I probably have used the Mitlyng trap bedders longer and harder then most over the last 35 or so years. They sure help keep me from eating dirto/peat flying into your mouth / eyes and some pinched fingers. They also help allow you to bed a trap with both hands " using hard packing pressure "at the same time for a faster bedding method. You guys using 4 coil traps may appreciate this little tool more than me.
I took a few pics to show those that may not be familiar with the tools function and use.
The #3 model is the tool with the wide gap fork. From the package, It is not wide enough to slide past the wide pan base of traps like the MB 550 which is shown.
I paint all my tools and coated some to be very visible and to prevent rust over time. I use all the sizes at different times. I can bed well without them, but I still use them when I feel it is needed.
You will notice I attached a stove threaded bolt thru the tools pre drilled hole at the base of the bedder. This gives me a handle to pull back and remove the tool once the trap has been bedded. When the trap has been bedded the tool will be a bit below the ground grade, so pulling it back to disengage it, is difficult to do without disturbing the bedded trap.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197681-100_6805.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197682-100_6806.jpg)
This model bedding tool needs to be spread wider to be able to fit around the wide pan shank and then slide over the opposite jaw. This is the proper length needed for a sure fit / no fire insertion. I used the crank handle on my vise to straddle the tool fork over it. By pounding it with a hammer I got it spread to the proper clearance that was needed to pass by the widest point of the pan shank. It would probably be a good idea to heat the tool fork briefly with a propane torch to heat the metal prior to banging on it. I did not, but it would be advised.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197683-100_6807.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197684-100_6808.jpg)
These two traps shown are an MB 550 and a Victor #3 with the appropriate bedders installed.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197685-100_6810.jpg)
These are new tools out of the package.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197686-100_6811.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197687-100_6812.jpg)
This photo shows a new model #3 with my modified #3 tool on top of a MB 550.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/11/full-965-197688-100_6813.jpg)
This is a Duke #4 trap which is about the largest jaw spread trap I use. It is shown with the longest Mitylng bedding tool that is available to my knowledge.