Checked my traps and had one completely gone, earth anchor still in the ground but trap and chain is no where to be found. There was a catch circle so I had something but I don’t know what would be strong enough to straighten a J hook. Only tracks around it was bobcat and one good sized coyote track. It’s got me puzzled any thoughts?

Some j hooks are junk. That is why I replace some of mine and weld them shut.

^ THIS ^

I've seen where a coyote has opened a j hook.

do you re-use your j hooks? I mean, do you after opening one use same one and close it again? I was told that after you open and straighten one out to change it with a new one. Are they mighty j hooks? Or just standard?

Enough times that mine get welded shut nowadays

Was your j hooks at the earth anchor welded? If not it is a must. I haven't welded my others but that one needs to be. I've heard of them getting opened up from getting drive in the ground, especially in really tight or rocky ground.

How deep do you pound in your anchors? Or do you add extensions and have extra swivels in your chain?
All my chain and the few with cable don’t get pounded in far enough to stretch the J-hook.

I might of misunderstood the post
I was thinking the s hook on the earth anchor. My reading comprehension is sometimes lacking.

J-hooks to attach a trap chain to an anchor chain or cable is an antiquated method. Use a 3/16" quick link amd tighten it snug with pliers.

Maybe someone cut the cable?.

Thanks for the info it’s a bad way to learn a lesson but next season all of them will get welded.

X2

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