maybe tell us what brand sticks you have, and or add some pictures, as there not all the same
and you do know that climbing sticks are NOT made to be attached to tree's for more than a few weeks and some MFG's suggest that there not attached for more than a week at a time?(crazy yes but is what some recommend for safety)
the sun and UV light can weaken straps, and as a tree grows, it can add thousands of LBs of force being applied to a strap that's been on a tree for a l while!
so, using straps, is not a once and don e deal here , just so you know, as DON"T know what you know here or not!