Many say studding a regular jaw trap to offset dosnt allow lever lockup but if a coyotes foot holds jaws open 1/4” or whatever that measurement is the levers will be at the same height when foot is in studded or not. I’m going to stud my number 3 Montgomery’s to offset the right width to go easy on fox I release. Also the difference in lever height is very minimal even at 1/4” studding and with strong springs isn’t going to cause losses. I’ve caught wolves in these traps and jaws are open far more with levers considerably lower and only losses were from bending the base and pulling jaws out of trap which is why I’m base plating all my Montgomery traps as well as laminating them

3/16 is the answer to the offset. With this offset if your levers lock up high enough then you are golden.

I don't see what you're gaining by studding for an offset.

Your not gaining any lever height because you're not reshaping the jaws and creating the offset.

I suppose it could conceivably be easier on fox feet depending on how far your studding holds the jaws open. Do they even close to a 1/4" with a fox foot in them?

Just an idea, you've probably thought of or tried, but maybe play with the pan tension to eliminate fox catches also, or at least minimize. I release all reds here in nw iowa. Trying to establish a decent population.

Reds are finally coming back here which is great to see. I set my pan tension little over 3 lbs. my point was that studding to create offset won’t change lever height when foot is in the trap as on regular jaws the jaws will be held open by foot. On a factory offset levers are higher with same foot in trap. Just measure lever before and after stud placement, it’s minimal and in my opinion Is not going to make any difference.

You have to take the spring levers off and open the hole the jaws go through some to get the desired effect. I used a pair of vice grips to do that, one side at a time.....jk

Just go on the back side of the jaws where the levers rod and take some material off with he grinder. Takes like I minute and let's you make you jaws ride up as much as you want . Easy peasy

Never thought of that , will look at doing that thanks for the idea

Just got music wire #3 replacement springs for my Montgomery’s boy are they strong. Also ordered tahos lightning springs but sure won’t need those. Definitely need an offset now if releasing fox. Going to use fox and coyote legs I saved for testing for proper offset