I recently read the thread about changing 330 springs. About how many years does a set of springs last you guys? And when the springs start spreading so far that the setters won't go wide enough to reset is the indication that the springs a wore out i suppose?

Never had to change a spring on a 330

The ones I changed I bought new about 35 years ago. I was careless tho and sometimes left the springs set for extended periods of time. They would be real easy to set and too often snapped and empty.

Only one I changed was dug up by a trackhoe and bent. Have some very old square jaws I would still set if needed

X 2 !!!

Same here.

I own about 60 to 70 #330 sized body grips, mostly Victor Conibear.

All my springs are race ready.

walleyed

Nope, springs will seek a position of least stress. If they are expanded this is the best position, less stress. Stress is the killer of springs; whether over stressed (bad design) or stress over time or number of actuations. So don't store your springs compressed after season especially in elevated temps. Depending on the design, springs will have a actuation life in excess of 10000.

I keep all large bodygrip springs compressed and ready to set. I never had to replace any that I considered to be weak. Most are Victors and BMIs

I have a bunch of old square Victors that I leave compressed and use then all the time. They still kill beaver, but I also catch 95 per cent of them right behind the ears with one jaw.

If spreading to far was the issue then dukes come from the factory worn out. LOL

I still use the 330 I purchased 40 years ago which are Northwoods brand. Still good strong traps.

I should add that when a brought the 5 dozen new Montgomery 330s the first year I used them under the ice several of the springs broke. Crack in half by the spring wrap. I complained to Montgomery and they offered to replace all broken ones, i explained that I didn’t want this warranty to drag out for years and would settle for 5 doz new sets. They agreed and I’m now getting around to the surplus.

I also have a couple north woods, them buggers are strong. Probably the best design for that era.

Coffee out my nose, thanks!

Me also
Victors and BMIs from 86 to 2002
After that All Belisles No weak springs

The springs on the old BMI 280s are wicked strong. First big bodygrip traps I owned that told me it was time for a trap setter

I’ve picked up a few 330s on trades or buyouts that were sloppy loose so it happens can’t say why or exactly how but my guess is over heated maybe a fire of some sort? A buddy just picked up several springs to change out his 330s so it’s not that uncommon.

Springs change from brand to brand, even lot to lot. Some are weak right out of the box, some last forever. If you use them a lot though eventually you will want to change them

X 2 !!!

This !!!!

All my old square framed Victor 330's
are kept fully compressed with safeties on
and ready for setting at all times,

Never any issues with springs being
damaged or weakened ever.

walleyed

Victor made some of the weakest springs ever for a couple years there. I ordered a dozen BMI 330's maybe five years ago. They were the weakest springs I've ever seen right out of the box. They were the same strength, verified on a scale, as the Pioneers I bought in 1980 and had used extensively. I literally could set them on my knee while sitting down. Try that with any 330. Needless to say I sent them back

So did I. Never again after going through changing them.