How to Make a Snare Lock

Snares are effective tools for trapping foxes, coyotes and other animals. They are inexpensive to build and their light weight makes it easy to transport and use a lot of them. The snare lock is an integral part of the snare. It allows the snare to tighten around the animal's neck, but it won't release and potentially allow the animal to escape. You can buy snare locks from trapping supply companies or build your own.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 feet of 3/32-inch 7x7 or 7x19 cable
  • 3/8-inch washer
  • ¼-inch nuts, 2
  • 1/8-inch washer
  • Trapping swivel
  • Vice
  • Drill
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
  • Hammer
  • File
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Instructions

  1. Forming the Washer Lock

    • 1

      Drill two holes on opposite ends of the 3/8-inch washer using a 1/8-inch drill bit.

    • 2

      Remover any metal burrs from drilling with a file.

    • 3

      Pinch the washer vertically in the vice, leaving half of the washer exposed above the vice jaws, including one of the drilled holes.

    • 4

      Hammer the washer over to create a 90-degree bend.

    Creating the Snare, Lock and Swivel

    • 5

      Slide the cable through one of the drilled holes in the washer. Slide it on so the part of the washer forming the acute angle goes on first.

    • 6

      Slide a ¼-inch nut onto the very end of the cable and flatten it in the vice to form a stop to prevent the washer from sliding off the cable.

    • 7

      Form about an 8-inch loop in the cable and thread the opposite end of the cable through the other drilled hole in the washer. Run it through the hole on the acute angled side first and out the back.

    • 8

      Slide the trapping swivel onto the opposite end of the cable. Slide the narrow part on first, with the open loop end at the back.

    • 9

      Slide the 1/8-inch washer onto the cable behind the swivel.

    • 10

      Slide the other ¼-inch nut onto the very end of the swivel end of the snare and crimp it in place with the vice.