Thanks for the advice guys. Sounds like I may just be using the wrong type of screw-in. I'll have to check out some of the different types you've all mentioned.

In response to the climbing sticks. I have a set on a stand right now that I love! They arepretty easy to set up and I do feel more comfortable accending with these as opposed to screw-in's that I have hunted out of before.

As Greg pointed out,some climbing sticks just won't work in sometrees. I've had my eye on thetree I'm hoping to use for a couple of years, and the screw-in's seem to be my only option.

Once again thanks for the good advice, and the best of luck to you all this season!