Drags, Grapples, Shock Springs, and Swivels

Drags and Grapples

• In some sets, traps can be attached to drags. Drags let the trapped animal move a short distance. A heavy tree limb is a common type of drag.
• Grapples also let the trapped animal move a short distance. Unlike drags, however, these devices do not use weight to limit the animal's movement. They are metal devices that dig into the ground or catch on vegetation. This limits the animal's movement.

Shock Springs

• These devices can be used with chains, stakes, drags, or grapples.
• They help hold animals, such as coyotes, that tend to lunge when trapped. They also might keep the animal from injuring itself.

Swivels

When using foothold traps or non-powered cable devices, swivels are very important. Swivels allow traps to move freely in the same direction as the animal's movement.

• Different types of swivels may be used to fasten a trap's chain to a stake. These swivels include lap-link swivels, stake swivels, universal (four-way) swivels, and cross-staking swivels.
• Universal swivels also may be used in the middle of a trap chain or can attach a chain to a trap at the center of the base plate.
• It is best to use two or more swivels with a foothold trap.
• Various swivels may be used with sliding locks to construct a submersion set.

Responsible trappers use high-quality swivels to construct effective, humane sets. If swivels are not used correctly with live-restraining traps:

• A trapped animal may be able to twist the trap chain until it is easy to pull out of the trap or...
• A trapped animal may injure itself.