Better Mouse Trap

thingiverse

I didn't come up with this design, Matthias Wandel at woodgears.ca created it. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and have been using it successfully ever since, but it was made of wood so I decided to redo it with 3D printing to get better quality and make it look better. I printed this model with a slot in the back for balance, intending to stick a penny in there if needed, but it wasn't necessary. The design allows you to leave it there for future use with low infill settings. A small magnet is attached to the bottom of the flip board, and a bolt runs up through the back brace to meet it. This can be adjusted to get just the right amount of pull. Adding peanut butter to the end of the catwalk gets everything moving. Once set up correctly, this design takes care of itself - my best record is 10 catches in one night in the shed. No need to reset it; self-reset and ready for more. I highly recommend this design. If you need to use it in winter, just add antifreeze and you're good to go.