Hey all, new member to the forums but have been reading a lot but just decided to make an account. I'm newer to trapping and just do it for my own gratification sparingly as I can. I have some sleepy Creek DLS traps and just ordered some MB-450 and MB-550 to expand my options. As the title says, what are the most common items that end up needing to be replaced, and how frequently would you say you end up having to replace them? I've heard the dogs and the springs, but are there any other items that my make sense to get a few replacements of?

If this is somewhere else, I apologize. I tried searching a few hundred ways and couldn't find anything. Appreciate the help!

Add a swivel mid chain and you are good to go. I’ve never replaced anything on the 550’s I’ve ran for years. No experience with 450’s

Thanks! I've seen guys mention that. Is it best to cut and weld the chain to add a swivel, or do they make a swivel that would work with some sort of quick link on either side? The MB450 I got are the fox version and do have a swivel mid chain. I'd definitely me interested in adding swivels to the MB550s.

You can cut out a link of chain at the mid length and add a swivel using j-hooks the same way the mid-length swivels were installed on the 450’s. Some trappers weld the j-hooks so that they cannot be straightened out.

Do those j-hooks bend in easy enough in a vice?

Pliers/channel locks can be used to close them fairly easily.

If you need to open them you likely need to get an S Hook tool, which most trapping supply companies sell. These S hook tools work to close or open them.

Yes or use a vise grip

I open j hooks with a side cutter. Just pinch between the closure and put a screw driver through the swivel and lift they open right up.

I have to change the wax every year. Mike

Buy crunch proof swivels from MB Trapping supplies. They work better with S Hook pliers.

Most replaced part would probably be the trap after it found a tractor or got stolen. Not a lot of things on them to break. Maybe the dogs if you have the originals before the rod dog version.

I’ve been running some 550’s for 7-8 years and never had to replace anything. Now they are not tractor or logging truck proof unfortunately,

Haven't replaced a thing on my 450's. Solidly made trap

X 2 on crunch proof swivels and J hooks. I don't reuse J hooks as they will weaken after repeated prying open.

Ditto. Have some I bought in 2006.

The dogs on the 550 can take a beating but after 10-12 years, I've replaced maybe 5% of them.

Thanks for all the replies! I'm glad to hear very little will wear. I wasn't sure if the springs wore over time and needed to be replaced, or if other components wore over time and use. I know the dye and wax will help to prevent corrosion and wear, but just didn't know if one component or another was known to wear more quickly than others.