Screw-in tree steps
08-13-2008, 04:39 PM
#21
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cenral Illinois
Posts: 3,180
RE: Screw-in tree steps
ORIGINAL: Greg / MO
I guess I could see the worries about a slip and puncture wound. I just feel so darned safe with them I've never thought about it. I guess you could slip on a climbing stick just the same though. The difference in percieved safety might be the fact that climbing stick steps are usually closer together -- which might mean that the step installer is putting them in too far apart if one seems safer than the other; I don't know, just a thought.
And you're right... enjoy whatever you feel comfortable in. I know for a fact we hunt very dissimilar terrains, because I used to spend a lot of time in North Carolina on business; I've seen all your telephone-pole trees.
I was just helping you understand why "I" prefer them a lot of time, nothing more. Like I said, I've got a set of LW sticks, as well as a few climbers. I'll use everything in my arsenal when the time's right!
And I've seen you Mike... If I was your ladder stand, I STILL wouldn't feel safe, LOL! You're a big ol' boy!
I guess I could see the worries about a slip and puncture wound. I just feel so darned safe with them I've never thought about it. I guess you could slip on a climbing stick just the same though. The difference in percieved safety might be the fact that climbing stick steps are usually closer together -- which might mean that the step installer is putting them in too far apart if one seems safer than the other; I don't know, just a thought.
And you're right... enjoy whatever you feel comfortable in. I know for a fact we hunt very dissimilar terrains, because I used to spend a lot of time in North Carolina on business; I've seen all your telephone-pole trees.
I was just helping you understand why "I" prefer them a lot of time, nothing more. Like I said, I've got a set of LW sticks, as well as a few climbers. I'll use everything in my arsenal when the time's right!And I've seen you Mike... If I was your ladder stand, I STILL wouldn't feel safe, LOL! You're a big ol' boy!
Oh come on, I would never do that. My bulk certainly does affect my stand choices, and I also have huge feet, so the steps just aren't for me. My skis don't really fit into the standard step, and the bolts were really just barely wide enough to go all the way across my hoof. Not fun!
08-13-2008, 05:22 PM
#22
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location:
Posts: 854
RE: Screw-in tree steps
I've got 12 loc on type stands an use treesteps in about half of them, the other half I use climbing sticks. Check out Gander Mountain, etc after hunting season and many times they have clearance on these items.
One other thing of note, I would suggest (through example) never to use any screw in tree step with a riveted hinge. I have had these rivets break on me and you dont want that to happen 20 feet up.
One other thing of note, I would suggest (through example) never to use any screw in tree step with a riveted hinge. I have had these rivets break on me and you dont want that to happen 20 feet up.
08-13-2008, 05:26 PM
#23
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Minnesota
Posts: 9,445
RE: Screw-in tree steps
ORIGINAL: mofireman
That's a great tip Howler. Thanks for that!!
ORIGINAL: Howler
A little tip that makes it easier to screw in the steps, is I cut a piece of 1/2" pvc to length so that it will slide over the step, and that allows the step to spin inside of the pvc, instead of having the friction between your hand and the steel step.
A little tip that makes it easier to screw in the steps, is I cut a piece of 1/2" pvc to length so that it will slide over the step, and that allows the step to spin inside of the pvc, instead of having the friction between your hand and the steel step.
That's a great tip Howler. Thanks for that!!
08-13-2008, 05:28 PM
#24
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Minnesota
Posts: 9,445
RE: Screw-in tree steps
Why wouldn't you (with the prices, today) utilize a ladder type climbing system and strap it to the tree?
08-13-2008, 05:35 PM
#25
Site Buck Guru
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Racine, Wisconsin
Posts: 5,922
RE: Screw-in tree steps
I don't own anything but tree steps, tons of them, probably over 100 of them. They are probably the kind Greg/Mo spoke of because they are sharp and pointy and go into oak and hicory very easily. I just never looked at the brand name. I've been buying them from the same pro shop for years.
08-13-2008, 06:05 PM
#26
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Decatur, IN
Posts: 1,425
RE: Screw-in tree steps
I use about ½ screw-in's and ½ 3' ladder sections...only b/c we have some funky old tree's that often times require a creative tactic getting up in them. I've never had 1 issue with any of them.
08-13-2008, 06:24 PM
#27
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: May 2006
Location: IA/WI/IL
Posts: 1,482
RE: Screw-in tree steps
I use all screw ins - I take that back, I have one 12' ladder. I never have any problem with them, of course it takes a bit of work to get them into oak, etc. I dont know the brand name but mine are very sharp, I bought a couple a few years ago that were not worth a hoot - the screw ends were actually rounded. I stick twigs into the holes after I take out the bottom 4 so I use (and find in the dark) the same holes all season long on any tree. If you did that 50 times it might be dangerous but I almost never hunt any stand more than half a dozen times.
