Here are a series of pictures showing how to build a beaver snare (same methods apply to other species specific snares ... snares in general)

This process has been shown here several times but I have included a lil tip to help those who tend to have trouble when it comes to loading a snare

For this example I'm using 1x19 - 5/64 cable with a slim lock



cut your cable to a 4 foot length (you can choose your preferred length)



from one end measure your cable back and mark it at 10 inches using a sharpie marker (this mark will help reference where you will want to load your snare ... the 10 inches being approximately one third of my desired finished loop size ... 9 inch loop)



again, from the same end measure back and mark your cable at 29 inches ... this is the length you will need to make a 9 inch loop


now form a loop from the end you were measuring from to your 29 inch mark ... you will notice it makes a perfect loop of your desired diameter



pic shows the 10 inch mark and the direction it should be



this pic very clearly shows the loop formed and where your reference marks are located



slide two stops onto the end of the cable ... crimp or hammer your stops (I recommend using two stops when using 1x19 5/64)



next, find the natural cast or "memory" of the cable ... now it's time to "load" the cable ... for this you will pull the cable around a 3/8" smooth rod etc. ... for my example I'll use the guide rod on my swagger jig ... since I only have two hands I was unable to take a photo of me actually doing this step ... but will try to explain it as clearly as I can ... holding the cable/crimped stop end in your fingers pull the cable around the 3/8 rod several times following the natural curve ... applying pressure from the stops to the mark you made at 10 inches ... heavier pressure nearer the stops and less towards your mark ... feathering it out ... this should leave you with a slight springy curve in the cable ... once you get the hang of it you'll not need to mark your cable ... it'll just become a learned habit




now with the cable in your hand form the cable to a loop ... being sure to keep everything in line you are ready to make a reverse bend in your cable (this is where your lock will hang)



your reverse bend should look something like this



thread your lock onto cable ... (your state law may require a deer stop add it if needed)



lock shown in reverse bend



other end threaded through lock



you now have a formed 9 inch loop (note the black "29 inch mark" next to the lock, the loop may be opened up to a larger diameter, I generally use a 9-10 inch if not smaller loop) ... we're almost finished



to finish up the snare we need to add a swivel ... this pic shows a swivel and washer threaded on then again two aluminum stops crimped onto the end ... (I do not use "whammies" but if you do make sure to thread one on prior to threading the swivel) I prefer a swivel on all of my snares, regardless of what type ... perhaps not always intended as a swivel but it is always a great anchoring point to connect my extension cable to ... you'll also notice that I fold/crimp a trap tag onto my swivels




when finished and after dipped in Formula 1 (brown), I like to coil them fairly small ... they take up very little space, do not tangle and are easy to carry



no whammies for me, I use, prefer and recommend the inverted S method using 14 gauge annealed wire to support snares



this is how I connect my snares to my extension cables ... simple and effective ... works for me



Hopefuly I explained this clearly enough to understand and that this might help at least a couple people. I feel that most folks just simply overthink what they are trying to do ... thus making a simple task complicated. Not saying this is the way it must be done ... 'cause it aint ... it's just one way and it's just my way of doing it.

If you'd like to build your own snares call up ol' Newt Sterling or check out his website for everything you'll need. Tell him Possum sent ya ..

www.snareone.com

Archives for sure.

Great!!!! tutorial Ed, (glad your back :))..woodsmoke/blackettle@snareone

Yep good post Ed. Definately need to load this into the archives.

Excellent post, I will be going back and looking at this one several times.

Nicely done!

~ADC~

great pics! thanks for taking the time.

Very well done skinner, thanks for taking your time to make this. I'm sure alot of people will appeciate it! What locks do you like for coon? I'm still using the big old washer lock!

very handy

Well done.

Excellent post,many thanks!!!

Very well done ... I picked up a couple of good pointers and have filed it in my favorites ...... Garry-

Magnifico!!!

great post skinner thanks

glad this might be helpful

- BUMP -

Thanks Possum

Very, very good pictorial and post possum skinner!

Possum, you seem to be one of the very knowledgable trappers on this forum. Thank you for the tutorial. I have been considering using snares on my line in WV. BTW, welcome back.

Nice!

S/F,

Bob

Excellent instructions and great pictures.
Thanks Ed

Mac