I purchased a dozen TS-85 traps recently. The screw for incresing pan tension stripped quite easily on two of the 12 traps. I am concerned about tightening the rest of the traps to get the pan tension that I want. Has anyone else had this problem?

I have not had any problems.

Bought a 1/2 dozen to try out in Nov 17 , no problems at all.

I took the tightening screw apart and found that the end was stripped. I have replaced it with a new screw. Even with the new screw, the pan will not tighten with a lot of pan tension. I did strip a new screw also. I do not feel that the pan tension that I want is excessive. I am starting to question the design. I have a call into the manufacture to see if I am doing something wrong. I am not knocking the design or the function of the trap. Even though it is the most expensive trap that I have ever purchased, I think it is a great trap and would purchase more.

I picked up half dozen and luv them, will get more, The pan is kinda light like I want for my water traps I found a mink in one of mine maybe this is what you want to avoid...

Drill out the hole and file the sides of the pan and inside the pan posts smooth them replace the bolt with a slightly larger. Put washers between the pan and pan posts. This increases surface tension thus pan tension when tightened down.

Like this picture from Mike Kelly's Wild River Replacement Pans.

I just talked with the manufacturer. I purchased a pan tester and discovered that 4 lbs. of tension is a lot less that what I had guessed it was. There is no problem with this trap or the tightening screw. The problem is that I did not know what I was doing and I jumped to conclusions. I apoligize to the manufacturer and I want all trappers to know that I like the trap and plan on purchasing more. Sorry for the false alarm. I now have to test all of my coyote traps and set them at the correct tension.

ADC, Far different (and much better) set up on the TS 85s. Two post pinch pan style. that pan system should be on more traps.

I forgot about that Calvin. I got rid of all my TS85's years ago. I never had trouble with pan tension that I recall on them though.