I’ve only snared a couple things but am going to try snaring next fall. From what I’ve seen (JUST my observation) I think the terminal end swivel probably doesn’t work all that well and a barrel swivel should work better. I could be wrong on this as I’m sure you’ll tell me. Anyway, for those of you who use barrel swivels for coon and the occasional coyote, what size do you use?

I have no Idea what size barrel swivels are on my snares. But I wouldn't put It on the terminal end I would have It placed In the center of your snare.

I use #6 barrel swivels close enough to the lock to allow for a 12” loop. I only trap coon and fox.

6/0 (#6 in a lot of trap supplier catalogs) is rated for 600 lbs. If you want something larger, try 8/0 (#8). You wont need anything larger than 8/0, unless you’re targeting hogs, wolves, or adding a swivel to a rope swing.


You can use snare end swivels for snare swivels. I’ve done it quite a bit. While I wouldn’t say it works quite as well as inline barrel swivels, it does work. Get it as close to the loop as possible, just like you would a barrel swivel. What I do is build my extension cables and permanently attach a swivel to the end. If it’s going to be a snare end swivel, I use a fixed loop to attach the snare end swivel where an stake in-line swivel would go. Then I build my snare as usual...when I make a catch, I simply cut the snare and add another.

When relying on snare end swivels (close to loop) be sure to either use 2-3 washers or a nut/washer to ensure swiveling under stress.

I make a say... 42" snare, to allow for a 10" loop with a little extra, then attach it with a double ferrule and swedge that to an extension with a 600lb barrel swivel (# 6) on one end and an adjustable end loop on the other. When you make a catch, reuse the extension and it's swivel, cut the snare off of it, and save your snare parts if they are still useable. My entire snare with the extension might be 12' long when I am done.

Thanks everyone