Bottle Mousetrap with Catch

thingiverse

See the original 'Bottle mouse trap' by mkuiper for details to the original design. I like the concept of this design for several reasons. It's so simple. There are no springs, rubber-bands, or other engines that would create finger hazards. It's a catch and release style trap. And, it works. Within hours we had our first catch. Not to start a little friendly Australia-vs-United States banter between mice, but the American mouse outsmarted the original trap within a few hours. It actually lifted the lid to escape. I checked the trap hours after setting it, only to find that the bait was gone, droppings were left, and the trap door was in the down position. After a couple iterations (Fails. - We tried upending the bottle off a ramp - had to modify the T-Bar and design a retaining bracket to hold the T-Bar to the ramp), my daughter and I designed the catch mechanisms and the adjustments to the lid and bottle adapter. Only one catch is required, but I like symmetry and redundancy. Print two catches if you want both, or just print one. Additionally, we added some material to the bottle adapter to create greater interference with the T-Bar. This adjustment holds the T-Bar more firmly in place and doesn't allow it to slide back and forth quite so easily. Unlike the original, this design requires supports. I used basic support settings for my slicing software - from the build plate. Supports are required for the catch axles and standoffs which protrude from the bottle adapter. Additionally, the catches are slightly tapered from the sides toward the pointy end. I printed the catches lying flat, but might recommend printing them vertically so that the tapered edges are smoother and require less finishing. When you put the catches on the axles, it may be necessary to spin the catch on the axle for a bit to create a smooth action. I used a little baking soda and focused on polishing the top of the axle. I use 20oz (1.25pt) 591mL Gatorade bottles. Note: Mice do chew plastics. I cut air holes in the bottle to allow more airflow... I don't recommend this. The mouse started chewing between them to create an exit. The bottle is smooth. He'll have a tougher time starting his escape without the holes. This will slow his escape and hopefully hold him until you check the trap.