Originally Posted by
SecondChance
I was up about 7 steps when the 2x4 wood step rung split where it was screwed into the tree. Letting me fall about 10 feet onto my back.
Thank god there was a good leaf floor covering and my gear was on a pull up rope not on my back like many others on here choose to do.
This is why I say it is a good idea to have back-up fasteners and supports. Two (or 3) galvanized nails in the rung on each side would not allow this to happen. I am not too keen on screws or other brittle fasteners like pole barn spikes unless they are backed up by something else - they tend to shear off, especially after a few years. I once had a ladder rung fastened with pole barn spikes shear off but luckily I was not too high up.
Wooden stands have their drawbacks, but also, they can be built larger to allow hunter movement. For some, sitting in one place for hours can be torture due to back problems, etc.