I've never used lye. Just let the traps in for a long sustained boil (45 min), skim the crud off the top of the water, and rinse traps well (I use a pressure washer before and after the boil). That's all I've ever done and I've got a critter or two to show for it.

 

I have never used it, but just a word of caution. Lye is very caustic and you will cause severe chemical burns if you get it on you.

 

For most of us lye has become hard to get.
I just simmer in logwood dye, skim the top of water remove traps and wax.

 

I add a can or little more of lye to 30 gallons of water...........so I dont know about 10 gallons maybe a 3rd of a can...

 

bout 3 heaping tablespons , boil hard for bout 1 hour.

 

NEVER boil lye!!! Use with cold water, let sit for a day or two.

 

Well, I guess he can take his pick now of whatever suggestion he feels like listening to.
I think we confused him more than before he asked the question.

A can. 1/3 of a can. 3 tablespoons. None. Boil Hard. Never Boil. Will boil your skin off.
And that was in just 6 Replies!

 

 

A can. 1/3 of a can. 3 tablespoons. None. Boil Hard. Never Boil. Will boil your skin off.
And that was in just 6 Replies!

It just shows how different everyones method is

For what it is worth, I have boiled lye hard, and never had any adverse reactions etc........just be careful with it, and you will be fine......

 

I add lye to the water when its cold (never when its hot!!!)
I then bring it to a boil.
Works great.

 

Used to boil traps in lye years ago. Now, I just use natural materials, walnuts hulls or sumac pods, etc.

For new traps, you'll want to remove the oils first with dish soap or some kind of degreaser.
No need to rust them unless you just want them to blend in better-they'll rust soon enough after the first coon catch.

 

thanks for the input i know my dad used it for years and always boiled just wasn't sure how much and how long but it is nice to get all the info