Elastrator (castrator) rings can be used to bind the claws of blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus. The rings render the claw non-functional when used in conjunction with wooden blocks or dowels. The block is inserted between the fingers of the claw and the ring is placed over the claw proximal to the block. Feeding, survival and molting are not adversely affected by the presence of the binding rig. Retention is excellent in peeler crabs but varies in adult crabs.