RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

Yeah like some aluminum rapid rails or climbing sticks.... I feel steps are a death trap...

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

You can get to 20' with today's ladders for under $50.

I used to use a few steps at the top of my ladders to help me have something to hold onto while getting on stand......but I wouldn't climb to 20' on steps alone if Pam Anderson was waiting up there for me.

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

Sorry Jeff... I've been in a hospital the whole time since my last post.

Utilization ofscrew-in steps carries a couple advantages with it. First, there's not one single tree that I can't use in the woods with them, not one.

Sticks can be cumbersome and bulky to carry into the woods and navigate through thick brush with; I know,I've had a set of four Lone Wolf sticks for a couple years now, and use them a lot -- and I'm not taking anything away from them; they're a GREAT product.

I can set up quicker with a set of screw-in steps than I can my sticks. Most people who wouldn't believe that have never used quality steps like Cranfords or the Silver Tips Bob mentioned. QUALITY steps are almost effortless to install compared to ones like the junk Ameristep ones painted completely green that Wal-Mart carries mostly.

They're stealthier for two reasons: First is the fact that I mentioned sticks are bulkier. At some point, you WILL clang something on a stick, be it a buckle swinging around and contacting something, or a stick on stick. But primarily, the best reason I like them is I make ONE trip up the tree with them. With sticks, unless I'm holding one under an arm and one in my teeth or some other weird contortionist act (which takes away from the safety issue you alluded to), I have to make at least two trips up and down the tree to get four sticks and a stand installed.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm always concerned on that trip down to get more gear that THAT'S the time a deer will come by. With steps, I just clip my hoist rope to my bow, hook up my lineman's belt around the tree, and go up higher with each step installed. When I reach the height I want to hunt, I take the treestand off my back and hang it. I pull up my bow and I'm done; it's about as easy as you get.

I'm actually surprised that you've mentioned not feeling safe several times, either with the thought of using screw-in steps or in referencing your experience with the Lone Wolf. I know that you, like me, have a pretty athletic background so I don't understand where the feeling comes from. Maybe you're not using the lineman's belt that I mentioned as one of the key steps? Not sure, but I feel enough confidence in my screw-in steps and hanging procedure to let my 5-year-old do it if he wanted to.

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

I'm not afraid of a total fall, Greg. I'm afraid of a slip and a puncture wound (with steps).

We also hunt different terrain, I assume. Around here.....the actuality of NOT having a tree close by to put up a 20' ladder is slim.

Even with the ladders I sometimes (wet conditions) feared the ends of them and what they'd do to my ribs (or worse). I utilized the summit climbing system on my hang ons.....so a fall to the earth wasn't in question.

I used the LW Alpha and sticks exactly twice. Not being an octopus.....I found it VERY cumbersome to utilize for a same day set. My climber is much more user-friendly.....and like I said....I have an abundance of climbable trees, here.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

I am afraid of steps. I film(ed) for guy who used Grade 8 bolts, as opposed to actual steps. We drilled holes, put the bolts in, and that was it. I got up 6 bolts high and couldn't go any higher, i just froze. For me, why make it harder than it has to be? Ladders or climbers are my game.

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

I guess I could see the worries about a slip and puncture wound. I just feel so darned safe with them I've never thought about it. I guess you could slip on a climbing stick just the same though. The difference in percieved safety might be the fact that climbing stick steps are usually closer together -- which might mean that the step installer is putting them in too far apart if one seems safer than the other; I don't know, just a thought.

And you're right... enjoy whatever you feel comfortable in. I know for a fact we hunt very dissimilar terrains, because I used to spend a lot of time in North Carolina on business; I've seen all your telephone-pole trees. :)I was just helping you understand why "I" prefer them a lot of time, nothing more. Like I said, I've got a set of LW sticks, as well as a few climbers. I'll use everything in my arsenal when the time's right!

And I've seen you Mike... If I was your ladder stand, I STILL wouldn't feel safe, LOL! You're a big ol' boy! :D

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

Thanks for the advice guys. Sounds like I may just be using the wrong type of screw-in. I'll have to check out some of the different types you've all mentioned.

In response to the climbing sticks. I have a set on a stand right now that I love! They arepretty easy to set up and I do feel more comfortable accending with these as opposed to screw-in's that I have hunted out of before.

As Greg pointed out,some climbing sticks just won't work in sometrees. I've had my eye on thetree I'm hoping to use for a couple of years, and the screw-in's seem to be my only option.

Once again thanks for the good advice, and the best of luck to you all this season!

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

A little tip that makes it easier to screw in the steps, is I cut a piece of 1/2" pvc to length so that it will slide over the step, and that allows the step to spin inside of the pvc, instead of having the friction between your hand and the steel step.

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

Try this out. I have somethingsimilar and it works great.

http://www.treesteptool.com/

RE: Screw-in tree steps
 

That's a great tip Howler. Thanks for that!!