Dyeing Traps???

[GummyMonster]

Best holiday wishes all.
Looking for some advice.
Need to clean dye and wax some traps. I know buying logwood crystals would be the simple route, but I would have to mail order them and I just feel like using the "do it myself route". I am going to boil them in lye water, then a dye solution, then wax.
These legholds hav been in storage for 30+ years, so I think a bit of T.L.C.
is warranted. All good recipes and advice wanted

Thanx in advance and
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!!!
:evilgrin::evilgrin:Kenny K.

[pitw]

Do you think these trap's you want to dye and wax will be legal to use as trap standard's have changed a mite in 30 year's. If they are I'll be happy to help just shoot me a pm.
Barry

[sourdough doug]

Firstly, keeping in mind the legalities, there are not many applications where the long springs can be used anymore, possibly gophers,muskrat mink and weasel. However, I have used tree bark and spruce bows to dye my traps and boil them for several hours. Use whatever shrubs and trees that are native to your local, more specific, to where you are setting..

[GummyMonster]

Thanx for the posts guys. I should have added that yes, these traps are for weasels only. Smaller legholds that I used to put bait on the pan and put the trap fairly high off the ground. Worked very well as a killing trap this way.
My understanding of the trap certification info is these are still legal to use as a date to switch to the rat traps has not been established.

Saw this product after my oiginal post - N/B Formula 1 Instant Kote in Halford hides catalog. What are your views or experience with it???

Thanx again for the help
:evilgrin:Kenny K.:evilgrin:

[pitw]

I guesss it's what you want out of the experience. Logwood does a good job and Sourdough doug's traditional way does a good job of dyeing. I have not used the Formula 1 Instant Kote but have talked with other's who like it. For waxing I have an electric oven type thing that I fill with wax that I can immerse the whole trap in [4 #3 softcatch at once]. I like electic in that I can regulate the heat and there is no open flame to start a fire. Be careful with the wax as it becomes very volatile and should be done outside in my opinion.

[McLeod Valley]

Got a can of speed dip from Halfords, it did a good job but when I handle them traps it is still coming off on my gloves , did'nt wax'em maybe thats why though.

[222rem]

However, I have used tree bark and spruce bows to dye my traps and boil them for several hours. Use whatever shrubs and trees that are native to your local, more specific, to where you are setting..

X2

Add wax to the water as you boil them . Then when you pull the traps out they will have a coat of wax on them .