Mrfritz44....try this:

Buy some neoprene gas line hose and cut it into about 2 1/2 inch pieces. Simply slip a piece of hose over the cable (under the gate) after you have attached the stand to the tree.

The hose will "press down" on the cable as you climb and prevent it from clanging inside the "guide" that it slips into.

Like you said you usually only need it for the base since the top portion doesn't seem to make any sound.

Email me with any question that you have and let me know on this thread if you sort of understand what I mean.