The end stops
End stops as trappers call them or otherwise known as Ferrules, are the components that make everything in a snare stay together. Notice they are double and single barrel. The double is used to form loops in the cable while the single is used to secure swivels and generally keep all the parts on the snare. These are easily smashed or crimped onto the cable for a secure hold. End stops come aluminum, copper and steel. Fig. 3 above is using steel as it is a big game snare that requires much more holding power.
Steel end stops require a crimper or machinery to apply the end stop. You can however use an alternative which is heat tempered steel nuts. You can purchase these or make them yourself. We will cover making these in a different article. For now we are focusing on the aluminum stops.
The Micro Lock
We use the micro lock on all of our snares. In our opinion it is the best lock due to its fast closing action and minimal pelt damage. This component is installed on the snare loop end and is the main “business part” of a snare. Without a lock, they prey will escape once tension is released on the snare. The image (top right) shows the micro lock installed on the cable.
Snare Support Collar
The snare support collar is used to support your snare loop at different heights and allows for better positioning when making a set. Simply insert the wire and twist the the support collar until the fit is tight. Some people use the barrel type but we suggest the twist lock collars as they hold much much better. (top right) you can see the support collar installed behind the swivel.
The Washer
The washer is a simple yet required component. These can be obtained from any hardware store or you can buy snare washers from us at a discount. These are used to secure the swivel head onto the cable.
Now that you understand the basic parts of a snare, let’s dive into building one. We will do this step by step and when we are done, with some practice you will become a snare building master in no time so lets learn how to make a snare shall we?
Building Survival Snares
Step one: Lay of the snare cable and the first end stop.
Cut the cable to your desired length. We recommend 3 – 4 ft for small snares, 5 – 6 ft for medium and 7 – 8 ft for large snares. Once you have your cable cut there is a very important crucial step required. Hold the cable (balanced on one finger) to see the lay of the cable.
Cable can tend to have a left or right curve at one end due to being wrapped on the cable spool. If you notice one end curves slightly to the left or right, then this will be the “head” of the cable or anchor point.The reason for this is that when installing the lock end, the loop will be better formed without this curve. Once you find the “head” or “anchor” end of your snare
Install the end stop on the end of the cable that has the curve (if any) as shown below. If the ends are not curved then either end will work.
Hammer the end stop into the cable, it does not take much force, you don’t want them smashed flat, just enough to grab the cable.
Step Two: Install the washer.
Simply drop the washer onto the open end (the end with nothing attached) of the cable sliding it down to the end stop you just installed. This will secure the swivel head that will come on the next step.
Step Three: Install the Snare Swivel Head.
Take the open end of the cable and insert it into the barrel opening of the swivel as shown above (note the loop end faces down the cable). Slide the swivel down the cable. Great now we are making snares!
(notice how the washer stops the swivel head from coming off)
Step Four:
Install the twist lock or snare support collar, sometimes called a Whammy.
Again from the open end of the cable, slide the twist support collar onto the cable as shown above ensuring the large end is facing down the cable toward the swivel head.. Slide the collars down and out of your way to proceed onto the next part.
Step Five:
Installing the Snare Micro Lock.
From the open end of the cable, install the micro lock as shown in the figure above. Make sure the long slot on the micro lock is pointed toward the open end of the cable. Note the direction the long slot is facing.
See the figure below. for more on the micro lock slots.
Step Six: Form the shepherds cane.
This is a critical part, you need to get this right. Don’t get discouraged though, practice makes perfect. 60% of all people have difficulty i getting this the first time. It took me many tries to get this right. Nearly everyone will prefect this with practice. This step ensure the micro lock sits right on the snare and closes in the best possible manner with speed.
Step Six Part One:
with all the hardware on the bottom end, hold the snare in one hand loosely. Allow the cable to “naturally” lay across your hand or finger. You will notice that it will fall into its “natural” form. From having been on a spool it has a curve to it, allow the cable to take that natural curve.
Once you have determined the natural curve or “lay” of the cable it is time to make that Shepherds Cane.
Step Six Part Two:
Keeping the cable in its natural lay, use a pair of needle nose pliers to grip the cable at a right or left hand (depending on rather you are right or left handed of course) “level” position.
Now bend that cable back toward you making sure your cable stays in its natural lay. Grip the end of the cable with your thumb as shown below.
Step Six Part Three:
Now crimp the cable with the pliers. You want to form a 90 degree in the cable.
Once finished you should have a cable looking like this. Note the end of the cable, this sometimes happens. The solution is to simply cut that frayed section off and install your end stop. Another solution we found is to use a nail punch 1/16 in diameter and lightly tap out the hole so the cable starts in more easily. In addition you could drill a pilot hole approx 1/16 in in depth to start the cable in.
Step Six Part Four:
Insert that 90 degree end into the long slot we mentioned before as shown below. Note the frayed end has been cut away.
Step Six Part Five:
Install your last end stop. Hammer it down onto the cable (or use crimpers)
The final result should be as shown below.
This, if done correctly will make a fast closing snare.
Congratulation! You just learned how to build survival snares! As we said earlier, learning how to make a snare can help you in survival situations and it can be a bit fun to build your own and see them in action. Learn this skill and pass it on because this is an art we don’t want to be forgotten.
Yes we know there is a creepy cemetery in the background. Happy snaring!
