What is the smallest size of traps you guys use on beaver. Would smaller coilsprings work, and what about single spring 220s?

You trying for a front leg or back leg catch and for the 220 are you going for small beavers

You can kill a deer with a slingshot. The question is why? Same question applies to your inquiry. Please elaborate about why you want to handicap yourself.

Meat Trapper did a video on testing beaver sets with 220's. Double spring 220's. The outcome was not favorable. It can obviously be done but like already mentioned, Why?

We have a beaver problem in our creek and if my grandpa wants them trapped then I will, but that's the biggest stuff I have and I don't want to spend money on bigger stuff that I'll only use this one time. So if I could get by with my smaller stuff then I would.

find or borrow the right equipment...better yet find someone around there that get help you out

Snares

If Illinois law allows it, I would go with snares. You can get a dozen of them for less than the cost of one of the larger beaver specialty traps.

Don't use 210s. That's what single spring 220s are called. And It's impossible to just target the smaller beaver.

But your question can't be answered until you tell us what size coil spring traps you have.

Not sure on the size of the coilsprings, but the jaw spread is about 3 inches I think.

It sounds like you have some #1 coils if I were you I wouldn't go beaver trapping with those traps.
If the beaver need to be removed sit out at night with the 12 gauge and shoot em.

#3 dls is the smallest trap I would use for beaver.
A beaver trap is a 330.

I have caught a couple 22 lbers in 160 conibears. It would not be my choice of trap for them even though it looked like they never moved when the were hit just behind the head.

^^

I have caught them in 1 1/2 coilsprings set for coon. You will have to target front foot only, but this is something I wouldn't recommend at all. You'll just educate them, then it will be harder to remove them. Ask around I'm sure you could find someone that would help you out with it.

If you are unable to acquire a few beaver traps, either by buying or lending, then you should not attempt to trap beaver. There is a point where a person either needs to have the right tool or they need to find somebody who does. Ethically, it is not right to knowingly do something that has a better chance of wounding an animal than it does catching it.

What he said times 10. The smallest trap i use for Beaver is a #3 Duke. There are a few traps the same design really i believe. It isn't terribly wide across the dog but when turned 90 degrees has a good spread. I have had really good success with them and they are cheap. Chances are there is a local trapper that can either get the critters for you or that will let you borrow/guide you through getting them.