Understanding And Using Wolf Fang Trap Anchors: A Guide

Understanding Wolf Fang Anchors

Wolf fang anchors have become a popular tool for trappers in recent years. These unique anchors allow trappers to securely fasten traps and snares to the ground. In this article, we'll explore what wolf fang anchors are, why trappers use them, and how to properly set them up.

What Are Wolf Fang Anchors?

Wolf fang anchors consist of two metal paddles that can pivot. They have large, fang-like teeth protruding from them. When the paddles are inserted into the ground and pulled up, the teeth dig into the soil to hold the anchor firmly in place.

The two paddles are connected by a swivel pin in the middle. This allows them to flex and conform to the contours of the ground. Some wolf fang anchor models feature dual swivels to provide even more flexibility and strength.

Once in place, the high carbon steel teeth have tremendous hold strength in most soil conditions. Tests show their gripping strength often exceeds 500 pounds of pull force.

Advantages Over Traditional anchors

Wolf fang anchors have some key advantages over old-fashioned trap anchors like drags, grapples, and stakes:

• Hold traps solidly without pulling out under pressure
• Low profile design is very discreet when buried
• Can be used even in hard, frozen, or rocky ground
• Lightweight and compact for carrying many in your pack
• Reusable for countless sets year after year

These benefits make wolf fang anchors ideal for securing foot traps and snares on land sets. Their extreme gripping strength prevents captured animals from escaping by pulling the anchor loose.

How to Install Wolf Fang Anchors

Installing wolf fang anchors takes a bit of practice but becomes very easy with experience. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Select a spot for your trap or snare set. Look for an area of soft, loamy soil if possible.
2. Use a garden trowel, hammer, or anchor driver to dig a hole 3-4 inches deep.
3. Grasp the two sides of the anchor paddles together so teeth interlock.
4. Insert the interlocked anchor straight down into the hole you dug.
5. Holding the top swivel loop, push the anchor deeper until paddles rest flat on the bottom of the hole.
6. With paddles still fully inserted, tug firmly up on the swivel to engage teeth into soil.
7. Allow paddles to pivot outward underground as you pull up until the swivel reaches ground level.
8. Attach your trap or snare securely to the exposed swivel using a stake swivel or anchor hook.
9. Carefully replace surface debris over the area to camouflage the set.

It can take a few attempts to get the right feel. But once mastered, you can easily install wolf fang anchors quickly and efficiently on sets.

Material and Modifications

Most wolf fang anchors today are forged from high carbon steel for strength and resistance to rust. Models with thicker 3/16 inch steel paddles are preferred for maximum durability.

The swivels and connection points are also typically brass, steel, or weatherproof nickel-coated materials that won't seize up.

There are various modifications of wolf fang anchors available too. Deep bury models feature extra long teeth. Quick-attach anchors have carabiners built into the swivel. Offset and double fang designs also give enhanced holding power in specific setups.

Using Wolf Fang Anchors for Trapping Sets

The extreme holding strength of wolf fang anchors makes them very popular for securing leg-hold traps, foot snares, and body-grip traps:

Foothold Traps

The toothed paddles give an anchored foothold trap the strength to hold big game like wolves, coyotes, and bobcats from pulling free. This allows traps to be set more aggressively in open areas.

Foot Snares

Snares need reliable anchors to achieve the sudden stops that humanely catch foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and other fur bearers. Wolf fangs prevent loosening or pull-through.

Body-Grip Traps

For killer-style Conibear traps around dens or bait, wolf fangs keep the frames solidly in position to intercept passing animals.

The flexibility of anchors also allows anchoring devices very close to the trap pan without impeding function. Creativity and experimentation lead to constantly improving sets. Wolf fangs open many new possibilities for advanced trappers.

Conclusion

Wolf fang anchors usher in a new generation of reliable DIY trap anchors. Their unparalleled strength and simplicity empower trappers to create very lethal yet low impact sets for everything from raccoons to bobcats.

With practice, most trappers find installing wolf fangs quicker and easier than old fashioned stakes or grapples. And the holding power often exceeds 500 pounds in soil tests. This exceptional grip, combined with their swiveling flexibility and low profile, make wolf fang anchors a staple of modern traplines.

FAQs

How strong is the holding power of wolf fang anchors?

Tests show that properly installed wolf fang anchors can resist over 500 pounds of pull force in most soil conditions. Their extreme gripping strength comes from the angled high carbon steel fangs digging into the ground.

Can wolf fang anchors be used in frozen winter ground?

In many cases, yes. The steel fangs can penetrate through lightly frozen soil to grip into earth underneath. Use an anchor driver tool to install them in harder frozen ground.

Do the anchor paddles need to be fully buried?

For maximum holding strength, the paddles should be completely underground. This allows the fang teeth to pivot outward unobstructed and dig at opposing angles into the soil for resistance in all directions.

How long do wolf fang anchors last?

Constructed from thick 3/16 inch high carbon steel, wolf fang anchors are extremely durable when cared for. Regular trappers report getting over a decade of reuse out of a set before needing replacement.