A clay pigeon trap works in tough conditions: it stands outdoors on grass or sand, gets covered in dust and clay fragments, and dew and rain soon reach the spring and pivots. A stiff release, an erratic throw or a squeaking arm usually just mean the mechanism is dirty and dry.
Regular care takes half an hour and keeps the throw consistent and the trap safe. The routine below suits most manual and electric traps.
What you will need
Important: The golden rule: never service a cocked trap. Release the spring as described in the manual and disconnect the battery on an electric model. Stay out of the arm's swing path even when decocked, and wear gloves and glasses.
Step 1
Decock and disconnect power
Make sure the arm is not cocked and the spring is not under tension. If your model allows, back off the spring tension with the adjuster. On an electric trap, remove the battery terminals or unplug the power.
Set the trap on a flat, stable surface and inspect the frame, fixings and the condition of the arm.
Step 2
Clear dust and fragments
Brush clay dust and fragments off the arm, the clay tray, the pivots and the release mechanism. These particles are abrasive and speed up wear once they get into pivots.
Wipe the rubber strip on the arm with a dry cloth and check it for cracks: its condition decides whether the clay flies true or breaks on launch.
Step 3
Remove moisture and rust
After shooting in rain or morning dew, treat the metal frame, spring and fixings with WD-40 Multi-Use. It displaces water, loosens light surface rust and leaves a thin protective film.
If a bolt or adjuster screw has seized, apply WD-40 Specialist Penetrant, wait a few minutes and only then undo it.
Step 4
Grease the pivots and release
Grease the arm spindle, pivots, spring mounting points and release mechanism with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease. It stays put, resists rain and copes with shock loads. The WD-40 Smart Straw helps you reach tight spots.
Move the arm by hand a few times, without cocking it, to spread the grease, then wipe off any excess: on exposed surfaces it collects dust.
Step 5
Check the electrics
On motorised traps or those with a remote release, inspect the battery terminals, cable connectors and the button. Treat oxidised contacts with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner and let it dry before reconnecting.
The release cable must not be chafed, especially where it lies on the ground or runs near the frame.
Step 6
Reassemble, tighten and test
Check the frame bolts and arm fixings: vibration from every throw gradually loosens them. Restore the spring tension, reconnect the power and make a few test throws while standing to the side of the trap.
Clays should leave on a consistent trajectory and the release should work without sticking.
Tip: Store the trap with the spring slackened and under a cover in a dry place. A spring left under tension for months fatigues and the throwing distance drops.
What next
Wipe the trap down after every shoot and give it a full service monthly during the season and before winter storage. Before winter, give the metal parts another protective coat against rust.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».