Connibear type traps - setting tool?

dstig1 · Mar 12, 2012

So I've got a cute-and-fuzzy bunny taking up residence under my front sidewalk. In the city right now, so shooting is out of the question. I borrowed a 110 Connibear from a friend but it is pretty rusty and has tripped a couple times with no effect (may not be working well). The rabbit or two I have seen around is pretty fat and well fed, so I'm thinking he may be too big to fit in that small trap. So I went to Fleet Farm to get the next size up - a 160. I can't squeeze and hold the springs on this thing well enough to get it set. There is supposed to be a simple scissors-style tools to do it but they don't have it.

I'm looking for rough dimensions on the tool. Best I can tell it is ~20" long, and looks like it is something like 1"x1/4" flat bar, with hooks cut into one end of each, and the pivot point about 1/3 up from the hooks. Can anyone confirm or give me better dimensions? Nothing too critical, I just want it to work without a bunch of experimenting.

Thanks!

Depmandog · Mar 12, 2012

The dimensions you provided should work, although I would be tempted to make it a few inches longer say 26", with the pivot at 8". That should handle the larger traps as well.

Here is a YT showing a setter in action. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRQxdvT0J8I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

SPIKER · Mar 12, 2012

I set my 220 by hand nothing too hard just need some leather gloves so the rusty spring steel dont cut your hand.

Mark

dstig1 · Mar 12, 2012

Mark - Yeah well I ain't that big, nor are my hands. I can't squeeze it, hold it with one hand and get the safety hook on. Tools are why we are (still) ahead of the apes! :laughing: So I'm going to make one!

Thanks Dean. I'll just get some flat bar and have at it, if I don't hear any other folks chime in. Probably just get a 4' stick and cut it in half. Drill, grind,grind and a bolt should do it...

Waldershrek · Mar 12, 2012

I bought one years ago but you could easily make one. Just a couple pieces of flat iron with a notch in each one at the end.

dstig1 · Mar 12, 2012

Yeah I get that, but a couple dimensions would help...That's all I'm looking for. I probably have enough to go on based on what I've read here and on the web...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRQxdvT0J8I]Conibear 220, 280 and 330 Set with Basic Setters - YouTube[/ame]

MadJack · Mar 13, 2012

If you set a 160 on the ground . . . in the city . . . you could be asking for trouble. Most states it is illegal [get you a ticket] not to mention if you catch your neighbors cat or small dog you'll have to live with a P.O.ed neighbor.

All I'm saying is know the law and C.Y.A.

sailfast · Mar 13, 2012

You have to be kidding, right?

Rabbits!

You are trapping rabbits???

First of all they in season?

Second, why in the **** would you hurt a harmless animal like that?

You are one cruel person. Do you torture dogs too?

dstig1 · Mar 13, 2012

Madjack - Good point but there are no dogs or cats around the neighborhood loose, ever. It is a bit surprising.

Sailfast - Grow up. It is A (singular) rabbit (you know - a rodent) that is destroying property. No different than a squirrel in your attic or mouse in your house.