I have several treestands that are about 9 years old now. The seat and platform are attachedto a 4x4 that is bolted onto a tree with lag bolts. the platform is also chained to the top of the 4x4 on an angle for support, and two pieces of aluminum angle that are screwed to the bottom of the platform arepressed into the bark of the tree as well.

I asked my buddy who built them what is most likely to break/go wrong over time and he said the two, 8 inch lag bolts holding the 4x4 to the tree might break. I figured myself that the lag bolt holding the platform to the 4x4 might come out when someone stands on the platform.

Questions...

Will growth of the tree break the lag bolts that are through the 4x4's into the tree?

Would the best way to sure up the tree be to run another lag bolt through the 4x4's into the tree? Also, should I nail or screw in a piece of 2x4 under the aluminum angle in case the lag bolt connecting the platform to the bottom of the 4x4 comes out?

Thanks!

I've found on my older permanent stands that the tree, as it grows, will pull nails or screws right thru the wooden stand. I've had to re-nail the older ones several times as the tree "absorbs" the old nails.

At the very least, I would replace the lag bolts as they may be rusted or underconsiderable stress. If you find that the growing tree is actually pulling the screw thru the 4X4, I would replace that also.

Do yourself a favor and buy a quality stand. How much did you pay for you're bow? Arrows? Rest? Sight? Release? ATV? Gun? etc..... Point is, don't try to save money when it's you're life you're trying to support 20 ft. up!

yeah i wouldnt have trusted it past 4 years, i try to rebuild my permanent stands every 2 to three but mine are basically made just from 2x4's so it will age quicker

I agree, safety first. It isn't the money, it's the time I can be there to makesome decentstands. I have a fewhangons from the sports stores but they have platforms much smaller than I would prefer.

yeah i prefer built treestands for that reason...room but the only downfall is that deer will eventually avoid it especially if youve killed deer in it with other deer around or have been busted

Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't sap from the tree will also deteriorate/rust metal at some point? Talk to some guys who have left tree steps in for years only to be climbing up one day and one snaps and they fall. It doesn't happen that often, but I have heard of such stories. I suppose all it takes is one time and the end result can't be a good one.

You need three tools:

1. Hack saw
2. match
3. credit card

Use the hack saw to remove the stand from the tree.
Use the match to burn the mess
Use the credit card to order yourself a few quality tree stands to replace the death traps.

How foolish would you feel paralyzed, sitting in a wheelchair explaining to someone that you just wanted a bigger platform? I know we all take chances going up in a tree to hunt out of, but I'd rather play russian roulette with only one bullet in the cylinder instead of five!

Replace them or don't use them! You didn't say how high they were or what you were falling into. Or, wear a good harness and live life on the edge.

The new treated lumber requires different fastners. You won't get 2 years out of it if you don't get the right ones. The old treated was so bad but it's effects I never saw. The new is so much safer but will eat a steel lag in a year. Go figure.

You mention that you don't like hang-ons cuz the platform is small. Well consider this,a larger platform gives you room to move around,right? Smaller platform forces you to sit still. What's better, movement or stillness?