dip questions

[T-Bar]

Hey guys....been awhile but I'm getting back into the trapping frame of mind again!!!

Saw the other post but still had a few questions. We're going to try dipping our traps for the first time this year as opposed to dye/wax. I just bought 2 quarts of it and I've got a few questions for you more experienced guys.

First of all how many traps will 1 quart do?
How much of a lantern fuel/white gas ratio do you mix? (not sure if the can of dip will say)
Probably a dumb question, but I'm guessing no heating correct?
How long do you need to let the traps soak...just look at them?

OK I think thats about it. Thanks guys!!!

ps - Tom I may be a Minnesotan before long...applied for a few NRCS jobs over there...I may hit you up for some more trapping questions if thats where I end up.

-Keith

[Bogmaster]

 Keith, no heat---no heat-----.There should be directions on the can.Usually 3 or 4 Qts of fuel to 1 of dip.You may want to try a couple traps with the lesser amount,to see how you like them.I qt will dip quite a few,on my 330s ,I dip them in a plastic sweater box,I swish it back and forth,and then flip the trap over and repeat.
 Your questions are always welcome.
 Tom

[MChewk]

I just grab a clean bucket (with a good lid IF you can find one), shake the the dip can hard for a few minutes, pour contents into bucket, pour the lantern fluid into the empty dip can and then pour into bucket, I like to go 5 cans (empty dip can) of lantern fluid to one container of dip. Stir with a stake and start dipping. Just get the trap wet and remove from dip for a few seconds let excess dip drip off, then lay on a clean surface or better yet hang them out in the air. NOTE:  NO MATCHES, NO SMOKING, NO HEAT..in fact make sure you have good ventilation.

Also be sure traps are clean...free of gunk,excess rust and for coilspring traps clean out springs..usually some mud in there. For modified traps watch for blood, tissue, hair in between jaw lam.s
Hope this helps.

[T-Bar]

Good advice and yes it helps...kinda figured about not heating with lantern fuel and all...I don't need any flashbacks of the 4th of July at close range this weekend.

Thought of 1 more question...is it a good idea to NOT dip K-9 traps? I'm thinking smell with the fuel?

I think as far as ease and performance we'll like the dip better for our water traps...just never really liked our results with the dye and wax.

Thanks again guys!!!

[MChewk]

I dip everthing..canine traps included. Fuel disapates if mixed correctly and allowed to dry.

[T-Bar]

I tell you what...I don't know if I'll ever go back to dye/wax again!!!

I really like the ease of use and the excellent results I got from dip...best part is that it even stuck to our new un-rusted traps. We had good drying weather...80's, dry and windy. Plus another bonus we were able to start one of our brush piles on fire with what we had left over. 

Any of you guys ever go back to dye for some things...or is it once you go dip you never go back?

[Wackyquacker]

I dip all my traps and as MCKewk I dilute 1:5 with latern fuel (naptha).  One thing that may cause some problems is storing dipped traps in containers...I don't do this there is no reason.  Hang the traps in the full sun until you load them into your truck.  Unlike wax, the dip dosen't absorb odors from the surrounding.  In saying this, I am not suggesting that the traps can be stored over a sewer, fire or in an area of intense odor.  I like to dip my traps when the metal is warm to hot from the heat of the summer sun; the dip seems to adhere better and form a thin even coating.

[RdFx]

Ditto on what Wacky says.  ANother thing i did in past  was when traps were all DRY i would put them in boxes with  native vegetation  of the  area (that im trapping in) .  If the traps picked up any ordor it was from the natural vegetation.   Wackys idea of hanging out works fine too as ive also hung my traps after dipped in evergreen trees ( red and white pine trees) till used.   Happy trapping!

[trappnman]

any may use whatever they like and good luck to them..I used wax/dye, then went to dips for many years, then to F-1, and now back to wax/dye and I will never use anything but wax/dye on my canine traps again.

I've made extensive tests that satisfy me- where the only variable was the type of trap prep covering-

The difference is clear. there is a reason that most that specialize in yotes dye and wax. Most have tried other methods, and go back.

All my water traps and coon traps are dipped in F-1 with good results.