I know there are short chain folks and long chain folks and this question is for the long chainers. How long are most of your chains for what target? (solid fastened) And why?

I add 2' of #3 straight link chain to my MB550's. I do not run any shock absorber and fasten solid to a wolf fang cable stake. The reason i run longer chain is because that is what i was taught and after comparing the feet with a short chain trapper, i will stick with what i was taught!

I would like to here a lot more on this topic.

Mine end up about 2 ft long with 3 swivels in there.I have tried both short and long over the years and that is what I settled on for different reasons.My biggest factor is weather related.The one year I tried the short chain thing I had problems with mud,snow and ice clogging up swivels and creating problems.On the short chain the swivels are in contact with the mud and snow more,the chain is digging into the sides of the trap bed as the animal fights,the chain and swivels get clogged up and freeze or bind.If you lengthen the chain out and spread the swivels out over a longer chain that does not happen.That is my main reason for choosing longer vs the short chains.

lyonch, is that factory chain+2' or do you swap it out?

Short chain and my own enclosed swivels with springs. No room to pump, not room for the K9 to do tug of war.

Stake, quick link, my swivels, two links of chain, my swivels, two links of chain, an MB with a quick link.

IF he does the vertical jump, the cross stake or double earth anchor plant his nose back in the trap bed. A few times and he will peter out.

RJ Cooper, I use short chains but I am inquiring of the long chain fellows about thier preference. Now, I have a question for you; why do you quick link your chain to the trap rather than fasten it with swivel?

I offset from center when I base plate. First swivel needs to be away from trap to have it's swivel action work. Also, I don't have to lug around chain for a remake. Just undo quick link and put new trap down. With the short chain setup that works for me, the only time I pull trap and chain is if critter is caught by rear foot.

To me speed and light weight are important.

Also, this is for K9's not coon.

My coon traps have long chains about 3'. Which when I run them in water on drowner cable/rod or chain is shorted to about a foot or less.

Thanks for the reply RJ Cooper