Storing Traps With Springs Depressed Has Little Effect

Q: Does it weaken the springs of bodygrip-type traps if you leave the safety hook in the set position year-round? I have been doing it for several years because it saves time and they store better. — J.M., Michigan

Jim Spencer Responds:
If you measure the spring strength of the traps on a machine, the answer to your question would probably be “yes.” However, in the real world, it doesn’t seem to make any discernible difference.

All my #330s are at least 10 years old. I know because I haven’t bought any in that length of time. And they’re all stored with the springs depressed, because, as you said, it makes them a lot easier to store and it saves time on the trapline. Those traps still kill beavers as well as they did when they were new.

Ditto on my #280s and #220s on beaver and otter, and ditto my #160s on ’coons.

If you have a grandson who traps, maybe when he’s an old man and is still using your stuff, he’ll notice the difference, but I seriously doubt you’ll ever notice it.

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