Mouse Trap Cheese Tray

by FourOaksCrafts

3.6K6827

Intro: Mouse Trap Cheese Tray

This was a fun project that I easily made over the weekend. I promise you that I used brand new mouse traps, straight from the wrapper. No recycling for this project -- LOL.

I carefully read the package and visited the manufacturer's website. I didn't see anything that indicated any toxic materials on these mouse traps. Of course, it should go without saying that you DON'T want to incorporate used mouse traps in this project. That would be DISGUSTING.

I used only a few tools - bandsaw, drill, belt/disc sanders, clamps.

In summary, I took 6 mouse traps and cut them in half. I then glued them to a piece of oak board to give the tray some strength and durability. Did a little shaping and sanding, and then finished with mineral oil.

The dimensions for the finished cheese tray: 20 inches long by 3.5 inches wide by 1 inch thick.

In case you are wondering, I made this cheese tray strictly for personal use.

STEP 1: Remove Metal Parts

Okay, technically these are the large rat traps, although I'm calling them mouse traps. Just to be clear, I'm using the wooden snap traps that are non-toxic. No, I'm not using the small size.

I carefully removed all the metal parts. I tried not to dent or mar the wood. However, there's bound to be some dents and holes left from these parts.

I wore some work gloves, being careful not to cut myself or mash my finger.

STEP 2: Cut the Mouse Traps in Half

With all the metal parts totally removed, I carefully cut 6 mouse traps in half. I liked the half that displays the mouse and this half tends to have fewer holes.

STEP 3: Glue the Mouse Traps

I laid out the cut-in-half mouse traps on a 5.5 inch wide by 0.5 inch thick piece of oak. I alternated the direction of each trap, applied some Titebond III glue, and used hand clamps. I allowed the glue to dry overnight.

STEP 4: Cut and Trim the Tray

I used my bandsaw to cut out and trim the cheese board or tray --- whatever you want to call it.

I also trimmed out a handle on one end and drilled a 3/8 end hole for a lanyard.

STEP 5: Rough Sanding

I used all the sanding tools I had available: my disc/belt sander combo, my drum sander, and regular sandpaper. I started with 80 and 120 grit sandpaper. The mouse trap wood is soft wood, so I had to be careful with the lower grit sandpaper and not take too much wood off. But it did help with the oak and getting rid of my bandsaw blade marks.

STEP 6: Detail Sanding

I used my trusty little Black & Decker mouse (oh the irony!) finishing sander to smooth the sides and edges. Then I lightly hand sanded the top with 400 grit sandpaper. Had to be careful not to remove much of the designs on the mouse traps.

Hindsight, I probably should have filled the holes with some type of non-toxic putty or filler so that food won't become embedded anywhere. I elected to leave a few holes though.

STEP 7: Finishing

I finished the mouse trap cheese board with some food-safe mineral oil. I made 3 applications and allowed for a 30 minute soaking in between.

I probably could have applied just about any non-toxic finish. I don't plan on doing any cutting on the board, but use it just as a serving tray.

STEP 8: Added a Paracord Lanyard

I added a paracord lanyard, using the Cobra Weave pattern. I thought the operative color should be yellow to go with the cheese theme.

I didn't have to get so fancy here. Could have just as easily tied on a leather cord or a single piece of yellow paracord.

STEP 9: Time for the Party

The finished product. Now invite the neighbors over and have a party!

Let me think now --- what else can I make with mouse traps?

Please share your ideas or comments.

27 Comments

AdamOrange 7 years ago

This would be a problem with OCD. The idea of mouse traps having food on them freaks me out. I know they are new and completely sanitary. My mind is thinking dead mouse and I just can't past it. Your idea is really cool, and I'm sure a lot of people will like it. I even use disposable plastic knife to put peanut butter on a new trap. I never use a trap over. I throw the whole thing away. I know OCD!!! LOL nice project. You did a nice job.

gm280 7 years ago

Funny and interesting project. if you were to have bought NEW large traps and left the metal hardware on them, that would have been even more funny to see folks stop and take a good look before enjoying the finger food. Thumbs Up!

BLASTFEMI 7 years ago

You could leave the metal parts in activation mode-deactivated for a
Halloween version! The person to go for it first wins a prize!

BLASTFEMI 7 years ago

So creative, cute and clever! I love it! So glad to see this isn't an upcycle/re-use project!

randofo 7 years ago

Nice. This is funny. :)

Penolopy Bulnick 7 years ago

Serving cheese on trays made of mouse traps sounds just perfect :)

FourOaksCrafts 7 years ago

Wow, thanks! Honestly I wasn't sure how people would take this.

Lorddrake 7 years ago

this is hysterical. love it.

mmmelroy 7 years ago

A great idea and nice execution! that looks like something i would buy in the fancy kitchen equipment store...

merideth 7 years ago

Hahaha! OMG I have always loved the graphic design of victor mousetraps! I love that u did this!

eagleknight 7 years ago

If you are worried about the paint on mouse traps being safe. I would then recommend a salad bowl finish, which better deal the surface. either way probably not much to worry about. Neat project.

FourOaksCrafts 7 years ago

Thanks, good idea! I could probably even spray on a non-toxic poly or varnish. -- once dried of course. Probably wouldn't do this if I were going to slice across the surface with a knife.

More Comments