Sleepy Creek 1.5 Chain Mod

I have a few Sleepy Creek 1.5's that I was going to change the chain on. They come from the factory with double loop chain, albeit fairly heavy double loop, over to machine chain. I cut the double loop off of the 1st trap and found that neither a j-hook nor an s-hook will not fit through the loop on the bottom of the trap. Short of cutting the loop off and adding a base plate does anyone have any ideas on what to do? Should I just leave the link of double loop and go from there and not worry about it. Primarily they will be used for coon and fox but a coyote is always a possibility which is why I was going to switch out the chain.

I bought a couple dozen SC 1.75 last year and the original owner replaced the chain. He used the small quick connects to do it. I didn't notice this when I bought them, but he was using the sales to buy larger traps due to large number of coyotes he was catching. All the quick connects looked fine, I just made sure they were tight.

There was a thread earlier this year about strength of these (test ~250lbs ??). After reading that, I feel comfortable with set up. I will try to send a pic later today.

Maybe use a nail j-hook and weld it since they seem to have a little bit bigger loop on them. Buy a trappers bender and you can make as many as you want for the cost of a box of nails.

I had the same problem on some SC #11's that the factory chain was worn at the swivel on the base like in your picture. I looked at a lot of solutions, neither of the two I came up w is easy, but both are strong. #1 is to use the "S" hooks sold by the trapper supply places that are bigger on one end, most call them stake s hooks. Even w these you will need to use a drift punch to open the loop on the trap a small amount. #2. I made some Sterling swivels but the piece that goes through the loop on the trap has to be made from a 16d nail as a 20d won't fit through. If you pm me your phone # I can text a pic. I can't get pictures downloaded on here for some reason.

Personally, I would leave the stock chain, there have been a lot of coyotes that have met their demise due to double loop chain.

That factory chain is strong leave to the first swivel.
Or use fencing staples and a nut to weld a swivel right on it.
Or add a PIT swivel there.

Buy large split washers (5/8" I believe). Open em up, put em on, close em back and tack weld on each side. Then attach your j-hook. I use to run a bunch of SCs and never had the split washer comprimised... and I used them for coyotes.

I use #3 chain. Open it up, slide it in and tac it shut. On a 1.5 I think one link and the swivel will lay under the free jaw when ya bed it
Works for me

Thanks everyone for the ideas. It gives me some things to try. Hopefully I will get to it on the next week. If I come up with any epiphanies I will let you all know.

That split washer idea is a good one- lock washer worked the best for me. Swivels made with Bob Custer's bender using nails work too. Fence staples work as mentioned above

Hey Nate,

I just used small lap links and welded them shut.

Bet a JC Conner rod swivel would work. http://www.jcconner.com/hardware.html

If you're going to weld something just cut the chain link, open it, put it over the clevis on the trap and weld it back together.

I'd take the attachment point off. I hate those things sticking me in the leg. But if you want it there, you could drill the rivets out, put in a D ring and weld it back on. Sounds like you can weld. I'd weld it whatever you do if you think coyotes are possible.

Thanks again for the info and new ideas. Yes I do have access to a welder so welding options are on the table. I have several non-trapping related projects going right now so I am a bit behind on getting these things finished up. I did make up a trappers bender this weekend similar to a Bob Custer model so I can make up a few parts. The split washers seem like an easy solution. I think I may do two or three different things to see what I like best. I will post pictures of them all when I get them done.