Try setting the 4.5 sc.

One doesn't need to use such a big trap to catch fur so I'll give you that one but only that one-rest of the longsprings from #4's on down in size are easy for anyone to set-no different than a coil-actually easier because one has more spring to use-get a hold off.

Exactly!


Most people can set #5's over their leg due to the mechanical advantage of the extra length of the spring. No the 7" DLS are not needed for beaver but they are nice. Every snapped #4 Sleepy Creek I set last year was holding a beaver. If that trend continues I'll switch my primary beaver trap.

I think the guy's in Alaska like the 4.5's for wolves also.

I like the 4.5, I just with I could set it without tools.
If I remember right the boss likes coils over longsprings these days. I was curious as to why if Mr. Dobbins sees the post.

This morning at 0500hrs I met up with a guy and bought a dozen #3 Offset DLS Vics that are actually stock they acquired when they bought Blake & Lamb. Some are stamped US on the jaw. I don't know if I have ever set a long spring that was stronger (I have not done a SC 4.5). Bought a dozen.

Makes John a happy boy!!!!!

http://youtu.be/H4ItwksUp3k

Setting a 4 1/2 by hand/foot

I am not a strong man so I think others could set the trap this way

Sorry about the sound

Wish the mylting trap setter was still available. Those 4.5 sc would be cake then.

I just got a package from F&T That contained some #4 Bridger DLS. A very nice tarp. Well rounded jaw face for the cat K-9 trapper. I'll be squaring them some for beaver (I gotta try). I will change the chain hookup to a to a 3N style and the pan set up will go this summer. The springs are a little more stout than I was expecting (a good thing). I think this trap will suit my needs as a base trap for modifications better than the Sleepy Creek. I now see why some stood up in defense of this tarp and I am glad they did. I view this trap much differently now than before I had one in my hands.

How would the # 2 compare to the #1 1/2 for muskrat?

It is same jaw spread but 1 more spring.

#2 DLS takes more space than I have a lot of the time when setting for rats. I could get 1.5 longs in over 50% of the spots I like to set. I run 1.5 Duke coils for rats they were what I started with and have served me will. As far as comparing the two for rats the will both do the job bedding space and holding power are going to be the only differences. Holding power factor can be somewhat offset by changing where the chain is hooked up to away from the spring. I tried some 1.5 longs for rats and did not like how the rats seemed more likely to wrap in vegetation and the trap not moving and the rat still able to move = a few lost rats. I am not currently using any longs when targeting rats. They would most likely work very well on a float set up. I just have not found a way to effectively use floats in the fall.

It's easy to hammer new life into original, weak longsprings. Longsprings weaken when the U-shape of the bend in the spring ends up looking like a V. To remedy this, put a short length of heavy-duty steel pipe inside the bend of the spring. Lay one end of the pipe onto something solid, and do the same with the other end of the pipe. The trap will now be hanging from the pipe by the spring. Take a hammer and hit the outside bend of the spring. The pipe will be jammed up inside the bend of the spring and force the spring to open up and form the desired rounded U shape. Waah-laah! The spring will be as good and strong as when it was new! Don't overdo the hammering on the spring, or you may crack it.

That is awesome Redeagle!!! Thanks for sharing that i never knew that!

ttt

I'm a new trapper and only ran Duke coil springs last year. Last week I happened to get my hands on a few Victor and B & L double long springs off Craigslist and after messing around with them in the shop... I think I'm growing to like them more than the coils. I'm excited to put them in the field this fall - going to take many tricks from this thread and use them. Thanks everyone!

it truly is not hard

A pile of 2 B&L DBL's most are old school.



Newer one next to older one, the better looking one is the older one.Big difference in the steel used.

I have a couple of #11s that, when I rotate the springs forward to allow the loose jaw to fall, the springs want to rotate back no matter what I do.

Anyone have a cure for this? It's o key on about 2 or 3 traps and I want it fixed.

I have had this problem on dukes. I found the original indent in the spring that catches the jaw to hold it in place was either not deep enough or wide enough. Sometimes both. I just took a small file and filed the notch appropriately. They stay in place just fine now. It doesn't take a lot of filing for this to work. I added a photo of where to file the groove.

That's why I love this site. The few I'm having the trouble with are actually dukes. A file on that notch...there shall be. Thanks for the help from Michigan, good sir.