Cisco,

I usually like to pre "tap" a hole with my good steps (like the Gorilla's) and then I put the Ameristeps in. Mostly this is because I only have a few good ones with the majority being Ameristep.

ONE TIP: If you have a tree set up and know you will use it throughout the season, but can't leave your steps in; when you pull them out try sticking a small twig in the hole left behind. I do this now and can say that it saves me alot of time when I come back. Sometimes the tree has grown over the twig and you can't pull it out. What I do then is just break it off flush and get my tip started and voila! they're in!

I prefer this method because it makes me nearly as mobile as when I have my climber and yet doesn't restrict me to climber trees. Give it a try and see if it helps.