Great question, I'll use stock MB550 for an example. They come with 10 inches including 2 crunch proofs. I add a JC Conner rod swivel with a home made J hook made from a 30d nail bent with a B2B bender with a long neck so its sloppy at the D ring with 3 links of #3 chain to the stock chain, then add 3 links to the end crunch proof then a Heavy S hook for anchor attachment. This gets the swivel up out of the bed so it works. For me and my style and my situation anything under 12 is short. 18 and over seems to work best. 16 inch chain stakes get driven in hard ground at least 12 and all the way for worked ground, so ya gotta add 4 to some. I've ran up to 36 but got tired off chasing yotes around that big circle to dispatch LOL. But it sure was nice to remake tho. I know I could have just said 18 is my definition of long but , oh well LOL..

It pays off to experiment with different chain setups, sometimes our theories don't match the real world. I fought trying long chains for years cause I figured they'd pull out and what to do with all that chain. Now I coil the chain up under the trap to create a solid base for the trap bed, Thanks to you guys out west like Boone, Red and John, No empty traps, and more productive remakes, and less stressed yotes.

JCs stuff is all top notch, all successful businesses advertise how to best use there products...…. If I was gonna try shocks his would be first..