OK Ive read a lot of guys say they file three or more teeth on the gripping portion of the camlocks they use.

First, why - has anyone tested it against locks without teeth side by side?

Second, how - what type file do you use(round, flat, size, etc.), how many teeth, how far apart?

Third, are there certain must do's and must dont's?

Ive fooled around with snares some, I put out probably 40 or 50 a year on my coyote and cat line so I am by no means an expert at all but I have gotten my hands dirty a little. Thanks for any explination and advice in advance.

They file teeth in the lock to reduce the cable slipping back thru the lock. Its a fairly common problem with camlocks. It helps the lock "lock" down and choke down the critter. Instead of going thru all that hassel I just use an amberge lock. No slipping with that.

The reason for filing the teeth is to get the cam lock to lock better on the cable, seems the new cam locks on the smaller cable isn't catching and holding as good as the older ones did, so they are relaxing some after a lock up on an animal.

I was told the cam lock has a better design than the Amberg. I prefer a Long Line Death lock from O'Gorman. These won't normally freeze up with freezing rain or melting snow.T.20

Thats interesting you say that about the amberg lock T 20, I have been talking to some about them and they have told me they work better then the cam lock, looks like I am going to have to look at them and the long line death lock also, thanks for that tid bit of information.

Cat, I forget I think the cam had bracket type hinge and the Amberg has a single, on one side, but then I can't remember for sure. T.20..........let me know what you figure out!

OK so, what I can gather from responses so far is:

When using smaller diameter cable with cam locks, the lock has a tendancy to slip and become more of a relaxing type lock. To avoid this problem trappers are filing grooves on the gripping surface of the lock to make it a more posative locking device as it was origonally intended.

Also, it seems from the responses made that the Amberg, and long line O'gorman locks take care of the problem without any alteration to the lock.

I wonder if the new snare shop slim lock would act similar or if it is a relaxing lock?

Also does anyone have any pictures or detailed instructions as to filing the cam locks they wouldnt mind sharing?

Thanks guys for the responses so far, and for any additional information.

I have some that are filed but I don't have pictures of them, when I get home I will take som and post them if someone else hasn't by then.

cool thanks trax, I appreciate all your help

Rob

Guys is it the cables diameter or the "slickness" of the 1x19 cable for the reasons to file teeth?

Thanks bushmaster thats what mine look like after I'm done with them too.

MChewk I think it has to do with the cable diameter and the way the lock piece is stamped out, kind of high on one side and has a slight curve in the middle of the locking surface.

You want a checkering file if you are going to file your locks. Just makes it a more aggressive lock.

It is not a Slim Lock, Newt will hang you for that. lol It's a micro lock, and it is nothing like a cam lock in staying locked down from what I hear, though I have not used them...

Look here for more on them...
http://snaremantalk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4119

I have used Grawes Bullet locks and BMI mini locks and they both lock up tight and stay that way, no slipping. Their designs don't lend them to the use of a kill spring very easily though.

~ADC~

Bush, where can a person buy them?

Try Marty Senniker

Old Marty has been pretty quiet lately...YO MARTY..chime in here would ya?

ADC,Think you got that backwards,Newt has the slim lok and snare shop has the micro lok.Look alot alike but the micro lok appears to have a slight bend in it where the slim does not.
I stand corrected.

No, I had it right. I was replying to the quote from kansasbert.

I'm with Phatch30. Buy the Amburg. If-You want a lock with moving parts.

Most so called "Lock Failure" is due to the Snareman ,Not the lock

ttt