It might be a bit premature to mention these trigger units as they have not yet been put to the test, but I am kind of excited out the prospect of perhaps, finally having a “break away, removable” trigger unit that will not be easily damaged by raccoons etc. I believe these new magnetic trigger wire units will work as a replacement trigger for the 9×11 and 12×12 traps at the very least and might even work on the 12×18 beaver trap too. Even if this unit is not the end game, we believe that it is a step in the right direction.
For a long time we have been working on a simple, easy replacement trigger for a host of reasons. Exploring several ideas and experimenting, we did not find exactly what we wanted for some time, but kept plugging along with no intent to surrender until a replacement trigger setup was found. Again, I will qualify this by saying, it is brand new and not tested, but shows a lot of promise.
Recently we found a small powerful magnet with the right configuration and correct strength with which to attach soft 14 gage wire and perhaps even 12 gage wire. The magnet will simply stick to the swing bar, with trigger wires extending into the trap as before. With enough power in the magnet to hold the unit firmly in place, the animal will fire the trap, but with a twist. When confronted with an agitated raccoon, the primary critters that inflict trigger wire damage, this trigger will simply fall away and drop to the bottom of the cage after the catch is made, out of the way.
What we are hoping for is that when the wire rests on the cage floor the raccoon will have little interest in it, as shown when standard traps are set with the triggers coming from the bottom. Because of the swing bar trigger with 1/2 inch wide mounting surface, the magnet will pop right on and match the bar. Once it is loose after falling away, a raccoon will have little or no purchase or resistance with which to work against the trigger wires to bend and break them. Since a coon should not fight the wire there should be little or no straightening. Due to the size of unit and magnetism, the until will remain with the trap and should not be lost, sticking to the cage wires or frame.
The advantage of having a unit function like this is (1) to speed resetting, saving on wire straightening or wire replacement time. Also, any (2) wire straightening or replacing can be done outside of the cage in your hands, hopefully without tools. (3) This unit can be popped on where you want them, (4) as many or as few as you like and easily moved up or down the swing bar, positioned where you want them. (5) Triggers can quickly be made into a loop or attached at center with two separate wires protruding into the trap as usual, your choice. (6) There is a wing nut for quick wire swapping (7) with components made of stainless to resist rust. (8) Using soft wires and or loops, animals risk little chance of being poked.
The magnets appear to be compatible with the powder coating. If more trigger strength is your choice, twisting wires together from two separate units effectively doubles the strength of the trigger wires.
