Even some #3 twist link has a narrower link that makes getting a heavy duty hook through tricky.

I’ve got two boxes of #3 twist link, one has a noticeably narrower link and like jabne said, j-hooks bind up in. The other is good.



I have no preference. Twist or straight, whatever I can get cheapest. But ONLY #3.

Take the twist link end loop
put in a vice on it's ends
tighten down a little to make it more of an "O" shape but just a little
"J" hooks won't bind anymore
works for #2 and #3 twist link

Try one and you'll see

I have worked with both. The twist chain of course is mostly made in the USA and better quality but the straight link sure is easier to work with in the vice and a little cheaper. Guess it depends on how suborn you are about Made in the USA!

in your second picture where do you get them swivels?

Jcomer,sorry,I just saw this.

Those are stainless,marine swivels.They cost about $6 each.I shop around,sometimes the bay,sometimes chain companies.The Snare Shop sells the in line version.I just use them on my wolf rigs and the size is 1/4".

The rusty trap in the other picture has Sterling swivels from Montgomery Fur.They are my favorite on coyote traps.

Any hardware/big box/cheapo depot type store will sell those chain swivels.

Never seen them here,Bob.

That even made me laugh. Good one, Boone !

Especially on a dbls!!

LMBO good one Ambush

Twist link is machine chain?

Yes,twist link machine chain.

Thread title confused me ... all the twist loop I've seen was machine chain and only some of the straight link has been,I'll be alright though.
I only buy chain I can see and touch. Trapping places use an odd sizing system that I don't understand. "Passing link" is straight but won't kink because the links are wider. Mostly I use what ever comes with the trap til it wears, but I don't have wolves or lions.

Drooling

Twist link is awful nice when you have frozen ground. Combined with JC Connor/PIT/Sterling type swivels off the trap it makes less trap bed to dig to lay the trap flat IMO. After the first 8 inches or so I am indifferent and may use straight and crunch proof swivels.

As Boone so aptly points out, it may be more important to me than the critters.

I always use #3 or larger, going mostly to #5 on the straight now if more than a 1 1/2 trap. Too many wolves around here walking around with traps.