Is there a way to offset the jaws on coilspring traps?

[coyote trapper1928]

Hi:

   Is there is an easy way to offset the jaws on regular coilspring traps? Would taking one trap jaw out and reversing it work?

                                                                             Thanks,

                                                                      coyote trapper1928

[RdFx]

Some trappers did take a jaw out and offset but alot of times the spring levers didnt come up very far even with trap set off and with an animals foot in there the levers would be lower yet and no holding power.  Some people weld a spot on one side of jaws  to keep jaw fm closing tight.  Usually on each side of one jaw.   Also some put a hog ring  just like you would weld on on side of the jaws.  This is a poor way to make a offset jaw trap.  You want your spring lever to come up high as possible  on jaws to have holding power.  THat is one of the main reason offset jaws were made is to get levers higher in a locked position creating holding power.

[Wackyquacker]

We have to have all our traps offset 3/16 of and inch.  What Rdfx wrote above is correct.  The lowering of levers by welding in offsets can be over come by grinding a slight concave into the outside of the jaws.  I've had no problems with this other than the pain in the bum!

[coyote trapper1928]

Thanks for the information. I was reading the results of BMP tests and I was trying to think of a way to offset the jaws on my traps. When the trapping BMP is put into place for NY, I think that offset jawed traps are going to become mandatory.

                                                          coyote trapper1928

[ALAN MCKENZIE]

Before I ever knew that you could buy offset traps we used to twitch a piece of fencing wire to the jaw of our 8 inch dog traps to make them offset...
You dont need much of a gap,as long as there is one..
Al