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Prepping my new traps? #6524529
04/24/19 09:28 AM
04/24/19 09:28 AM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 81
SW Wisconsin
Motley Row Offline OP
trapper
Motley Row  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 81
SW Wisconsin
Another newbie question.
I will be purchasing my first traps this summer mb 550. These will be used primarily for Bobcat trapping. I’ve read different ways of going about prepping new traps.

Do you guys boil them off, removing all factory oils? I’ve also read to just dip them in something like “Full metal jacket “. Would that be all I need to do to them, to have them ready to go for the upcoming season this fall/Winter here in Wisconsin?

Not sure if it matters, but I will be trapping in clay rocky ground.

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6524574
04/24/19 10:39 AM
04/24/19 10:39 AM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194
Maine, Aroostook
Posco Offline
trapper
Posco  Offline
trapper

Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194
Maine, Aroostook
I boil with an added degreaser, dye and wax. I enjoy the process. I set mine up so I can stake with rebar or use the MB Super Stakes.


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Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6524575
04/24/19 10:40 AM
04/24/19 10:40 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,870
Mn
N
nightlife Offline
trapper
nightlife  Offline
trapper
N

Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,870
Mn
I dewax then loose stack in an old ice cooler, after that I Place a jelly jar with a couple oz of muratic acid in it and let them sit for a week, when taken out they should have depending on how air tight it was either a deep blue/black color or a nice even coat of rust that when boiled for couple minutes will be that blue/black color

Then I zep wax



�Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks.�
― Robert A. Heinlein
Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: nightlife] #6524589
04/24/19 11:02 AM
04/24/19 11:02 AM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 81
SW Wisconsin
Motley Row Offline OP
trapper
Motley Row  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 81
SW Wisconsin
What exactly does the wax do? Is it just for protection, or does it help run the trap more free?

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: nightlife] #6524606
04/24/19 11:31 AM
04/24/19 11:31 AM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194
Maine, Aroostook
Posco Offline
trapper
Posco  Offline
trapper

Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194
Maine, Aroostook
Originally Posted by nightlife
I dewax then loose stack in an old ice cooler, after that I Place a jelly jar with a couple oz of muratic acid in it and let them sit for a week, when taken out they should have depending on how air tight it was either a deep blue/black color or a nice even coat of rust that when boiled for couple minutes will be that blue/black color


I've used a muriatic acid/water solution to speed up the rusting process but I've never heard of or tried your method. Interesting.

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6524623
04/24/19 12:17 PM
04/24/19 12:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,100
Southern Nevada
C
cat_trapper_nv Offline
"Cat Master"
cat_trapper_nv  Offline
"Cat Master"
C

Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,100
Southern Nevada
Originally Posted by Motley Row
What exactly does the wax do? Is it just for protection, or does it help run the trap more free?



It does both. Lubricates everything and protects the trap.


If traps work like the Antis say......I would have no fingers.


Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6524734
04/24/19 04:00 PM
04/24/19 04:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,409
Central/Western Texas
AuthorTrapper Offline
trapper
AuthorTrapper  Offline
trapper

Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,409
Central/Western Texas
I'd say boil and rust them, then once they are rusted boil them in brown or black trap dye, and give them a wax coating.

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6524756
04/24/19 04:39 PM
04/24/19 04:39 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132
SWMo.
T
tjm Offline
trapper
tjm  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132
SWMo.
Deliberately rusting a new trap is akin to making dents in an new truck with a hammer.
They will rust soon enough. De-grease with car wash, dish soap or hang in weather and use for the first season, wax optional unless using salt/corrosives as antifreeze. On most traps I'd say tune the pan and trigger but those 550 probably don't need that.
After the first season boiling in strong tannin solution will convert and neutralize the rust and then you should wax, imo, to help prevent further rust.

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6524891
04/24/19 08:54 PM
04/24/19 08:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,930
E central Il
G
Golf ball Offline
trapper
Golf ball  Offline
trapper
G

Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,930
E central Il
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ what he said ! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I do my best to keep them from rusting , wax is my choice but it’s not the only choice !

