Step 1 - Main Components

These are the main components of the Collarum™: the throw mechanism with the cable support arms and the trigger, the cinch spring, and the capture cable.

Step 2 - Mount the cable support arms

The throw mechanism will arrive assembled except for the cable support arms, which need to be mounted. When mounting the arms, the open portion of the cable clip should face down as the throw mechanism lies on the ground in the uncocked position. Another way of looking at is the channel of the clip should match the channel of the baseplate. The arms will mount on the inside of the throw lever.

Because of varying uses as well as individual preferences, no pull cap or cable anchor system are installed.

Step 3 - Attaching Bait Cap

This illustration shows two types of bait caps. The "T" caps will help orient the animal's head in the direction of cable throw, but are larger and may be intimidating or suspicious to some animals. The smaller vertical cap is a more traditional M-44 cap. I pack cotton or wool in the openings to hold the scent. I wrap the "T" caps with Vet wrap and then dip in paraffin and beeswax or glue sheepskin to them. The T is pushed down over the notched trigger upright with the top of the "T" sitting perpendicular to the trigger bar and the notch in the T around the bar. You can use wire or a cotter pin to secure the T by drilling holes to match with the hole in the trigger upright. The 1/2" soaker hose caps push down over the upright. They deform some and tightly grip the upright. Other bait caps can also be used.

Step 4 - Attach Anchor System to Cable

The anchor system I normally use for live-capture is a 53 lb. in-line cushion spring. I use a chain link at each end for better flexibility and attach to a double-stake swivel. Bullet stakes are also popular anchor devices and the cushion spring can be used between the stake cable and the capture cable. Regardless of what anchor system is used, please follow instructions on where to anchor the cable for most effective firing.

Step 5 - Adjust Trigger Tension

Before cocking the trap, you should check the trigger tension. To adjust the tension simply tighten or loosen the bolt that attaches the trigger to the base. This varies the amount of friction provided by the nylon spacers. The Collarum™ arrives with very slight or no tension. This makes the trap fairly "hair triggered". Very light tension will prevent trigger creep and possible misfires. More tension will produce a trap that excludes smaller animals. Keep in mind that ground conditions could make the trigger harder to pull once it is buried, so generally little or no tension is needed.

Step 6 - Attach Cinch Spring

The next step is to attach the cinch spring. First, place the end of the spring with the small coil into the hole in the base plate. Rotate and maneuver the spring so the leg slides into the hooked slot on the opposite side of the base. The small coil will be centered below the hole in the base plate. The end of the hook should point in the same direction as the trigger. The spring should be held lightly in place.

Step 7 - Prepare to cock the throw mechanism

Before engaging the cinch spring, you'll need to cock the throw mechanism. I find the tailgate of my pickup works well, but any solid, relatively flat surface will do, e.g., a 2 X 4 or small piece of plywood, even a flat rock. Begin with the arms closest to you, the trigger furthest away. Raise the arms to vertical, then use body weight to depress them toward the trigger. Slightly lift the trigger. When the hook, or "dog", portion of the trigger comes through the hole where the arms are mounted, depress the trigger to lock the "dog" in place. Release your weight and the trap is cocked.

Step 8 - Throw mechanism cocked.

Remember, you should maintain downward pressure on the trigger to prevent the throw mechanism from firing. (This is different from most traps where you maintain upward pressure on the trigger or pan to prevent firing.) If you maintain downward pressure, this trap is very easy to handle with no risk of accidental firing.

Step 9 - "Safety pin"

If desired, you can use a "safety pin"--a beveled and grooved 1/2" wooden dowel inserted around the trigger dog--to further secure the trap.

Step 10 - Engage the cinch spring

Now engage the cinch spring by squeezing the legs together enough to free the hook portion of the spring and guide it into the slot on the side of the throw mechanism. The trap is now fully cocked and ready to place.