Hello...So I got this idea that I wanted to put PIT Pans on my 4-Coiled Bridger #3's I use for beaver. The pan tension has increased dramatically!!! Putting a good bend on the end of the dog has allowed me to get it down to a consistent 3.5# - 4# which is fine for beaver but I would also like these traps to double for otter here in PA as we are allowed one per year. Two questions...

1. Is 4# pan tension too much for otter?

2. Is this bending of the dog the only way to adjust these PIT pans? To get the 3.5-4# I have now requires a pretty serious bend...Actually with the bend, the dog no longer really acts like a dog anymore as the pan pushes back against the night latch bump. It seems the force direction has changed from straight up to up and back. Am I making any sense?

Take springs off.

Isn't there a screw on them?

Bending the dog or taking springs off are the only way to adjust the tension.

Wouldnt worry about the pan pushing backwards as long as it doesn't go past the hump.

pit pans are a pan tension device. thats their whole purpose. theyre supposed to push back and up. the bump isnt a night latch as you called it, its a stop to keep the pan from rising higher than it should.

Ok. Cool. I like the idea just a bit concerned that 4# of pan tension may be touch much for otter. I like the 4-coil but not sure it’s absolutely necessary.

remove the secondary springs and then check the pan tension. youll most likely have to bend the dog back to original position. if you use a hammer, be careful to NOT flatten the hump on the dog while doing this.

I wouldn`t take the springs off.

Try rubbing some wax on contacts- dog and pan.

I have caught several otter with 4 pounds pan tension. Not saying you wont miss some, but otters are not light footed critters from what i have seen, they bounce around and the feet hit hard for their size. In fact I try to avoid otters, big hassle to catch one. I wish 4 pounds of pan resistance would keep them out but it doesnt.

Thank you for your replies. I guess I’ll just roll with the 4# and see what happens as it seems that is the lowest I can seem to get with that setup.

You can file the notch down on a downward angle to lessen pan tension

I will give that a try and see. The whole 4# pan tension has me a bit spooked.

So my latest plan is to remove the 4-coil factory springs and replace them with JC Connor Lightning Springs. My thought is that they will be less powerful than the factory system thus reducing pan tension. I ordered some to try on my 550’s too try as well. Thoughts???

What did you think you were going to gain with pit pans? What was it you did not like about the original pans? I would put the original pans back on them.

In a lot of cases you gain more pan surface area and a very crisp release.

Main benefit of the pit pans is you eliminate the pan/bolt system that can bind up are give inconsistent pan tension. With the PITs the tension will be consistent unless the dog gets bent.

I put ‘em on all my Bridgers that weren’t dogless for cats an coyotes. Really like the consistent pan tension. 3-4# should be perfect for otter.

Yep. I was looking for consistency in pan tension and I got it just seems a touch high for otter. Then again, I’ve never trapped otter so I really don’t know. 😆

Well…As I suspected, the JC Conner Lightning Springs lessened the pan tension by a good 3/4 pound. I guess it just makes sense. Less spring tension less pan tension.