, I guess 6 ga is slightly larger than 3/16" (0.1875") at 0.1920 "
My ignorance about quick links comes from using J or S hooks and I never thought about the thickness, so, was surprised that 1/8" failed.
I don't see quick links as any more convenient really; need tools to use either. I do know from using quick links for things other than trapping that the threads are tapered and that on some cheap links there is never more than thread actually holding, and that the zinc have lower quality threads than the stainless ime

The beauty of quick links Is with a twist of a small wrench you can remove the trap and add another. Or remove the quick link and transfer It to another set up. You can't do that with J hooks because every time you open a J hook It's being degraded. I would Never re use a J hook once It has been closed then re opened.

Thanks everyone!

I agree with The Beav I don't reuse J hooks on coyote traps. I've used quick links for years so I could change traps without pulling the stake. I always tighten them with a wrench. This keeps them from coming loose and makes it harder for someone to take them. I always carry a 4 inch adjustable wrench and I have extras in my truck and 4 wheeler. I paint them red so they are easier to spot if I drop them in the grass or snow. I use 3/16 quick links for coyote. The only thing I use 1/8 on are DPs and rat or mink sets.

I use the smaller quick links for fox and coon a lot. No problems beyond 1 or 2 coon somehow loosening the quick link. However, if I think that 11/2 coil might snag a coyote, I use the bigger quick link—-why take a chance on a tough customer? The biggest coyote I’ve ever taken was in a sleepy creek 1.5 offset linked to an earth anchor. I set it specifically for a coyote because it turned out to be the only trap I had left with me.

Yes, it had the bigger quick link and I’m glad it did.

A coyote will test your set up more ways then one. That is why I use 3/16 for anything dry land use with quick links.

wondered the same thing years ago. I went with the 3/16's and they work just fine.

Not sure if you can tell from this pic but I use them as center mounts for chain attachment on my predator longsprings. 2s, 3s, and 4s I have are all set up this way. Hold coyotes for me just fine since 80s when i started using this setup and cross-staked.
Jim

I don't re-use the j-hooks either, but I change them regularly right at the set. J-hook tool and pop it open. Put a new one on. I never did understand why people think that's any harder than using a quick link. They are tiny and to throw a couple dozen in a bag in your truck or trapping bag is no issue. I guess I only do it when the trap has been fouled up by a coyote at the set more than I can fix right there, but it literally takes seconds.

It seems to be your preference. I see a quick link good for things like disposable stakes. Hook to the cable and your done. If your driving stakes. I could use either or. Hooks seem best choice to be rigid. If your having problems. Just tack weld them if you can and boom. Its not going any where.