
The MB-550 trap comes with approximately 3 lbs of pan tension, but it is possible to adjust the trap to a lower tension. The MB-550 incorporates a Paws-I-Trip pan system, which allows trappers to adjust the tension by bending the dog up or down. To decrease the pan tension, you simply bend the dog down.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Out-of-the-box pan tension | Approximately 3 lbs. |
| Pan system | Paws-I-Trip |
| Method of adjusting tension | Bending the dog up or down |
| Method of decreasing tension | Bending the dog down |
| Amount of tension decreased by bending the dog down by 5 degrees | Approximately ½ pound |
| Recommended amount of bending | ¼” to ½” from the notch end |
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What You'll Learn

The MB-550 comes with 3 lbs of pan tension
The pan tension on the MB-550 can be adjusted by bending the dog up or down. The 'dog' is a component of the trap's Paws-I-Trip pan system, which is tension-adjustable. By bending the dog down, the pan tension can be decreased. Each 5 degrees that the dog is bent downwards results in approximately half a pound less of tension. For example, bending the dog approximately 10 degrees will result in 2 lbs of pan tension.
It is important to note that decreasing the pan tension too much can lead to undesirable outcomes. For example, with too little pan tension, animals may be able to pull their legs out before the trap fires, resulting in toe catches or misses. This can be a particular issue if the covering is heavier, for instance, due to wetness.
On the other hand, higher pan tension ensures that the trapped animal has more weight down on its foot when the trap fires, resulting in a deeper catch. This can be advantageous for trapping certain animals, such as foxes or coyotes, where a deeper catch is preferred.
Therefore, the ability to adjust the pan tension on the MB-550 provides flexibility for trappers depending on their specific needs and targets.
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Adjusting the pan tension is easy and permanent
Adjusting the pan tension on an MB-550 trap is a straightforward and permanent process. The MB-550 comes with approximately 3 lbs of pan tension, but this can be adjusted to a lower tension if desired. The process is simple and only requires you to bend the dog up or down.
To decrease the pan tension, follow these steps:
- Bend the dog down.
- For every 5 degrees you bend the dog down, you will reduce the tension by approximately half a pound.
- It is recommended to bend the dog between 1/4" and 1/2" from the notch end.
- By following this method, you can adjust the pan tension to your desired level.
The MB-550's pan tension system, known as the Paws-I-Trip, is designed to be tension adjustable. This flexibility allows trappers to customize the trap to their specific needs. By bending the dog, you can easily and permanently set the desired tension level. This adjustment method provides a simple and effective way to customize your MB-550 trap.
In conclusion, adjusting the pan tension on an MB-550 is indeed both easy and permanent. With just a few simple steps, you can customize the trap to your preferred tension level. This flexibility ensures that your MB-550 trap is tailored to your specific trapping needs.
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The MB-550 has a Paws-I-Trip pan system
The MB-550 is currently one of America's most popular traps. Its cast iron jaws and Paws-I-Trip pan system make it ideal for trapping anything from coon to coyotes. The Paws-I-Trip pan system is tension adjustable. The trap comes with approximately 3 lbs. of pan tension, but this can be adjusted to a lower tension by bending the dog up or down. Bending the dog down decreases the tension, and each 5 degrees you bend it down will result in approximately a ½ pound less of tension. It is recommended to bend the dog from ¼” to ½” from the notch end.
The MB-550's pan system is smooth from the factory. Because of the way the pan attaches around the spring keeper pin, the trap would have had to be completely disassembled for the installation of a traditional Expand-A-Pan. However, Expand-A-Pan has created a weld-on pan for this trap, which measures 11.331 square inches, a 219% increase from the MB-550’s stock pan, which measures only 5.171 square inches. This larger pan allows trappers to catch more fur, as it fills more space inside the jaws of the trap, reducing misses.
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Decrease pan tension by bending the dog down
The MB-550 trap comes with approximately 3 lbs of pan tension, but it is possible to adjust the trap to a lower tension. The MB-550 incorporates a Paws-I-Trip pan system, which allows for tension adjustment by bending the dog up or down.
To decrease the pan tension, you need to bend the dog down. For every 5 degrees that you bend the dog down, you will achieve approximately half a pound less of tension. It is recommended to bend the dog from 1/4" to 1/2" from the notch end. This will result in a decrease in pan tension of about 2 lbs.
The process of bending the dog down is a simple and permanent way to adjust the pan tension on the MB-550. By following this method, you can customize the trap to your desired tension level, making it more effective for your specific trapping needs.
It is important to note that the adjustments are permanent, so it is advisable to make small adjustments and test the trap before making further changes. This ensures that you achieve the desired tension level without compromising the functionality of the trap.
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Bend the dog 1/4 to 1/2 from the notch end
To adjust the pan tension on an MB-550 trap, you can use the incorporated Paws-I-Trip pan system, which allows you to adjust the tension by bending the dog up or down. Bending the dog down will decrease the tension, and each 5 degrees you bend it down will reduce the tension by approximately half a pound.
When bending the dog, it is recommended to bend it from 1/4" to 1/2" from the notch end. This will allow you to make fine adjustments to the pan tension and ensure that the trap is set to your desired sensitivity.
Bending the dog is a permanent way to adjust the pan tension, and it is a simple process that can be done by hand. This method is preferred over filing the dog down, as filing may affect the structural integrity of the trap mechanism.
By following these instructions and making small adjustments, you can fine-tune your MB-550 trap to the desired pan tension, ensuring effective trapping while minimizing the risk of false triggers or animal injury. Remember to exercise caution and follow local regulations when setting any trap.
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Frequently asked questions
The MB-550 comes with approximately 3 lbs. of pan tension.
The MB-550 incorporates a Paws-I-Trip pan system, which is tension adjustable. To decrease the tension, bend the dog down.
For every 5 degrees that you bend the dog down, you will achieve approximately a 1/2 pound less tension.
We recommend bending the dog from 1/4" to 1/2" from the notch end.
Yes, the pan tension can be adjusted by bending the dog up or down. To increase tension, bend the dog up.









































