The Mk II TubeTrap

Description

The Mark II TubeTrap has been under development and in production for over ten years (click here for a history of the development of the TubeTrap). It was designed to be a humane and very efficient live-catch trap for small mammals, with many advantages over existing traps. Its cylindrical design makes it extremely strong for its weight and excludes sharp concave or convex corners. It is produced entirely in plastic, which is an inherently softer and warmer material than metal for trapped animals. The trap has two main parts which click together with an easy push-fit mechanism. Firstly, there is a twin-walled nestbox which gives added insulation in cold conditions. It has ventilation holes at the closed end and with a completely curved inner surface it is very easy to clean. Secondly, there is a tunnel with an adjustable and highly sensitive trip mechanism. The roof of the tunnel can be opened fully and the flat tunnel floor, with no side walls, allows easy cleaning. The whole TubeTrap can be dissembled and re-assembled simply by snapping the parts together. This means that any damaged parts can be easily and cheaply replaced.

New Specification of the Mark II TubeTrap

Greatly improved treadle mechanism to prevent accidental trips

• Smaller and lighter treadle with a single leg.
• Redesigned geometry to ensure the trap remains set when knocked, even at the lightest trip-weight.
• Longer door-spring provides more even tension, so the door closes more gently.
• Redesigned door catch provides less resistance, so the door closes more easily.

New features to prevent rain and snow impeding closure

• Tunnel floor has flutes on either side to encourage rain run-off.
• Redesigned door with new stop to prevent it closing flat on the tunnel floor.
• Door pin sockets have new shape to shed water and dirt more easily.

Affordable conversions kits to upgrade existing traps are available here.

Specification of the Original Mark I TubeTrap

Innovative Shape & Materials

• All-plastic construction for zero corrosion and self-lubricating parts.
• Multi-coloured plastic provides excellent camouflage.
• Cylindrical design provides extremely strong construction.
• Smooth profile with no sharp corners allows easy placement and removal in dense vegetation.
• Double-walled nestbox for excellent insulation. Keeps warm in winter, cool in summer and reduces condensation.
• Simple and strong push-click mechanism for locking tunnel into nestbox – cannot accidentally spring open.
• Hinged tunnel opens through 180° for ease of access and cleaning.
• Unobstructed tunnel baseplate for ease of cleaning.
• Smooth internal profile to prevent harm or escape – no small convex edges to gnaw.

Sensitive & Efficient Treadle Mechanism

• Extremely sensitive trip mechanism allows minimum setting of 3g.
• Easily adjustable trip weights with clearly visible setting.
• Counter-balanced, articulated treadle mechanism reduces accidental tripping.

Bottom-hinged Trap Door

• Spring-loaded door to ensure quick & clean closure even when traps are tilted at up to 45°.
• Bright white door and distinctive shape make it clearly visible in both open and closed positions – even at night.
• Door catch to prevent escapes – easily released allowing one-handed setting in situ.
• Prebait lock with simple 90° twist mechanism – highly visible, so it can be seen clearly at night – virtually impossible to leave the trap accidentaly locked open.

Additional Features

• The tunnel fits inside the nestbox for easy storage.
• All parts snap-fit together, allowing easy assembly and replacement of damaged parts – even in the field.
• Swivelling foot provides increased stability.
• Transparent name-plate holder allowing user-defined numbers and user’s details to be displayed clearly.

Dimensions