Would JB weld keep swivels shut? I learned the hard way that they will open up.

No. It is ment for sealing leaks, not physically welding things together!

Thank you

I have a 110 arc welder I gave a dollar for at a yard sale more than 20 years ago. I have welded a big bunch of trap stakes and rivets. Other stuff too. Use 1/16 rod. just a second for each rivet is all it takes. I do it out side in the bright sun. Got a cheap helmet too. Not auto darkening. In full sunlight I can see what I am doing with the helmet down. for simple stuff and thin steel it works great

Unfortunately I found that out the hard way myself a couple days ago. Fortunately I have a welder to remedy the issue.

You must have used cheap J-hooks?

I always use MTPs heavy duty J-hooks, and I have NEVER had one even come close to opening, out of hundreds of coyotes, fox, bobcat, beaver, no critter has ever come close to opening one.

Maybe he was using a j hook a 2nd time. Once they are used and opened, they should not be reused.

AJE agreed, once a j-hook is reopened it’s trash to me. They’re so cheap, no sense reusing them.

I have had them open when pulling the traps by the chains, not by the animals, but they didn't open all the way, just part way so if you don't notice they'll come unhooked on the next critter.

I can see that happening ADC. I’ve opened them with the puller too, but never by an animal.

It is possible that I opened it enough to get trap off of cable stake. I use the crunch proof swivels from Minnesota trapline. I was not sure they where the heavy duty j hooks and bought more j hooks that were heavy duty. I also upgraded to #3 chain for my chain stakes. I did have #2 chain break and I know most people have never had that happen either. I don’t like to use Mickey Mouse equipment. I didn’t use cable stakes much and now don’t use them at all.

I run #3 on mine as well. #2 is plenty strong enough, but I run most of mine on either drags or clogs and that extra weight helps get a critter tangled up quick.

I like the #3 chain. I’m getting a friend to weld the swivels shut after the season. Live and learn! I’m sure some people have had #2 chain break. Big coyotes work on weak/cheap equipment.

I tack with a mig gun