How do you repair it if it won't trigger? A raccoon was trapped inside the small trap. The pedal by the food area was bent. I straightened it back out. But after you set the trap with the trigger in place it won't close anymore after pushing on the pedal. There seems to be no tension. Thanks for all your advice. How do you repair it if it won't trigger? A raccoon was trapped inside the small trap. The pedal by the food area was bent. I straightened it back out. But after you set the trap with the... » Read More How do you repair it if it won't trigger? A raccoon was trapped inside the small trap. The pedal by the food area was bent. I straightened it back out. But after you set the trap with the trigger in place it won't close anymore after pushing on the pedal. There seems to be no tension. Thanks for all your advice. « Show Less
956495
It might be necessary to adjust the catch mechanism to lighten the trigger weight. This isn't uncommon for most live traps. Just grab a pair of pliers and adjust the catch... Be careful not to overbend the metal catch...
1650647
Fairly simple - providing things aren't bent all to you know where. One bends the triggering rail - either to make it longer or shorter, depending on what you see in the little section keeping the 'gate' open for trapping. Other two suggestions are also good.
1650648
Be sure that the friction points aren't sticky. A little light oil at all friction points can help a lot. You might need to do this more often if the friction points get wet, accumulate debris or get dusty.
1650649
You might have to bend the little metal bar catch mechanism a very tiny bit to get it to catch. Do a little at at time.Trial an error method. It takes some time so be patient. You could also take a file and flatten the wire catch mechanism but if you do to much you could ruin it. These are not precise mechanism so they are not perfect and sometimes need to be adjusted. One guy replaced the long bar. I wouldn't do it unless you are able to put the rod back. Good luck. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eadkDfl67W8
1650650
I am troubleshooting it to see how I can respond and help you with this question. Make sure you pull the lever to the plate where they step on as far back as possible, then hook it onto the hinge lever and test it. That seems to be the only way these traps work. ai have many years working with these kind of traps rescuing stray cats....
1650651
In two years I've trapped 2 skunks and 5 opossums (in my backyard) and for a time experienced the same difficulty. The problem I had was that the trigger plate could get depressed without releasing the trigger hook. There is some play in the linkage rods and if you just adjust the rods back to take that out and set the hook a little lite (ready to spring at the slightest movement) it seems to work fine. I have also cleaned up the linkage a few times too. Set it and test it by pushing the trigger plate with a garden tool or a drum stick or what have you, and you'll start to get a feel for where you need to make adjustments to solve your problem. Happy hunting! In two years I've trapped 2 skunks and 5 opossums (in my backyard) and for a time experienced the same difficulty. The problem I had was that the trigger plate could get depressed without releasing the trigger hook. There is some play in the linkage rods and if you just adjust the rods back to take that out and set the hook a little lite (ready to spring at the slightest movement) it seems to work fine. I have also cleaned up the linkage a few times too. Set it and test it by pushing the trigger plate with a garden tool or a drum stick or what have you, and you'll start to get a feel for... » Read More In two years I've trapped 2 skunks and 5 opossums (in my backyard) and for a time experienced the same difficulty. The problem I had was that the trigger plate could get depressed without releasing the trigger hook. There is some play in the linkage rods and if you just adjust the rods back to take that out and set the hook a little lite (ready to spring at the slightest movement) it seems to work fine. I have also cleaned up the linkage a few times too. Set it and test it by pushing the trigger plate with a garden tool or a drum stick or what have you, and you'll start to get a feel for where you need to make adjustments to solve your problem. Happy hunting! « Show Less
1650652
This trap worked for awhile, but the larger one took some slight damage and ultimately would not set. It will take some needle nose pliers, I used 90° needle nose pliers to bend it to where it would work. This trap (larger one) is a good trap - until it gets banged up.
1941575
That's an interesting point, not sure about that. I did try to wipe it off between uses. (I was setting it out at night during the winter and I even considered that a rat wouldn't want to step on cold metal?!) I didn't catch anything either; the bait wasn't disturbed so they weren't even entering the trap. If I use it again I'll try leaving the power off and put the bait near the opening for a while- then move it back each time till they get used to it. Then I'll try turning it on.
1170166
had the same problem - if with the lock/unlock switch on the front is in the unlock position and it still does not unlock when you hit the foot pedal check the spring inside. mine was unhooked.
