Is there a type of pull switch that requires much less force to operate than a bathroom switch?

[Bill Edwards]

Reed switch seems to make the most sense by far. Zero resistance, zero false alerts whenever something catches the wire.

I can see the point of knowing when a trap is sprung, sometimes I've known vermin to go in ten minutes after emptying the last one, then again and so on. Knowing when it's empty could catch a lot more in the same evening.
Also, if it's a live catcher it's more humane to go dispatch it sooner rather than in 12 hours time.

 

[Migmac]

Reed switch seems to make the most sense by far. Zero resistance, zero false alerts whenever something catches the wire.

I can see the point of knowing when a trap is sprung, sometimes I've known vermin to go in ten minutes after emptying the last one, then again and so on. Knowing when it's empty could catch a lot more in the same evening.
Also, if it's a live catcher it's more humane to go dispatch it sooner rather than in 12 hours time.

It's a fenn trap,if set correctly what ever it catches is dead. I presume it's rats that are being targeted, they are/ can be very wary of fresh scent.

 

[outofthefire]

Personally i'd keep it simple and make a "flag" using a tritium bead pulled up by your fishing line, no electrics or battery to go flat.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trigaligh...hash=item3f72235a02:m:m2d_-KFLa9lFosBaZDKpdcA

 

[mart]

I take it you using a cage as a tunnel for your fenn, otherwise even with a light your not going to see if the trap is sprung or not. I would just check it in the daylight

The idea was to have a shortish length of line, one end fastened on the jaw of the trap and the other end of the line fastened on to the lever of a microswitch. From the switch would be a the wires/battery/bulb. The bulb would not be inside the box.

I can see if the trap has been triggered in a moring by looking through the window-I have a 6" length of insulation tape attached to the jaw in set mode. Once the trap has activiated the tape dissaperes inside the box.

 

[8ob]

How about a pressure pad ? this one works in the 0-1llb range https://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Sens...82957904&sr=8-15&keywords=pressure+sensor+mat

 

[Migmac]

The idea was to have a shortish length of line, one end fastened on the jaw of the trap and the other end of the line fastened on to the lever of a microswitch. From the switch would be a the wires/battery/bulb. The bulb would not be inside the box.

I can see if the trap has been triggered in a moring by looking through the window-I have a 6" length of insulation tape attached to the jaw in set mode. Once the trap has activiated the tape dissaperes inside the box.

Yep, I know the bulb wasn't going to be in the tunnel. Having been in the game keeping industry all my working life, simple is best. A flag is a good idea though, keeps you from disturbing the trap and leaving scent

 

[mart]

Migmac, I`m interested in what you are suggesting. Can you tell me how the "flag" system works? -I`ve never heard of that. Also, can this system be of help at night time? Thanks.

 

[normspanners]

what about one of those battery led lights that have pirs built on them just put it inside the trap the rat will light it up when in there they have magnets on them I have them stuck to the filing cabinets for the dogs when they go though the kitchen to go out the dog flap iirc they are about 3inch dia and £3.99 aldi take 2 AA batteries

 

[mart]

View attachment 98721 View attachment 98721

I'm guessing when the trap door swings down, the flag pivots on the same axis and ends up sticking upwards?

As in when the door is open, the flag bring attached to the door is pointing downward, as the door closes, the flag rotates into a vertical position

I realise now that Migmac was not meaning a flag in the literal sense. What he meant was a "method of flagging up" that the trap had been activated. I already have this system in place-the insulation tape attached to the trap is visible when the trap is set. When the trap is activated by a rat, the tape is pulled inside the box , and that "flags up" to me that my attention is required.

mrfuzzzy, there is no trap door & no flags, Have a look at these photos.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Use a fishing indicator that attaches to the line and tells fisherman he has a bite ?
Just search for "bite indicator" on eBay

 

[mart]

It's a fenn trap,if set correctly what ever it catches is dead. I presume it's rats that are being targeted, they are/ can be very wary of fresh scent.

Mr Magmac is correct in what he asserts

 

[Migmac]

Mart, they are the best looking tunnels/ boxes for traps I've seen

 

[mart]

They are fine looking tunnels Migmag, but I cannot take credit for making these particular ones.