Author Topic: Old rusty traps... (Read 2432 times)

IronKnees · « **on:** May 03, 2003, 03:31:29 AM »

I was wondering if any of you guys could tell me how to clean up some old traps that have hung in the barn for years and have gotten rusty. Back in the late 70's and early 80's I did quite a bit of trapping here in Indiana, and sold my share of coon skins, but have not done it for many years now... I know a great place to do a bit of trapping, but need to get my leg hold traps cleaned up... Thanks in advance. Dave

RdFx · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2003, 04:07:40 AM »

First of all use the term (foothold traps) not leg hold. Im not admonishing but suggesting. Sounds much better and if you use the right size trap you do target the foot. Now to clean rusty traps you can use muriatic acid like one gallon of muraitic acid and four gallons of water and put traps in. Be careful use eye protection and gloves and check every 15 mins or so. when traps get new metal looking take and flush in clean water or dip in another pail of water and baking soda. This methods works great but be careful as if you leave traps in toooooo loooong they will be gone or if traps are beyond saving the acid will eat right thru all the rusted thru parts. Another way is to boil in saniflush or Red Devil lye which is something to be careful with .. I use two cans of lye to 30 gallons of water and boil to traps clean. When traps look clean shut heat down and put hose or pour cold water in trap container till all rust and junk overflow out of trap container and then you can treat your traps with whatever method you would like. ANy more questions before you start ASK.

IronKnees · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2003, 04:14:38 AM »

Okay... I'll keep that in mind. I'm using 30 year old terminology, as you can tell... The traps are not badly rusted, since they have been dry, just hanging for years and years in the shed. In fact, if the darn things woudl fit into my tumbler, that would work fine, but obviously it's not big enough. I used to have access to a sandblaster, but no longer am associated with that company... I'll gather them all up and give this a go... Dave

RdFx · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2003, 04:29:57 AM »

If traps have just a minor surface rust and not deep crusty type then traps are okay to treat right away with boiling dye , cold dip or spray paint. A slight rust will help adhere dye or boiling dye properly. As with natural dyes such as sumac berries , oak, maple bark just brink traps and dye to boil , shut down and let set over nite and traps will be a nice black, brown ect when taken out next day. If going ofter canines , flush traps off with hose to get excess dye off if you are going to wax traps. This is IMPORTANT. All dye is used to help keep trap steel fm rusting ect. On my new canine traps i just boil , rinse, and wax. A canine cant tell a brand new shiny trap under ground lol. When they rust then i treat them in a year or two.. Happy trap fixing

IronKnees · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2003, 04:48:06 AM »

Okay, GREAT! Again, sorry about the "old" terminology. Leg hold was the term used back when I was trapping, but again, I'm an old fart and have not trapped in about 30 years. As you said, my traps do only have a slight surface rust, so I should be in good shape. I had never thought of spay painting them... what kind would you use? I have a ready supply of flat black Rust-Olium (spelling) Also, where would I get the dies you mentioned... Thanks so much for the fast replies... Dave

Bogmaster · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2003, 05:53:40 AM »

Ironknee,I have never used acid to clean rusty traps,as a matter of fact I only used sani flush once.I have a real hard time using caustic chemicals.Lee gave you great info on using them.My main tool for removing heavier rust is a steel bristle brush,it helps build muscles and hand eye coordination lol.
as for where to get dyes and dips, I carry them along with most other trapping supplies.My banner is at the top of this page.
Glad to see you getting back into trapping. Tom

Newt · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2003, 02:25:30 PM »

Since I got me a concrete mixer I will neaver boil a trap again.
I run water in the mixer barrel while tumbling the traps in pea gravel.
Then dip in FORMULA ONE But (ya'll new that)

RdFx · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2003, 03:15:46 PM »

The rustoleum flat spray paint is great for all conibears. i sprayed some about ten yrs ago and they are still good. Newts water based dip (Formula 1) is good and the differant other coatings available are also. Everyone has thier own idea to what works best for them . Im from the old school and i boil mine in sumac berries and then dry and wax seperately.

Ohiotrapper · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2003, 03:14:38 AM »

Lye will also work well for cleaning those traps up. I also use summac berries and they do a great job for me. i'm no old timer tho i'm only 17 :grin:

waksupi · « **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2003, 06:11:10 PM »

Try the link below. I've used it on relic guns, knives, traps, all kinds of things. Works great!

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/rust/electrolytic_derusting.htm

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2003, 03:46:47 AM »

I cold dip my traps (you dilute the dip with lantern fuel). The rust you are speaking of is a plus for the dip wil hold well. I dilute the dips out 1:5 and get a light coating. No boiling no hot wax.

Many say that the coyotes and fox shy from these traps...I only trap coyote and cats and I catch, what can I say.