My first baby steps-

KATTRAKER

KATTRAKER

Active member
I have a coyote problem. A small pack of them have been terrorizing my neighborhood. I have tried to call them in several times and no luck. So I bought a couple leg hold traps to try another way to get them, if you will. Here was how I started-

 
Was the degreasing to speed up rusting for logwood dye? Or dripping (product like Full Metal Jacket) or are you going to paint the traps? I don't think you will be happy waxing new un-dyed traps. Correct pan tension is important, how the trap is prepped can effect the pan tension. MB have a different adjustment method than other traps.
 
When you set your trap in the bed that you have excavated, then you will bed it very firmly, pack the bedding material tightly so that the only thing will move is the pan.

Set the pan tension to hold a 6 inch pliers about, before firing, when you adjust that, obviously do that before you start.

Shift some dirt or bedding material and blend in a bit, maybe use a small stick or rock to steer the foot where you want.

Now you have got me wanting to catch the one that is pooping by my mailbox.
 
I use MB550’s as well. When I get a new shipment, I’ll throw them in a kiddie pool of Blue Dawn and let them soak for an hour then take out and rinse. I’ll then set each one and check pan tension…everyone I’ve ever got has been at 3lbs…just double check them.
If needed right away I’ll attach anchors or drags and go set. Haven’t caught a coyote yet that cares if it’s caught by a brand new shiny trap.
If I have a little time I’ll dip them in Zeps Floor Polish about 3 times letting them dry a day between each dip. Then I attach anchors or drags and set.
I’ve never understood why you want something to rust, lol.
If over time they do become rusty, I soak in vinegar and they’re back to shiny new traps again.
Again, I’ve yet to catch a critter that’s complained about being caught by a shiny trap.
 
I did paint them. The longer chain is...my ignorance? I am going to use earth anchors with cables....open to suggestions
 
In ground I can actually pound an anchor in, I use chained Super Stakes just connected with a quick link. I just connect to the swivel on the end of the chain of the trap.
 
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