Looking for information on dipping canine traps in rustoleum. What ratio of paint to acetone works the best for a thin coat that dries well. I'm planning on following up with Full Metal Jacket. How long should I wait between dipping in rustoleum and FMJ.

I'm running a 28" chain setup from trap to beginning of chain stake using four swivels and a shock spring, All of the J-hooks are new heavy duty hooks, how crucial is welding every j-hook. Do you find it necessary or is it done just for insurance. I don't mind the welding I'm just running short on free time and wondering if I can wait and complete this next summer.

Any tips on adjusting the pan tension on Bridger 1 3/4's. Adjusting the pan bolt loose enough to allow the pan to move results in under a pound of tension, tightening them locks the pan at around 4 plus pounds.

I spray my paint mine or just leave them shinny new looking and dip in fmj. I weld my j hooks in case of a thief is in the area they better hope they have bolt cutters on them or they will be digging awhile to get my earth anchor out. Either way not making it easy for them. I put a washer on both side of the pan bolt and it took care of the pinch affect that happens when you try to tighten the bolt and nut up for higher pan tension.

I run about 60-40, acetone-rusto, after finding it evaporates fast on dry days and thickens.

have ya looked in the Archives?: https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/13/1/trap-preparation-archives

In the past two to three years I've done all 3. I've degreased and dipped, degreased/spray/painted and dipped, and then this year I used rusto/mineral spirits at a 50/50 mix on my water/coon traps which will not be dipped in FMJ. The only thing that I REDO to my traps that were already dipped in FMJ is to just clean them, readjust, and redip.

Check your mail box.

I don’t weld my j-hooks and it’s never been a problem for me, never had even the nastiest coyote spread one, and I don’t even run shock springs so you will be plenty safe

It's not so much the coyotes (though I'd never say never) but they do open some when pulling traps and sometimes don't get noticed. You reset that trap and the coyote works the chain apart.

Only time I've ever had a J hook open is pulling traps with a big bar as leverage. Good point you bring up on checking them before resetting. If there is one partially open already that might be the cause of failure when it hooks up to a coyote.

I also wonder if western versus eastern coyote size could factor in? But I'm not sure how big a difference that might make.

I never pull on any part of the trap,chain or quick link.I hook my pry bar on the stake head or earth anchor chain only.There is never any pressure on the trap,chain or any connections.

Absolutely the best and only way to do it. Why create problems and more work for yourself?

im thinking to let the smell dissipate, this shoulda been done at least a month ago.

Ive never welded mine but I also never re use them if they get bent. Always hook below the anchor attachment point when pulling chain stakes. Remember one thing, if a coyote senses a weakness with their mouth they will exploit it till it fails!


Add washers inside the pan post should solve the trap tension issue.