I got out my Sullivan tester out and checked the pan tension. They average between 2.5 and 3lbs. Some of the weaker traps are in the 2lb range and the few four coils I have are 4lbs. How do you adjust pan tension on a 550?
You bend the dog down to lighten the pan tension and up to increase it. A little change can make a big difference so go slow at first until you get and idea of how much you need. The easiest way I have found to do it in the field is by laying the dog across a rebar stake and gently tapping it with my trapping hammer. Obviously this is not very precise and it is best to do it at home where you have the ability to be more precise.
I did mine in a bench Vice. You bend down the ends like Tim said. If I remember correctly each 10 degrees bend is a pound.
Great thanks. I’ll give it a try
The 4 coils are hard to lower the pan tension on. I never seen the need to lower the tension on the 2 coil after they are waxed.
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Not looking to lower pan tension. May up the pan tension on the traps with 2lb though.
Sorry I misunderstood you. 4 coiling them typically adds 1 1/2-2lbs pan tension