Yikes! I came across a trap that had ripped itself out of the base on catching a rat. The box was about 4 years old, screws were galv and quite corroded. Makes me super nervous that the trap could rip out while you’re setting it, especially on older boxes where the wood has softened up or screws have corroded. I know you’re supposed to be able to set just with fingers through the handle, but in reality this only works with a shiny new trap. Is this an issue anyone else has come across? Pretty keen not to lose my fingers!
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Yes. Quite common with old boxes. I always check the base as I’m pulling up the kill bar to set. Any movement of the trap or screws and I tighten up the screws before setting. Quite often that doesn’t help and I need to move the trap very slightly so the screws go into another part of the base that isn’t so rotten.
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Hi A fairly common problem, I don’t know what length or gauge screws you used if you use the std 8 g screws you might just get away with going up to 10 g but you are probably better to just switch over to using 6mm Coach bolt and nut. that we use as std on our 250’s
Remember if you move the trap inside the box you need to check the distance from mesh to trap ( 5mm) and from side of box 5 -10 mm
you can just use a piece of 8 mm rope looped through the handle to set the trap or if you are handy you can make some hook type tools out of No8 wire and something like an old Broom handle cheers
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If the corroded screws were to problem I suggest you use resin coated screws. Resin coated screws are for use in tanalised timber and will last a lot longer than galvanised or stainless steel screws.
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Thanks folks - really appreciate the insights. Keep the suggestions coming! =)
Has anyone actually had one release and snap fingers on setting? Much damage done??
Not so far!
It’s one of the reasons why I always wear sturdy leather gloves when I trap. If I do get caught in a trap someday, they’ll limit the damage done and make it easier to get myself free. Remember to use the safety clips.
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If a full stainless steel trap you need to use stainless steel screws otherwise the galv screws sacrifice to the stainless steel trap and corrode quickly?
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With the potential for serious damage to one’s fingers if the screws let go (most likely at the point where setting the kill plate is just about to engage the trigger bar), I was wondering about the stats for this calamity? Do we have any idea of its historical occurrence?
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