When I attach wolf fangs to chain with an S-hook I have a hard time keeping the end attached to the stake “round” so the stake will swivel freely.

I usually use a pair of water pump pliers/channellocks to close the s-hooks. Is their a better way of closing the s-hook so my stakes will swivel?

I guess I don't understand. If your using wolf fangs with cable and attaching the cable to the trap chain you should get enough swiveling action with the cable rotating In the ground.

That may be my problem, I'm connecting the wolf fang directly to the chain using an s-hook.

Should be attaching the cable to the end swivel, I use a j hook for this .
By the way I use a small amount of chain on the end of my cable .

Are your cables the stock length or are they shorter? Looking at the way you have it set up made me want to try shorter cable on the ones I build.

I make mine like Golf Ball - 12" of cable and 6" of chain. If I can't get the anchor to pull out when I pull the set I just cut the cable and save the chain portion. Lots of rock here and even with a puller there are anchors that will not come out.

Thanks for the pic. It looks like I need to redo my wolf fangs, glad it's only July.

That would work as long as you weld them shut. If you don’t weld them they’ll straighten out when you drive them. Same thing with 1/8in quick links. Know from experience.

I use heavy duty S hooks with a wider end than the other. You will have more room for it to swivel on the wolf fang. I switched to all chain.

I’ve not looked close but I’m sure the cable is cheaper than the chain setup. I do know the 1/8” cable will last for years and can be cut if need be.

To answer your question , the cable is about 12” and the chain about 6” as AnthonyT stated .

If you are using your own homemade s hooks or mighty hooks from MTP then when you close them on the Wolf fang they will bind a bit. It really is not a major problem. I have tested hundreds of them and have not had an issue with any that are binding up a little bit. they do need to be able to move a bit but they dont need to just freely float around on the s-hook. all of that being said though you can do a couple of things to get them free moving. Like stated above you can use a small section of cable and make them hybrid style. Thus getting the attachment ease of the cable and the user ease of the chain. Or like also stated above you can get the s hooks that have one hook larger than the other and put the large end on the fang side. Those you can buy or make as well and they work great.

Another thing i am going to be working on for myself has been recommended by others on here is using a cold shut instead of a s hook. I have not checked the price of them but they do look like they solve all of the problems really.

I do the same as Golf ball works like a champ I do not like cable end sticking up in the hole when bedding a trap 5 or 6 links is all I use..

I use 2 chain links on the end of the disposable anchor cable and a quick link to hook up the trap.

My anchor depth varies a lot on my line. I go from rock to sugar sand to swamp. I can attach a quick link anywhere on a longer chain stake to get my trap anchored where ever. Its just what i have done and do to get over my issues. the S-hook issue as stated though i have found to be less of a field issue and more of a preference issue to a certain extent. If the hook is to tight altogether and stops the plate from turning sideways then it is a hindrance but if it is just clunky and not perfect they still seem to work fine in my conditions.