I don't mind packing a drill in when I presetup a spot...screwing in steps by hand sucks...it takes forever, is tiring, and you sweat..during summer, alot! lol I'd rather take a drill in and be done in 5-10 minutes than sweating and grunting my ass off 35 minutes later halfway up the tree! I've done both.

The bolts aren't really meant to grab stuff with their threads...the downward pressure keeps em in place.

But Drop, what size are screw in steps? They are no where near 5/8 in diameter, may even be smaller than 3/8. I think both are voodoo compared to stick ladders...but given the options, I'd opt for a predrilled hole whether it is for steps or bolts, just for ease. on bolts, the bolts still fit snug and dont just fall out, on the steps..the predrill hole is smaller than the threaded tip so it doesnt effect threads at all, just gives you a jumpstart into the tree...I hate trusting steps because of how little it is in the tree, there aint much thread to them at all.[:-]

I just checked Ace Hardware on my way home from my last final of the semester, Grade 5 3/8"x6" are 1.20. Grade 8 3/8"x6" are 1.80. Can't buy steps for either of those prices here, even on sale.

I prefer stick ladders over all else ($35 gets you 20 ft up), but am going to try the bolts this year in place of screw in steps on a few setups.