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Posco] #6524909
04/24/19 09:26 PM
04/24/19 09:26 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,870
Mn
N
nightlife Offline
trapper
nightlife  Offline
trapper
N

Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,870
Mn
Originally Posted by Posco
Originally Posted by nightlife
I dewax then loose stack in an old ice cooler, after that I Place a jelly jar with a couple oz of muratic acid in it and let them sit for a week, when taken out they should have depending on how air tight it was either a deep blue/black color or a nice even coat of rust that when boiled for couple minutes will be that blue/black color


I've used a muriatic acid/water solution to speed up the rusting process but I've never heard of or tried your method. Interesting.


I used to do that to till I read the method I use now can’t even remember where but it is I have been told the same method used to rust blue guns back in the day



�Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks.�
― Robert A. Heinlein
Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6525012
04/25/19 12:20 AM
04/25/19 12:20 AM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
WadeRyan Offline
trapper
WadeRyan  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
I'll probably be the odd man out here, but if you're primarily going for cats I wouldn't spend much of any time prepping your traps. Spray them off at the car wash to remove the grease, and simply spray paint them with rustoleum to prevent corrosion. If you're running them for cats you don't even need to bury the trap so you don't even have to worry about salts etc. for freeze proofing. Cats will step on bare traps over and over again if you make them. I don't even dye my coyote traps anymore I just spray them and let them sit for a couple weeks. Can't say I see much if any noticeable avoidance once they come to a set and I had plenty of snow to look at last season.


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Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6525144
04/25/19 09:29 AM
04/25/19 09:29 AM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,097
South Ga - Almost Florida
S
Swamp Wolf Offline
trapper
Swamp Wolf  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,097
South Ga - Almost Florida
If you have acidic soils and you dont treat your traps in some way you will regret it.

Here in the deep south our soils are very acidic. Untreated trap or trap needing treatment will take on rust overnight.


Thank God For Your Blessings!
Never Half-Arse Anything!

Resource Protection Service

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6526175
04/26/19 09:21 PM
04/26/19 09:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,165
Central NC
T
traprjohn Offline
trapper
traprjohn  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,165
Central NC


www.sevenoakstrappingsupplies.com for trap mods and gear
The 10 Commandments are not suggestions.
Buy a soldiers meal EVERY chance you can.

Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: tjm] #6529930
05/02/19 07:09 AM
05/02/19 07:09 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,627
Ohio, 55yrs old
Pasadena Offline
trapper
Pasadena  Offline
trapper

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,627
Ohio, 55yrs old
Originally Posted by tjm
Deliberately rusting a new trap is akin to making dents in an new truck with a hammer.
They will rust soon enough.

My feelings as well.


[Linked Image]


Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6534901
05/09/19 10:53 PM
05/09/19 10:53 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 275
Smithsburg, MD
J.C. Offline
trapper
J.C.  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 275
Smithsburg, MD
I was new a couple years ago, and frankly I would say go after something more common that will build your confidence on the line. Start with 160s, 1 1/2 coil spring dirt holes and cubbies and Dog proofs for coons. Also maybe try weasel boxes with rat traps. It is no where near as glorious or profitable but it will be more lasting and let you make mistakes on more forgiving critters. Also losing $5 on a $7 skin hurts a lot less than losing $30 on a $50 skin until you get your skinning and processing down. Also just get a jug of Full Metal Jacket to prep your traps. Just a thought.

Last edited by JCBearss; 05/09/19 10:55 PM.

To a person ignorant of nature, his country stroll is a walk through a gallery filled with wonderful works of art with their faces turned to the wall
Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6535004
05/10/19 07:14 AM
05/10/19 07:14 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,717
Maine
M
Mac Offline
trapper
Mac  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,717
Maine
Originally Posted by Motley Row
Another newbie question.
I will be purchasing my first traps this summer mb 550. These will be used primarily for Bobcat trapping. I’ve read different ways of going about prepping new traps.

Do you guys boil them off, removing all factory oils? I’ve also read to just dip them in something like “Full metal jacket “. Would that be all I need to do to them, to have them ready to go for the upcoming season this fall/Winter here in Wisconsin?

Not sure if it matters, but I will be trapping in clay rocky ground.



For what it is worth I will through out a different idea.
You have heard several methods to treat your new traps and I suspect each and every method would be okay for what you want to accomplish.
You state you primarily are going to focus on bobcat trapping. Be prepared for lots of learning and frustration.

