Otis Singleton
Electric worm getters are devices used by fishermen to harvest worms for bait. Electric current forces worms to the surface, making them easier to collect. While this method is cost-effective, questions have been raised about its safety. This text will discuss how to build an electric worm getter while minimising the risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Not safe for children; risk of electrocution |
| Use | To attract worms to the surface of the ground |
| Materials | Electrical wire, screwdrivers, battery, plastic handles, metal stake, tape, extension cord, old lamp cord, old barbecue rotisserie rod, plastic insulation |
| Preparation | Cut wire into two equal pieces; strip plastic insulation from wire ends; wrap stripped end of wire around metal portion of screwdriver; test connection by touching screwdriver ends together |
| Process | Insert screwdrivers into soil; send low-level electrical current through the ground; harvest worms |
| Tips | Use after rain or with a sprinkler to bring worms closer to the surface; always hold screwdrivers by plastic handles |
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What You'll Learn
Electric worm getters and safety hazards
Electric worm getters are devices used by fishermen to lure worms to the surface of the soil. They are also used to remove worms from the ground. Electric worm getters are made by inserting two screwdrivers into the soil about two feet apart. The battery then sends a low-level electrical current through the ground, causing worms to appear on the surface.
While electric worm getters can be effective in getting worms to the surface, there are safety concerns surrounding their use. The device cannot be used with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), which is a type of electrical safety device that can protect users from electric shock and electrocution. Without a GFCI, there is a risk of electric shock or electrocution when using an electric worm getter.
In addition, electric worm getters have exposed energised metal parts, which can create a voltage gradient in the earth, resulting in step and touch potentials. This means that if a person touches the device while it is plugged in, they could receive an electric shock.
There have been recalls of electric worm getters due to electrocution hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled certain models of electric worm probes, citing the risk of electric shock and electrocution. The Commission's goal is to reduce injuries and deaths associated with consumer products, including electric worm getters.
It is important to note that there are alternative methods to using electric worm getters that do not involve electrical hazards. Some people use soapy water to irritate worms and bring them to the surface. Others use a long wooden rod with a metal blade at the end, although the specifics of this method are unclear.
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How to make an electric worm probe
Electric worm getters and electric worm probes are devices that use electricity to force worms out of the ground and to the surface. While electric worm getters are plugged into electrical outlets, electric worm probes use batteries, which is a much safer option.
To make an electric worm probe, you will need a 12-volt battery, two screwdrivers, and four feet of insulated, single-strand electrical wire.
First, cut the electrical wire into two equal two-foot pieces using a wire cutter. Next, strip five to six inches of plastic insulation off one end of each piece of wire with a wire stripper. Wrap the stripped end of one wire around the metal portion of one screwdriver until you reach the plastic insulation. Repeat this process for the second wire and screwdriver. Then, use the wire stripper to remove two to three inches of insulation from the wire ends that are not connected to the screwdrivers.
Once the wires are connected to the screwdrivers, insert them into the soil about two feet apart. The battery will send a low-level electrical current through the ground, causing worms to appear on the surface for harvesting. Always hold the screwdrivers by their plastic handles, as this method still carries a risk of electric shock.
For optimal results, use the electric worm probe after a long rain or use a sprinkler to wet the ground. This will bring the worms closer to the surface, allowing you to collect more worms in a shorter time.
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Using a car battery, distributor, coil and hand crank
Building an electric worm getter with a car battery, distributor, coil, and hand crank requires some electrical knowledge and safety precautions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create this device:
Firstly, gather the necessary components. You will need a car battery, a distributor, a coil, and a hand crank. The hand crank will be used to turn the distributor shaft, which controls the timing of the spark plugs. The coil will boost the voltage going into the ground. Ensure that you have the necessary electrical connections and wiring to assemble these components securely.
Next, assemble the components. Connect the car battery to the distributor and coil, following standard electrical connection procedures. Ensure that the distributor is properly configured with the capacitor to ensure the contacts will function correctly. The hand crank should be attached to the distributor shaft, allowing you to manually control the opening and closing of the distributor points.
