How to Adjust the Sensitivity of a Figure-4 Trigger?

Adjusting the Trigger Arm

To adjust the sensitivity of your figure-4 trigger, start by loosening the trigger screw. This is usually done by turning the screw counterclockwise. Once loose, you can bend the trigger arm to the desired angle using pliers or a wrench. A good starting point is to bend the arm about 45 degrees from the vertical. However, you may need to adjust this angle depending on your specific trap design and the type of prey you’re targeting.

Setting the Trigger Sensitivity

With the trigger arm bent to your desired angle, tighten the trigger screw clockwise until it reaches the first notch. This notch indicates the minimum trigger movement required to trip the trigger. For a deadfall trap, you want the trigger to be sensitive enough to trip when a small animal steps on it, but not so sensitive that it trips when a larger animal approaches. Adjust the trigger screw clockwise or counterclockwise to fine-tune the sensitivity until you reach the desired setting.

Final Check

Before setting your trap, perform a final check to ensure the trigger is set correctly. Gently touch the trigger arm to test its sensitivity. If it trips too easily, loosen the trigger screw and bend the arm slightly less. If it doesn’t trip at all, tighten the screw and bend the arm slightly more. Once you’re satisfied with the trigger’s sensitivity, you can set your deadfall trap and wait for it to catch prey.