 AM
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
Thanks Walter. There is practice needed but its easy once you get the "hang" of it. ~ADC~
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: ]
#1437972
08/01/09 11:35 AM
08/01/09 11:35 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,148 Illinois
ringtailtrapper
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,148
Illinois
|
ADC nice setup ,but have you thought about putting your switch for your winch on a foot pedal so your hands are free to work.The machine for skinning is nice,and there is a need for some folk to use them,and when I get older I my sure use one. I have found over the years that I am a little quicker skinner without the machine,but I sure like the way they work.I just my put one in this year just to play with......Ringtailtrapper
For Sale, Quality Racing Possums
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: ringtailtrapper]
#1437982
08/01/09 11:58 AM
08/01/09 11:58 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,842 St. Cloud, MN
trapperkeck
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,842
St. Cloud, MN
|
I have the aluminum "lifetime" tail stripper and I wouldn't skin without it if I had a choice. It is a good investment for the fur shed IMO.
"The voice of reason!"
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: ringtailtrapper]
#1438033
08/01/09 01:19 PM
08/01/09 01:19 PM
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC nice setup ,but have you thought about putting your switch for your winch on a foot pedal so your hands are free to work.The machine for skinning is nice,and there is a need for some folk to use them,and when I get older I my sure use one. I have found over the years that I am a little quicker skinner without the machine,but I sure like the way they work.I just my put one in this year just to play with......Ringtailtrapper Did he just call me old? LOL I don't use the machine for speed but more for endurance. I can't skin 20 or 30+ coons a day by hand without my hands and back killing me. I'd hate to skin even one without the machine now. As for the foot control, I've thought about it but I really can't see it bieng much of a time saver for me, I don't cut while the winch is pulling anyway. It's all in what you get used to. ~ADC~
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: trapperkeck]
#1438109
08/01/09 03:21 PM
08/01/09 03:21 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,606 Pa
coalminer
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,606
Pa
|
ADC THANKS for the video, answered alot of questions, like that set up. How high is you ceiling???
My heart belongs to my family. My body belongs to my work. My soul belongs to the woods.
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: coalminer]
#1438123
08/01/09 04:00 PM
08/01/09 04:00 PM
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC THANKS for the video, answered alot of questions, like that set up. How high is you ceiling??? Its about 12' to the peak where the winch is mounted... ~ADC~
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: ]
#1438149
08/01/09 04:38 PM
08/01/09 04:38 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 698 NY
TrapperBrooks
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 698
NY
|
I made my own out of small flat stock and two bolts.Weld it up drill your holes....Works great. Tried one of those cheap red plastic tail strippers it was cold and one side broke off on a coyote
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: k. miller]
#1438302
08/01/09 08:00 PM
08/01/09 08:00 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 376 Holmes Co, OH
hosey
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 376
Holmes Co, OH
|
have used two sixteen penny nails for ever.. think i'll break down and buy a stripper this year if i remember... one of those things i always forget... guess i need to write a list......before the kansas rondy K. Miller, I did the nail thing since 1979. I had a plastic one given to me last year and I gave it a try. I won't use nails again. That little simple thing really makes a difference! Doug
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: don Wolf]
#1439107
08/02/09 03:18 PM
08/02/09 03:18 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,207 AR
TurkeyWrangler
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,207
AR
|
A pair of nut crackers works great.
Poor people have poor ways.
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: PLTannery]
#1439825
08/03/09 02:00 AM
08/03/09 02:00 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488 Northwestern New York(Elder)
Jonathan
"Wilson"
|
"Wilson"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488
Northwestern New York(Elder)
|
That is quite an assorted list in the reveal. Clothespins, two pieces of dowel or pliers is all that I have ever used.
This topic surfaced quite some time ago, and one "tool" used by member Metal that hasn't been mentioned yet - a copper tubing flaring die tool. Anybody ever try one of these? It has size options as the commercial hand held offerings.
Jonathan
Last edited by tmrschessie; 11/06/12 05:50 PM. Reason: updated
Camera Gear: Canon EOS 7D-MK-II, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, EF 28-135mm, EF 100-400mm and EF 400mm lenses.
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: trapperkeck]
#1439900
08/03/09 07:22 AM
08/03/09 07:22 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 63,040 Minnesota
330-Trapper
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 63,040
Minnesota
|
I have the aluminum "lifetime" tail stripper and I wouldn't skin without it if I had a choice. It is a good investment for the fur shed IMO. I do too! Best investment in the Shed! Now if I could get it to work on Flattails
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
|
|
|
Re: Tail bone pullers (must have or optional)
[Re: don Wolf]
#1443574
08/05/09 04:43 PM
08/05/09 04:43 PM
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
ADC
Unregistered
|
Pair of pliers. Skinned thousands of coons with the same pair of pliers. Doubt yhey will ever break. Foot control is nice on skinner. Have one on mine even though it ain't necessary. I used to use them as well. ~ADC~
|
|
|
|
|