So I use a lot of the Duke 5x5x16 live traps, I know I could go to Tomahawk or my favorite that size is Safeguards, but they are cost prohibitive for the amount I need. I normally buy 100 a year. Anyone have any good ideas as to swapping out the door, treadle and tripping mechanism? What I use them for doesn’t fight the traps much, they are just cheaply made, and fall apart after a couple years. I keep thinking if I could modify them they would last several years. I do add extra j clips on the door already. Some of you guys have great ideas.

wws

Why 100 a year? Because they are cheaply made? I make my own so I can't answer your question,

just

Some get stomped on, some ran over some cheaply made, kinda a mix. I do leave one once in a while in a park or campground. This job I’m on now I have 70 out, I have to go make traps about every two hours. Making traps as in getting traps empty. Normally 10-15 full traps.

wws

I have had my safeguard traps for more years than I can remember in that general size. Never had to replace or repair any of that size unless it was for tampering or abuse. I understand in public places you are in the position of not investing too much due to the exposure from abuse and theft. Just have to bill the job for the lost traps and damage as we do.

Bob by the time I order Safeguards I’m looking at $5k or more for 100, Bill sends them to me for under 1k. I do have some Safeguards and Tomahawks in about the same size, I save them for residential and Commercial jobs inside. These are where a mower might go over some or tractors. The swampbuggies fertilizing are about the worst. They even run them over with animals inside, what a mess.

wws

If I was in the business - I would use equipment that didn't fail me. I hate maintenance on things I want to be ready to use. Drive a steel post by them and I bet they don't get run over as much.......

I understand the cost and reasoning behind your decision as I stated. However you must deal with the poorly made material product with consistent use and abuse as you are. Just need to keep purchasing more to have them on had and set the others aside until you have some down time to figure out a suitable repair before putting them back to work.

Yes that’s what I’m doing , just looking for a fix. Can’t really stake them down, they might only be there a couple hours and moved. And that don’t stop the Karens from stomping on them. I have had to have some people ticketed. I’m up to 124 in this park with 70 traps in two days. Just keep plugging away.

wws

I feel for you. We generally turn down some of those public venue jobs due to the expected problems and headaches dealing with the Karens.