RE: hang on stands
I use a cordless drill to make a pilot hole for the steps. Another caution on steps. If the are the 1 piece bent rod type, make sure they are screwed all the way in so the vertical part of the rod is touching the tree. I had one of these snap on me when I was 15ft in a tree. Luckily I was climbing over a large branch and it caught me before I fell. I have since switched to folding steps.
Something else I do with fixed stands is use a rachet strap to tie the base of the stand to the tree better. This helps keep it more stable, especially when you are climbing on and off of it.