measure string for a paiute deadfall??

[RescueRiley]

I like the paiute deasdfall quite a bit.. I've made a few and have found them very successfull in culling the rodent population in the basement of my ems garage.. However it takes me for ever to make 1 because I can never seem to estimate how much cordage to use... It'll take a few minutes.. to carve up the mechanism, and than an additional 20 to keep tying and untyingh and cutting and retying the cordage till I get it right..Was just wondering if any of you experienced wise old bushman have any trade secrets on how to measure it out... Thanks...

 

[k_estela]

As much as it takes to keep the diagonal supporting piece at a steep angle. Too much cordage and the diagonal piece will be more horizontal than vertical and it will not support a heavy weight as well.