Hi Hern, The reason I change the chain and trap J hook is because last year I caught 42 fox, and caught 5 coyotes in my fox sets. If I dont, the trap will be gone. I do have some 1 3/4s that I like but I like the 1 1/2s to set where I might catch someones pet. I try to be extra carefull about that, but it does happen. Been doing this for a while and I kind of have my own ways, but always open to suggestions. I try to avoid the coyotes by huggin' the hole a little but still get some. If I have a place that I need to use a 1 1/2, at least if it has a strong chain and staked solid a coyote might pop the jaws, but the trap will still be there. ( and still easy on pets )