Trapping Info
This page was last updated: April 5, 2009
For Education ~ Not For Profit
Snares and Snaring
Imformation from the Ohio Snaring Guide
The Modern Cable Snare
The modern cable snare is made of stranded steel cable. This cable comes in two basic configurations known as 7x7 and 7x19. The 7x7 cable consists of 7 strands of small diameter wire wound into a larger strand. Then, 7 of these larger strands are wound together to make the finished cable. The7x19 cable uses 19 very small wires wound into a strand with 7 of these strands making up the cable.
Steel Cable comes in several different sizes that designate the diameter of the cable. Cable measuring 3/32 of an inch in diameter is the most popular size for snaring.
Another intergral part of the modern cable snare is a sliding lock. A Snare loop is pulled closed, the lock slides down the cable. However, the lock will not slide in the opposite direction. This is what keeps the animal from backing out of the snare or shaking the snare off.
Locks come in a variety of shapes, forms, and configurations. Some states require by law a relaxing lock which is defined as a lock that stops exerting pressure when an animal quits pulling on it. Locks that use springs or other powering devices to hold them closed are not legal for use in many states.
Modern cable snares also have some device on the end of the snare for fastening it in place. The simplest form of this is a loop fashioned in the end of the cable. However, most snares utilize a swivel as an end fastening device. Swivels are highly recommended because they allow the animal
There are two basic types of cable. 7x7 cable hasseven large strands of cable each made of seven smallwires. 7x19 cable has seven large strands each madeof nineteen small wires.
How the Lock Works
The lock is a very important part of the snare. The lockcan only travel in one direction on the snare cable. The snare is set with an open loop so the animal can enterthe snare.As the animal pushes against the snare, the loop is drawn closed and the lock slides down the cable. Since the lock cannot travel backwards on the cable, it holds the loop closed and keeps the animal from escaping.

Locks
A wide variety of snare locks are available. The following are some of the more common types of snare locks.
<<<Washer Lock
This is one of the more commonly used snare locks. It is called a washer lock. A deer stop may be required with this lock.
"L" Lock>>>
This is an "L" lock. It functions inthe same manner as a washer lock. A deer stop may be required with this lock.
<<<"Thompson" Lock
This is a "Thompson" style lock. This lock was one of the earliestlocks developed for use with multi-strand steel cable. There areseveral other brand-name locksthat follow this design. A deer stop may be required with this lock.
"Reichart" Lock>>>
This is a "Reichart" lock. It is made from a bend washer. A deer stop may be required with this lock.
<<<"Cam" Lock
This is a "Cam" lock. The lever atthe bottom of the lock binds againstthe cable in a camming action tohold the lock closed. A deer stopmay be required with this snare.
"Gregerson" Lock>>>
This is a "Gregerson" lock. It is made of thin sheet metal. This lock will tear away from the snare cableif a force of approximately 350 pounds is applied.
Ferrules
Ferrules are used to hold the lock on a snare. They are also used to hold the swivel on a snare or form an end fastener on the snare. The ferrules are hammered or crimped onto the snare cable.
Special steel nuts are often used as ferrules. These nuts are heat treated to keep them from cracking when they are hammered on.
Another type of ferrule is made of coiled steel wire. The coil is slipped over the cable and hammered in place.
This ferrule is made of aluminum and is called a single aluminum ferrule. It is designed to hold one piece of cable.
This is a double aluminum ferrule. It is used to form a loopon the end of a snare cable.
some freedom of movement while its detained in the snare. They also help keep the cable from getting badly kinked and twisted as the animal is detained in the snare wich could possibly lead to breakage of the cable.
Ferrules are used to hold the lock and fastener in place on the snare. These ferrules are hammered or crimped into place on the snare cable. There three basic types of ferrules: aluminum, coiled steel wire, and annealed steel nuts.
Another component that may be found on a snare is a stop crimped on the cable that prevents the snare loop from closing past a minimum diameter. These are commonly known as deer stops because they allow deer to shake a snare off its foot should the deer get itsfoot caught in the snare. Be sure to check your state regulations to make sure you get the legal snaring information needed.
Snare Cable
Modern snares are made of multi-strand steel cable. Itis sometimes called aircraft cable. This cable is verystrong and can hold an animal alive over an extendedperiod of time. This eliminates the need to construct the snare as a lethal device. This piece of cable has been unraveled to show the individual strands.
Swivels
It is highly recommended that a snare be equipped with a swivel. The swivel provides a means for fastening the snare in place and also provides some comfort to the animal. A swivel also helps keep the snare cable from getting too badly kinked and twisted while the animal is detained in the snare. If a cable gets badly kinked and twisted, there is a possibility it could break allowing the animal to escape.
Some snares are equipped with simple loops on the end for fastening, however this is not recommended. You could, however, fasten a box-type swivel to the loop to provide for swiveling.
Deer Stops
Deer stops are installed on snares to prevent the loop from closing past a minimum diameter. This will prevent the snare from closing around a deer's foot if one of these animals should accidently encounter the snare.
A Used Snare
Unlike other trapping devices, snares can only be used once. After an animal has been caught in a snare,the cable will be bent and will no longer function properly. But all the mechanical parts may be able to be reused to make more snares.
Swivels for snares are most commonly made out of wire. These are some typical examples of wire snare swivels.

When a swivel is used on a snare, a small washer is placed on the cable to keep the swivel from binding against the end ferrule.
This snare swivel is made of stamped metal. Any type of swiveling device can be used for a snare swivel.
Deer stops are installed by crimping the stop onto the cable. At the left is a type of stop that can be added after the snare is assembled.At the right is a small nut used as a stop. It must be placed on the cable as the snare is assembled.
The deer stop keeps the lock from going past a certain point and keeps the snare from closing down completely.

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