How to Make Trapping Swivels

A trapping swivel is a device used in hunting which is meant to trap small and medium-size animals, such as squirrels and foxes. These devices may be purchased at outdoor and hunting stores or online. Making them is a skill especially useful for individuals who spend lots of time hiking and camping and who may want to create one of these devices out of materials kept in their survival kits.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4-inch gas pipe
  • 16D framing nails
  • Heavy duty scissors
  • Wire cutters
  • Drill with 5/32-inch drill bit
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Instructions

  1. Making Trapping Swivels

    • 1

      Cut the 3/4-inch gas pipe into 1/2-inch long pieces using the heavy duty scissors or wire cutters. Cut one 1/2-inch piece for each trapping swivel you want to make.

    • 2

      Place the 5/32-inch drill bit in the drill. Drill a hole all the way through one of the 1/2-inch pieces of gas pipe. You should now have a circular piece of gas pipe with two holes opposite each other. Repeat this step for each piece of 1/2-inch gas pipe.

    • 3

      Cut two of the nails down to 1 1/2 inches in length using the wire cutters. Repeat this step for each trapping swivel you plan to make.

    • 4

      Bend each nail slightly starting 3/8-inches away from the nail's head. As you bend, it may be helpful to grip the nail at the point at which you want to bend it using the wire cutters.

    • 5

      Insert each nail through one of the holes in the pipe. The nail should travel from the inside of the pipe to the outside. The nail's head will stop it from coming all the way through the hole.

    • 6

      Bend the end of each nail into a hook about 3/8-inch from the nail's point. These hooks allow the swivel to stay embedded in the ground.