Ladder stands and climing sticks.
10-21-2014, 01:56 AM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 2,568
Ladder stands and climing sticks.
My brother went out bow hunting at a two year old double ladder stand an 18 footer. Coming down at the end of the day the 3d rung from the top let loose from the weld. He broke his back. Lucky he had his cell phone in a chest pocket so he was able to call for help.
I was telling a friend yesterday about the broken rung so he should check the rung welds on his. What he found was maybe even worse. Where the sections of the ladder slide together he found one of the male pieces completely broken away and on the other side huge cracks all around.
Becarefull people and check those ladders and climbing sticks.
Al
I was telling a friend yesterday about the broken rung so he should check the rung welds on his. What he found was maybe even worse. Where the sections of the ladder slide together he found one of the male pieces completely broken away and on the other side huge cracks all around.
Becarefull people and check those ladders and climbing sticks.
Al
10-21-2014, 12:14 PM
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Northern WI
Posts: 853
That is too bad it happened - sorry for your brother and your family. Thanks for letting us know, though. Seems like this could happen with any ladder stand sold as they all seem to have rungs welded like this. One would have to install support brackets on each side of each rung.
10-22-2014, 07:15 AM
#5
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 49
I have lifelines on my hang-on and ladder stands. You never know what can happen in the dark or in wet and slippery conditions. For the money ($30), you can't afford NOT to have them!
I will be taking a close look at my stand also.
Sorry to hear about your brother, hope he makes a full recovery.
I will be taking a close look at my stand also.
Sorry to hear about your brother, hope he makes a full recovery.
10-22-2014, 10:11 AM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 2,568
Both were alum ladders.
I have yet to see a body harness set up that works worth a crap when going up or down a ladder or tree stand.
They think brother is going to be Ok once he heals as he can move his legs a little. His mouth is fine too.
Al
I have yet to see a body harness set up that works worth a crap when going up or down a ladder or tree stand.
They think brother is going to be Ok once he heals as he can move his legs a little. His mouth is fine too.
Al
10-22-2014, 03:29 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Virginia / West Virginia
Posts: 4,906
FWIW, all our ladder stands are steel. Have not had an issue with any welds on steps yet (knock on wood), and some are 8-10yrs old.
10-24-2014, 03:44 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Virginia / West Virginia
Posts: 4,906
No way a 2yr old ladder should fail. Most of ours are left out year round, and while at some point I expect they will deteriorate and need to be replaced... any stand should make it more than 2yrs, imo.
10-24-2014, 09:30 AM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186
Dang sorry about the injury. Hope all turns out OK.
I use a lineman's belt when initially setting up my stick ladders or screw-in steps. I tie off a safety rope as I go and am never not attached to some sort of life-line as I set the stick ladder or steps. Awkward but no big deal considering the consequences. And while "lineman's belt" is to be not considerd a true fall restraint, it sure as heck beats nothing. After setting my ladder or steps, I then tie off a HD climber's grade rope well above the top rung and loop in a Prussik knot. I am never unattached from this line when either climbing up or down.
I use a lineman's belt when initially setting up my stick ladders or screw-in steps. I tie off a safety rope as I go and am never not attached to some sort of life-line as I set the stick ladder or steps. Awkward but no big deal considering the consequences. And while "lineman's belt" is to be not considerd a true fall restraint, it sure as heck beats nothing. After setting my ladder or steps, I then tie off a HD climber's grade rope well above the top rung and loop in a Prussik knot. I am never unattached from this line when either climbing up or down.