a friend of mine reccomended that while hunting on private property to use a cordless drill with extra battery to drill in about 4 in. in tree then sliding in bolt.use a 1/4 bolt with a 3/8 in bit so it will slide in but be secure.he said he dont break up a sweat like he used to in warm weather while installing tree steps.he said it was definetly faster and nice to pull steps out as you descend down to leave stand in tree so its not easily seen or stolen.sounds like a great idea to me.he has been doing it for years now,he even said he has 4in. rubber sleeves on end sticking out from tree