Good morning Trappers!

I’m a first time poster and just getting into trapping. I’m presently contending with a rampant fox squirrel problem as well as a family of nuisance groundhogs that I’m looking to dispatch in the near future. I’m planning on ordering a half dozen 110 body grips as well as a 220 to contend with these animals but I’m confused on the size limitations of the setters available. I would really like a locking set to keep my hands extra safe as well as a tool that would let me take care of both trap sizes. I was going to buy these
https://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/animal/WCSSLSET.html
But was told by the customer service rep that they are “too big” for the 110s and are meant for 220 and up. However these https://www.southernsnares.com/prod...tter?_pos=1&_sid=96e2e926c&_ss=r appear to be almost the same thing and are rated for conibear’s of any size.

While I understand that a smaller setter won’t work for a larger trap due to limitations in leverage. I can’t figure out how a “tweezer” type setter that might be considered overkill for a 110 wouldn’t also still be effective at compressing the smaller spring. Are there some setters that don’t close down far enough for smaller traps or have I just been poorly informed by the vendor?

As a side note, I am aware that 110’s are commonly set without a tool but having never handled one before I’d rather be safe than sorry. Thanks for any insight you can offer.

I think you were misinformed, although 110's are not normally set with setters, some trappers may have a need for them. I personally don't care for the locking type, they tend to slow me down when setting, I use the regular scissor type, non locking, when setting 120's and larger body grips. Gary

The larger setters are more awkward to use on the smaller bodygrips. If you use both sizes on the smaller traps you'll see what I mean.

PCS sells small setters for 120/160/220

who is mentoring you?....Here’s what helped me shorten my learning curve by decades. Join your state trapping assn, Google it. Then contact officers off their site and ask for a mentor to ride along with. This gets you in the info loop of FREE trappers ed classes and meets and fur sales/pick ups, and conventions. Then attend ALL YOU CAN, this shows folks you are serious and will be a good student. It sure helped open many doors for me and it could for you as well. ALSO, get several different trapping supply catalogs, like MTP, Sterling Fur, FandT, PCS, Schmitt enterprises, Southeastern outdoor supplies, rpoutdoors, etc etc, THEN circle gear you need, and give the catalogs to loved ones to buy your Birthday and Christmas and July 4 and Anniversary gifts. Explain to them, you want their money to go towards what you will use and need, as opposed to another sweater hanging in your closet. WORKS GREAT in our family.

Hey Ambassador,
Nothing to add that these guys have not already said,
But... welcome to the forum!!

Thanks for all the input. I don’t have a mentor for trapping just lots of reading and I’m planning on taking the North American Trapper Education Course. I’m not sure I’ll find myself running a line for beaver or anything like that but if I can keep the squirrels in check and get the woodchucks from under my barn I’d be happy man at this point.

I guess at this point I’m leaning towards getting some some basic setters that will do a 220 and then I can use them for the 110’s if I need to. I’m sure I’ll have a much better feel for things once I have some traps in hand and can apply theory to practice. My top priority is safety and I’d rather be overly cautious than cavalier. I can’t afford broken fingers or a hand. =)

So do most of you just set 110’s by hand?

110’s are pretty easy to set by hand. They usually don’t have safety’s on them so it’s easier to work with both hands rather than trying to use setters and and set the trap. Once you try it you will better understand.

Get the tongs rated for 220's,they will do fine on the 110,s/120's.
If you get 330's later on for beaver you can get the bigger tongs for those,and they will handle 330's and 280's.
Get yourself a couple of safety jaw grippers they help hold the trap open when making certain sets where you have to have the spring safetys not hooked.

Welcome aboard Ambasador!

The RTS SETTER will set them all with one hand and act as a safety when hooked on the jaws. Both company's you listed carry the RTS SETTER as well.

https://www.southernsnares.com/products/rts-trap-setter

https://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/animal/Setters/RTSSET.html

If you don't get along with it just get a hold of me and I'll make it right. my # and email is on the setter.

I have a set of the Bridget's. Good setters up to a Duke 330. Will set a true 10x10 330 but can be tuff to get them hooked on the spring eyes.

The RTS Setters are the best IMO. You won't regret buying them!!!