Hey, I am new to trapping and am looking at getting my first real traps (other than rat traps for weasels and conibears). I am mostly considering getting used traps to start out with and getting new ones if I decide I want to trap more. I was wondering if anyone has advice when looking at used traps. Thanks.

What all do you plan on trapping will determine what kind of traps you will need and what size traps. This also is determined by your states trapping laws. As far as what to look for start by making sure the traps you are looking at are not rusted to no end. Most used traps are going to be rusted but there shouldn't be chunks of rust or lots of pitting. Make sure the springs have good strength to them still even if the trap looks to be in good shape doesn't mean the springs aren't weak. If looking at foot holds make sure when the trap is set off you can't pull the jaws apart at all they should be locked shut. If they can be pulled apart at all then you have a no good trap that is in need of repairs. Same goes for conibears. Check the chain out don't let it be the deciding factor in buying the traps tho most cases traps can be good but chain is junk it's the easiest to replace and cheaper fix. Chain shouldn't have chunks missing from rusting out or links spreading apart. Also make sure if there are swivels in the chain that the j hooks done look like they have been opened and crimped shut a few times reusing j hooks always end up badly when going after stronger animals the per say mink coon or muskrats. That's just a little bit of things to look at when buying used traps. Other factors come in depending on what animals you are targeting.

What animals are you targeting?

Here ya go: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Trapping/Trapping-in-North-Carolina#6097415-legal-trap-types

Hey thanks for the help! I will be going after coyotes and muskrats since that is what we have a lot of around here.

I can't speak for muskrats but I can speak from experience on buying used traps for K9's. I think that the biggest mistake that I made was getting caught up in the excitement. I bought some older Montgomery #2 Dogless traps where the dogs on the back of the pans were worn so greatly that they would not sit level at all. Now in my experience these traps were advertised as being in great condition, etc...., etc..., etc... Being very new to trapping I got caught up in the whole, "these traps are baseplated, blah, blah, blah."

So my advice is, don't get caught up in the excitement of the adventure when it comes to buying used traps. I paid a solid dollar for mine and they were basically junk because of that. The solution from the seller that I purchased them from, who touted them as great traps? Find new pans and replace them. You know, because I have another $50 for new pans as well as the task of actually finding them since the traps were old Montgomery Step-In traps.

Buyer beware and if you don't like what you see, there are others selling used traps who are more honest.

I'm guessing that you are young and don't have a whole lot of money to buy supplies with, so for coyotes I would recommend getting Duke #1 3/4, 4x4, offset. I like straight link chain (preferably MB brand; the twin-loop chain that comes in the traps from the company binds to easy) and about 3 swiveling points. You can choose the type of anchoring system. Ask for them on the Trap Shed on here. Or you can get them new from Dakota Line Snares for $11.10 each, $60.95 for 6, or $110.95 for a dozen + $9.95 shipping ON ANY SIZE ORDER! www.dakotalinesnares.com
As for bait and lure for coyotes, try some of Wayne Derrick's stuff (he is a Trapperman member by then name of wayne52.) All of his products we have used, have produces coyote and / or bobcat. His stuff is super! www.derricks-nm.com
Lesel Reuwsaat's stuff www.reuwsaatbaitandlure.com is legendary as well! As for books or DVDs on coyote trapping, any of Dobbin's, Mark June's, Lesel Reuwsaat's, or Ray Milligan's would be great choices. Dobbin's "Dirt Hole Set and It's Variations" book helped me catch my first coyote!

Thanks again for the help and tips. Hopefully this fall I can trap a few coyotes and muskrats.

If I was buying used coyote traps, I would go with a good heavy duty #2 or bigger trap like mb550s or bridger dogless full mod. Cheaper traps are ok, but for use on yotes, starting with a well built trap will save you headaches in the long run. For rats, you can't beat a 110, 150, or 159 conibear. Just my 2 cents

When u look for used traps make sure the springs are still strong

With any traps in general you want to look at condition of overall trap. Is it too rusted & pitted to use if ya get a big animal? As Zeb Johnson said spring strength is just as important. Ya don't want to dish out more money for new replacement springs. Make sure traps chain is good. This is usually first thing to rust away.