2263504
I had the same problem, had to call the company to figure it out. Press the right "trigger" and it should activate it. Press again to turn it off
1978513
I followed the instructions and set it to TREE but my lock wouldn't open either. Only after I went online and watched a youtube video on how to get it open using other methods did I see that THIS persons lock was originally set to SHED. I tried it and sure enough my lock opened up no problem. I think its just a manufacturing error with the instructions but SHED should open your lock if all else fails, seeing that this is a common problem.
2107857
I have used one for over 10 years and even bought a back up in case - our cat refuses to use the new style - she is a main coon and set in her ways - on yours - sounds like the switch is stuck or fried in the on position - check out or repair the switch. good luck to you
34858
If the sensor is lighting up red but the door isn't opening or shutting, try cleaning off the sensor and make sure the lid is sitting on the bottom of the can tightly and correctly. If that doesn't work the lid is defective.
1292310
So I just recently had to brake mine open... the key pad had malfunctioned and the key (to by pass the key pad) was not working. The handle was not catching when using the key resulting in the handle doing a 360 when frustratingly trying to open it. Easy fix I used a simple metal cutting tool (cut around the door to by pass the 6 metal rods, and a crowbar to brake it open. would send pictures but i cant attach a photo. They just don't make them like they use to..... but if your only worried about the hinge don't worry about it
1966600
I push in the red buttons and hold the end of the leg, push it in, and it collapses. Perhaps the red button is not in far enough, or it needs lubrication to easily retract. I have had no problem........... yet. Good Luck.
898457
I assume it's locked up also? I'd contact the maker. They seem concerned that their product works well. They responded to my review about the poorly designed locking mechanism so they might just send you a replacement. Worth a shot!
1083603
I'm sorry Tracey your having this problem but you usually twist it one way to extend it and the oppisite to retract it. There's also a clear stopper in the midddle. Make sure to take the stopper out then try it. If thats not the problem then it might be broken. You might have to exchange it for a new one. I hope this helps.
1089539
Either the trap is dirty or the batteries are dead or dying (or not properly inserted). Try cleaning according to the owner's manual and/or changing batteries. Good luck.
1378479
How open is it? If the lock is not in the correct setting for your preferred use, it does not completely close. However, if it is open a sizable distance, I would say it is defective. Ask for a replacement. When properly working, it is a really great door. My cats love it and I am pleased with it.
1329862
You must have cross threaded it when attaching. Or maybe you're not fully depressing the release button. I've had no such problem with mine. If all else fails apply a bit of soapy water where it's binding. Maybe that will loosen it enough. Good luck!
123571
We have had ours for almost a year now. A few weeks ago ERR showed up on the LCD screen with the low battery light flashing. We changed the batteries and it worked for a few days and then ERR again. We use smaller pellet food and thought maybe it was jammed. We took it apart and air dusted the crumbs. It worked for 2 days and then ERR again. The motor has died as far as we can tell. Maybe something has gotten shaken loose or food bits have interrupted a connection. Try cleaning it out with canned air, gears, battery terminals, and wire connections. Helped for a bit for us.
2008711
If the light is on and it's not heating... it sounds like the kill switch was triggered. If you bought it recently through Amazon, you still might be able to return it and get a refund. The warranty policy seemed like a raw deal, but you could also go that route and hope to have it back before the end of winter...
2197082
I still have not caught the skunks living under our shed with two traps sitting right at the hole. I've used chicken, other meats, marshmallows, and peanut butter for days. To my surprise I did catch a raccoon. I was able to set the trap to trigger easier by barely sliding the bottom "trigger" rod into the top receptacle that allows the door to shut, but it's a difficult trial and error process. If it's too sensitive, just bumping the cage will trigger it. If it's slid up too far, I've had all the bait in the back eaten and taken out without tripping the door. The safety latch to hold the door open isn't long enough to hold it open. When releasing the raccoon, I draped a tarp over the trap. I used two hands to open the door slowly and I had to use a long thin stick to keep the door open. I have to use two hands to open the door. I'm not sure if it's possible to open with one hand. It's not a comforting feeling to have your head, and both hands close to where an animal might be willing to spray, bite, or claw. Other traps have two doors and a very easy one handed system at the top so that you can open the doors while having a blanket or tarp draped over it, first. This was a complete waste of money for me. The 2 for 1 deal wasn't a good deal if the traps don't work. By the way, I had no idea a raccoon was in the area. I read up on how to release it after catching it. If you are purposely trying to catch a raccoon, you might do some research on a deadly parasite they carry before taking on that adventure.