I posted this years back but I though maybe some of the new guys would like to see it...

They are already good mink and rat traps. Pretty good for fox too if you don't have any coyotes but adding chew guards makes them much better for your mixed water line where coons are likely. If you have them already hanging in the shed like many folks do, its a good way to get them back into use.





I built this little jig, its 2 pieces of 1/2"x1/2" square steel sandwiching a piece of 3/8" x 1.5" steel...



Just close it in the jaws of the trap and clamp the part that sticks out into the vice. I use 1/4" rod but 5/64" or even long heavy nails with the heads cut off would work ok.

Nice mods to that #2. I like it a lot. Simple and effective.

That's really cool. Nice way to mod a trap to make it better for the target animal.

Nice. That's how I did them 25 years ago. They work great.

nice job,i wanted to joke and say you ruined a good mink trap but it'd be a lie.you just made it better.

Nice job !!!

That is a great idea- I use them on drowning slides today for that very reason.

Ttt

Used that simple mod on some of the #2 sq jaw Vics I had given to some new high school trappers at the school I taught at. Showed the kids ADC's post and they took it to the shop teacher and welded up the dozen and a half I gave them. They caught a pile of fur in the creeks and ponds they had permission on with those traps! I recommended that they used three ft of chain with multiple swivels and the boys used old steel fence posts for anchors...more welding done. Shop teacher loved it and the kids were the talk of the shop class with pictures of the caught critters. They even caught a medium beaver in one trap. Great stuff Jayme.

Hey, that's great!

Great Idea ADC you're the man.
I've done the same thing but used square stock and used at as a chew guard and a second jaw. It just gives you a bit more holding power.

Good post ADC.

Mac