If it were I, knowing what I have learned over the years, I would probably just clean and dye my traps.
I would boil the traps in something like Dawn dish soap or even laundry detergent. Then I would rinse the heck out of them. I would not rust them any further cleaning and I would not choose to rust the traps.

I would choose one of two really good dyes that have worked well without waxing for me. Keg Creek sells a dye that I t think they call logwood crystals but cannot remember for sure. There is a guy that sells a product that reminds me of the log wood chips that I used to buy from C.O. Lippert back in the day. Renny something or other. He advertises in The Trappers Post.
Both products mentioned are in my opinion superior to the other red power or black crystal dyes I have used. I think both are superior to using natural barks etc. although you could realistically get by using a good natural dye such as Hemlock bark, sumac berries, alder bark, maple bark etc.

While bobcats are notorious for being non cooperative critters in some parts of the country, they are not known as being highly elusive. Lots and lots of coyotes and fox have been caught with good clean traps that have been treated only a good dye. I suspect you would have not issues trapping bobcats if you simply dyed your traps in a traditional manner.

A down side to this dying method: Well you probably have to clean and dye your traps again before the next season. If you make a skinny million catches you probably would want to re-clean and dye them right directly after the season so they would not rust, but that may not be necessary.
A straight dyed trap will not hold up to various anti freeze methods that involve caustic materials. If you bed and cover traps in dry peat moss, buckwheat hulls, or a cut grass/hay covering this will not be an issue.

Upside to dying the traditional way: If you decide that you do not like to clean and dye traps you can simply boil them clean and move on to another method of treatment.
You can easily clean and dye traps during your season. I personally would like to let them air a day or two in the sun and wind but basically you are good to go after they have cooled from the dye.
The traditional type dyes I mentioned above do a pretty darn good job protecting traps from rust, and to me it is important to protect my equipment, which is an investment.

If you opt to paint, dip in fuel based dip, water based dip or some product like full metal jacket or a floor polish you will no doubt be successful in your pursuit.
If you use any of the dips, paints, floor polish type treatments, and you find that you do not care for the results, you may very well find that removing those products are considerably more difficult to clean back to bare metal.

I have cleaned off fuel based and it is not fun. I have cleaned off water based dips and that is a pain in the rear end. I only paint body grips so have not tried to remove paint but I suspect it would be a process. I have not tried to remove any of the floor polish products so I cannot offer an opinion on that but it is probably not easy.
They claim that the water based dips can be used to treat traps in season, and they can, but you need an indoor area with adequate heat. I think it is out of the question to use fuel based dip in season but that is just me. I do not know about the floor polish stuff but admit it sounds interesting.

Just a different view on the subject. Hope you have success. More importantly I hope you fall in love with the trapping game as it has so much to challenge you with and offers so much fun.
Mac



Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6535249
05/10/19 04:36 PM
05/10/19 04:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,958
St. Louis Co, Mo
B
BigBob Offline
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BigBob  Offline
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St. Louis Co, Mo
If you go with dip, make sure to bookmark all the "How do I get this crap off my traps" post's!


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Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: Motley Row] #6535340
05/10/19 08:10 PM
05/10/19 08:10 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,261
james bay frontierOnt.
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Boco Offline
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james bay frontierOnt.
Use the traps as is for a year or two then dye by boiling tag alder and creek water in half a 45 gallon drum and then wax after.


Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: BigBob] #6535700
05/11/19 09:06 AM
05/11/19 09:06 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,445
Southern Michigan
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trappergbus Offline
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Southern Michigan
Originally Posted by BigBob
If you go with dip, make sure to bookmark all the "How do I get this crap off my traps" post's!

Yepper..


Common sense catches alot of fur..
Pay homage to all you harvest..
Re: Prepping my new traps? [Re: AuthorTrapper] #6535875
05/11/19 02:46 PM
05/11/19 02:46 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,738
Iowa
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coydog2 Offline
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,738
Iowa
Originally Posted by AuthorTrapper
I'd say boil and rust them, then once they are rusted boil them in brown or black trap dye, and give them a wax coating.

I do the same


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