Sorry I didn’t see this thread before you decided to buy those. You have about 2 months before the rust eats ’em up. I did some research on this. It seems that all of the Chinese imports use what’s called expanded metal. A sheet of tin that is pierced or slitted and then stretched to open up holes (or diamond shapes). Then they weld it around the hoops along with the tabs and hinges. The whole thing is dipped in a vinyl bath. When finished you have what looks to be a somewhat durable and economical purchase. When the trap goes in the water the pinholes in the vinyl allow water in and around the unseen metal. You take the trap out and hang it to dry… but instead the water is now trapped inside the vinyl and begins the process of rusting the already stressed metals(from stretching and welding). Do yourself a favor and buy the better traps. MADE IN THE U.S.A. Look for the mesh that has squares not diamonds. If you like black for less visibility in the water, paint it. I have been using the Gee’s G-40 galvanized (MADE IN THE U.S.A.)for years and never had any issues. The quality is ten times better and the halves fit together tighter than any Chinese galvanized or black vinyl. If you have any issues there is a number to talk to a real person that works there. Whew…sorry so long but that’s what I found out.
Gpop

I have been using the Gee’s G-40 galvanized for years. I tried the Chinese black vinyl junk and they always fell apart. You pay a little more for the Gee’s but the quality is unmatched. They fit tight and last a lot longer. I live close to the factory and I can buy the seconds there cheap. Plus all of the accessories They have this clip (it’s called an E-Z open) that you put on once and you never have to take the trap apart to bait or release your catch. check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKVCvHsXEtw.

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What do I look for in a trap?

What traps do you use? There’s alot to choose from.