Lee,I use a setting tongs.Over the years ,I have tried most every kind of setters.I always go back to the tongs.
My reasons for this are simple,other types of setters are more difficult to use when a catch has been made,especially in deep water.The Tongs can be used when the trap is in any position.With other types of setters,your foot is used to hold it in position(this goes for the rope too).I have found this to be very difficult when in deep water,or muddy bottoms or when you have a large beaver in the trap.It is very hard to explain,but imagine trying to hold up a 70 pound beaver,so you can line up the spring eyes for a pull type setters.They work great for pre-setting traps,but just not my cup of tea for every day use.
I should make one comment about the non-tong setters--they require less strength to use --which is a big plus for younger trappers,and those with hand or arm problems.
Now lets get down to how I set my 330's:
#1--When you open the setters jaw,you will notice that each side has a notch cut into it.One notch is set so it goes over the top spring eye,the bottom notch goes on the bottom of the other spring eye(make sure the spring eyes are set all the way into the notches).The tong ends are then pulled together,this causes the spring to be compressed.When you have compressed the spring all the way flip the springs safety catch on.A POINT TO REMEMBER-----NEVER<NEVER LET GO OF THE SETTING TONGS,TILL AFTER THE SAFETY HOOK IS ENGAGED.If you do the spring will throw the tongs right at you,causing possible damage to parts of your body.
After the first spring is set,repeat the same thing with the other spring.
Next pull the top and bottom jaws of the 330 together,I then place a SAFETY GRIPPERS on the to compressed jaws,These grippers cost 6 to 7 bucks a piece--BUY THEM<USE THEM--you wont be sorry.
After I have the safety grippers secured over the jaws,I engage the trap dog into the trigger.
The trap is now ready to be set in place.Set the trap,remove the spring safeties and last remove the Safety Grippers.
Thats it--your 330 is ready to go.
Tom