Now, you need to create the worm-extracting probe. For this, you can use a metal rod, approximately 1/2" in diameter. Bend one end of the rod to a 90-degree angle to form a handle. Sharpen the other end of the rod, which will be inserted into the ground. Wrap electrical tape around the handle area of the rod, ensuring that any exposed wires are covered. This will help protect you from accidental electrical contact.
Before using your electric worm getter, ensure that it is properly connected and functioning. Plug in the device and gently twist the rod after it is plugged in. If you feel a small buzz through the rod, it is correctly plugged in. If not, swap the wires and try again. Always unplug the device before moving it to a different location.
Once your device is correctly assembled and functioning, you can take it to your desired worm-hunting location. Insert the metal probe into the ground and turn the hand crank. The electrical current will create vibrations in the ground, irritating the worms and causing them to surface. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings while using the device to avoid any accidental electrical hazards.
Building an electric worm getter with a car battery, distributor, coil, and hand crank can be an effective way to extract worms from the ground. However, always prioritize safety and follow electrical guidelines to prevent any hazardous situations.
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Homemade worm probes and electrocution dangers
Electric worm getters are devices used by fishermen to lure worms to the surface by shocking them with an electric current. There are several ways to make a homemade worm probe. One way is to take an old lamp cord or appliance cord, cut it off at the end, wrap one side of the cord around the metal shaft of a screwdriver or barbecue rotisserie rod close to the handle, tape the other side of the wire up, stick it into the ground and plug it in. Another method involves using a hot wire attached to a metal stake with a layer of tape where you hold it.
However, there are serious safety concerns with these devices. CPSC is aware of more than 30 deaths involving worm probes, with consumers electrocuted by exposed metal shafts and shocked by touching the ground near the probe. As a result, approximately 83,000 electric worm probes were recalled by six retailers due to the potential electric shock and electrocution hazards.
Some people have suggested alternative methods to get worms to the surface without the use of electricity. These include pouring soapy water onto the ground to irritate the worms, using a worm getter made of a long wooden rod with a metal blade at the end, or making a worm bed and picking up a crawler.
While building your own electric worm getter may be possible, it is important to prioritize safety and be aware of the potential dangers associated with their use.
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Tips for using an electric worm getter
Electric worm getters are devices used to attract worms from the ground to the surface, making it easier to collect them. Here are some tips for using an electric worm getter effectively and safely:
- It is important to prioritise safety when using an electric worm getter. Some sources suggest that these devices cannot be used with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and that there is a risk of electric shock or electrocution.
- Always follow best practices for handling electrical equipment outdoors. Keep the device away from water sources and wet surfaces to minimise the risk of electric shock.
- Use the electric worm getter after a heavy rainfall or use a sprinkler to wet the ground beforehand. This will bring the worms closer to the surface, making them easier to attract and collect.
- When constructing your own electric worm getter, use a 12-volt battery-operated electric fence charger and two metal push rods. This setup is safer than using higher-voltage power sources, such as household electrical outlets.
- Hold the electric worm getter by its plastic handle to maintain a safe distance from the metal components conducting electricity.
- If you are crafting your own electric worm getter, cut a two-wire cord and wrap each wire around the metal portion of separate screwdrivers, ensuring a secure connection. Test the connection by touching the screwdriver ends together and looking for a small spark.
- For an alternative method, try pouring soapy water or a mixture of mustard and water onto the ground. This will irritate the worms and encourage them to surface without the use of electricity.
- If you are targeting moles, consider using sound and vibration instead of electricity. Moles are sensitive to annoying sounds, so installing stakes with batteries and a vibrating cell can effectively drive them out.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric worm getter is a device that uses electricity to force worms out of the ground and to the surface, making it easier to collect them for fishing bait.
You will need a battery, two screwdrivers, insulated electrical wire, and plastic handles. You may also need a wire cutter and wire stripper.
First, cut the electrical wire into two equal pieces. Strip the insulation off one end of each piece of wire and wrap it around the metal portion of the screwdrivers. Connect the wires to the battery nodes, and insert the screwdrivers into the soil about two feet apart. Always hold the screwdrivers by the plastic handles for safety.
Use the electric worm getter after a long rain or sprinkle water on the ground to bring the worms closer to the surface. Once the device is set up and connected to the battery, an electric current will run through the screwdrivers, causing worms to appear on the surface for collection.
