Making tree steps

[jseamless]

I am so excited the season is finally open us!

I can never seem to have enough store bought tree steps around. I have read of guys creating there own using bolts from the hardware store. They typically use an electric drill to create the pilot holes. I am just wondering what keeps the bolt in the tree?

I would appreciate any personal experiences.

[BO-N-ARO]

Buy some strap on ladders or climbing sticks....... do yourself a favor.... and the trees.

[jseamless]

If you are scouting all day and decide to hunt lugging around climbing sticks is not optimal. Plus with the right steps you could hunt the same set for 3-5 years.

[Flint knapper]

I purchased some folding steps years ago from API that are removeable. You just screw in lag bolts and hand the steps on the bolts. It works great and I carry the steps with me to which ever stand that I deside to hunt any perticular day. It also helps to keep others out of my stands while I'm not there. They stopped offering them years ago, but I really don't know why, they are great!

[dangerous dan]

Goto Wallmart the second week of Janurary they are usually marked down to $1.00 or $1.50

[jseamless]

After doing some extensive research I am going to give this a try.

A fellow told me this about using the treehopper drill bit:
The bolts fit pretty snug in the tree if the treehopper bit is used. It is a metric size just for this use. The bolts need to be angled just a little and then there is no problem pulling them out. If they are left for more than one year they get really snug. Thye can be removed for up to four years by using a ratchet on them and twisting them while pulling out. Really nice to be able to use them that long and still be able to remove them. I buy grade five 7" bolts in a bulk 250 count container froma local supplier. They have gone up some the last two years but still they are like 40 cents each. You can also remove the bottom four or five so no one can get into your stand easily.

[pure lefty]

hey, there is a company called cranston, may have to google removable tree steps, but on these, u screw in the insert and can use the same steps for several different trees, all u need is inserts.

[Legdog]

After doing some extensive research I am going to give this a try.

A fellow told me this about using the treehopper drill bit:
The bolts fit pretty snug in the tree if the treehopper bit is used. It is a metric size just for this use. The bolts need to be angled just a little and then there is no problem pulling them out. If they are left for more than one year they get really snug. Thye can be removed for up to four years by using a ratchet on them and twisting them while pulling out. Really nice to be able to use them that long and still be able to remove them. I buy grade five 7" bolts in a bulk 250 count container froma local supplier. They have gone up some the last two years but still they are like 40 cents each. You can also remove the bottom four or five so no one can get into your stand easily.

cool link, the drill bit is very similar to the buckwing tree auger and you don't have to carry a drill. Takes a little more time, but I get good use out of mine.



I'd add a big washer on the end of those straight steps just to lesson the chance of slipping off sideways.

[LeanMachine]

there is also a product designed for use with the tree saddle. It is called a woodpecker drill. Check it out. Byron Furgeson is a fan of it

[Low Fence]

Use what I do. Pole Climbing Spikes. I just throw em over my sholder, or wear em (got to learn to walk real bow legged) I can scout 100 trees in seconds and make little to no noise going up and down. JUST PAY ATTENTION AND NEVER ASSUME YOUR SPIKE IS IN, ALWAYS LOOK. This technique isn't for everyone but if you can master it, its the cats meow!

[trailboss]

Sorry - this just seems like a recipe for disaster to me. Unless you're using hardened bolts I think there is too much chance for failure. Hardened bolts might work (if you can find them) but I doubt they'd be any cheaper than factory made screw in tree steps. You can generally find the steps for $1 or less at the end of the season.

I've just heard too many horror stories resulting from failed tree steps - even factory steps. I don't use them for anything but hanging gear.

One fall could be your last. Don't chance it.

Trailboss

[dangerous dan]

Use what I do. Pole Climbing Spikes. I just throw em over my sholder, or wear em (got to learn to walk real bow legged) I can scout 100 trees in seconds and make little to no noise going up and down. JUST PAY ATTENTION AND NEVER ASSUME YOUR SPIKE IS IN, ALWAYS LOOK. This technique isn't for everyone but if you can master it, its the cats meow!

do these really work? I debated ordering a pair of these instead on my lone wolf climbing sticks, but with no experience or feedback I got the climbing sticks. What brand do you have cost? Pics?

[Flint knapper]

Try this http://cgi.ebay.com/BEARCLAW-FOLDING...item3359cf366a

[shaft]

gee shaft has some heavy duty tree steps for sale in the classifides.

[SKLOSS]

I don't think they make a grade 8 lag bolt which is the only grade I would even think about using.