I have 2 dozen Sleepy Creek 1.5 coilspring double jaws. I'm not a fan of the 2/0 chain that is comes with and wanted to put a heavier chain on mostly for water sets with coon and mink but also some dry land sets where I may have accidentally catch a fox or coyote. The problem is the base where the chain connects doesn't leave much room and I can't get a J-hook or even an S-hook through it. What are my options for connectors? Or would I be better off grinding the base loop off and welding on a D-ring base plate?

My opinion, I have caught several coyotes in sets targeting raccoon and haven't had any problems. IF you want to do a modification just have piece of mind AND BE DONE with the worrying...have at it. Lots of guys grind off the small flat stock clip where the chain is attached and weld a base plate with d-ring so that they can attach a swivel and heavier chain rig. Others prefer a side attached swivel and heavier chain rig...your choice. They are strong, quality traps ...Good luck.

Don't grind that center connector off. Cut original chain off. Use 5/8" split washers.......open the washers up and put them on and close back..tack weld on each side. Then...put a double swivel on the washer....then new chain.

Thanks for the advice

I'm going to give this a try before I cut them off thanks