Yall got eny advise on were to find cheapest rebar or smooth rod for drowners, or do you have eny other ideas for material to use, I've built um and used um before but I'm trying to go cheaper cause I need close to 100! I'm building um for every thang from rats to beaver and otter!
Colt

Menards is the cheapest here. Home Depot isnt far off. Buy 20' lengths, cheaper than 10'

goldy, what is the consensus...3/8 or 1/2" rod?

We have a couple steel Fab shops around that sell any kind of metal product you could want. The one I deal with is called "stien Bros" They are usually pretty close the same price on rebar as Menards but if you are looking for cold rolled steel smooth rod the shops are far cheaper. They have most sizes in 20' sticks and if like my local shop they will cut it any lenghts you want for free. I made a couple dozen 2 years ago for cheap. I used 5/16 diameter and welded a big washer to each end after installing a one way lock. They work very well. I use them almost exclusively for beaver and am pleased with how they have held up. I'll be making some more very soon.

For beaver, 1/2" without a doubt. 3/8" doesn't have the backbone you need to push it into harder bottoms, easily gets bent with use, and soon you have a pretzel.

I've been using 3/8" smooth rod since '03 and have caught up to 75 lb beavers with no ill effects.
Only 1 of my customers over the years has ended up with a pretzel, since he didn't listen to me when instructing to make sure it is well secured in deep water....and I've sold hundreds over the years at conventions.
Not saying it doesn't happen more to folks elsewhere.
As for cheap source, SCRAP YARD, buy it by the pound !!!!

...another option would be a steel supplier in your area.
With a 100 pc quantity I know a discount would apply.
Google is your friend!

You must have much softer bottoms than I do John. The pretzel shape doesn't come from the rod getting pulled out by a beaver, I've never had one pulled out, it comes from trying to push the rod into a hard bottom and having the rod bend over and over.

X2 - I take my rebar cutter and cut them 20'ers in half right at Menards so I can haul them in my truck. I have used a chopsaw and an angle grinder in the past as well.



I agree here too. I have had the deep end pulled a couple times and they really wad up then. lol

If you need something lighter you can use fiberglass. I found a good source for them in various lengths for very good shipping.also if you can find the short 4'ers I got a way you can make em into 8'ers

Use 1/2 conduit 10ft long cheap only way to go plus carry a bunch in pickup

Would love to see a pic of that set up! How do you stake the bank end?