If I notice that the tree tapers off significantly, I will tilt my stand and climber upward and attach it that way. As I climb, the stand and climber usually will level out.

Once in place, I feel comfortable re-adjusting the climber/seat but rarely have I ever chanced adjusting the stand.

Once while hunting with a buddy's stand, I attempted to adjust the platform and really got into trouble. While lying flat on the seat, stomach down, I reached down and disconnected the platform, made the adjustment, but like to NEVER got the retaining pin back in place. My abdominal muscles were about to give out when I finally got the pin in. NEVER AGAIN!!