Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
12-11-2008, 10:54 AM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: S. Illinois
Posts: 1,325
Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
Has anyone tried using big lag bolts instead of screw in steps?? They are a LOT cheaper.If you have tried it does it work good and are they safe?
12-11-2008, 10:56 AM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NOVA
Posts: 780
RE: Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
I have seen guys use them before. Yes they are cheaper and just as sturdy if put into the tree far enough. The problem is taking them out. I move stands frequently and I like the screw in's better, I can take them with me where ever i go and use them for years and years.
12-11-2008, 11:01 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cenral Illinois
Posts: 3,180
RE: Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
Used them, don't like steps of any kind really, but I feel safer on the bolts. Use Grade 8, this is very important, as they are the strongest you can get. Pre-drill your holes in the tree with a bit that is one size bigger than your bolts, put them in at an angle, slide your botls in, climb away. By pre-drilling, moving stands is simple, just ake the bolts out. With any amount of pressure on the step, they aren't going anywhere.
12-11-2008, 11:05 AM
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Kansas
Posts: 6,598
RE: Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
Take your cordless drill and the right sized socket with you and they go in with a breeze. Mark them where you get atleast three inches of threads into the tree.8 inch galvanized lag bolts. The bolt head will help keep you rubber boots from slipping.
12-11-2008, 11:10 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,139
RE: Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
ORIGINAL: YooperMike
Used them, don't like steps of any kind really, but I feel safer on the bolts. Use Grade 8, this is very important, as they are the strongest you can get. Pre-drill your holes in the tree with a bit that is one size bigger than your bolts, put them in at an angle, slide your botls in, climb away. By pre-drilling, moving stands is simple, just ake the bolts out. With any amount of pressure on the step, they aren't going anywhere.
Used them, don't like steps of any kind really, but I feel safer on the bolts. Use Grade 8, this is very important, as they are the strongest you can get. Pre-drill your holes in the tree with a bit that is one size bigger than your bolts, put them in at an angle, slide your botls in, climb away. By pre-drilling, moving stands is simple, just ake the bolts out. With any amount of pressure on the step, they aren't going anywhere.
I like steps because they are bent so the step part can bump against the tree making them a lot stronger.
I have snapped steps off too so be careful.
12-11-2008, 11:17 AM
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Phoenixville, PA USA
Posts: 5,541
RE: Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
I would strongly recommend against it. I know of 2 different guys that have fallen because of them. Fortunately neither was seriously hurt.
Repeated use can cause them to loosen over time, especially if you are a big guy. Tree steps are $2 a piece and designed to distibute a climbers weight safely. That is a small price to pay to make sure you come home in one piece.
Repeated use can cause them to loosen over time, especially if you are a big guy. Tree steps are $2 a piece and designed to distibute a climbers weight safely. That is a small price to pay to make sure you come home in one piece.
12-11-2008, 11:23 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SE Ohio
Posts: 2,531
RE: Big lag bolts instead of screw in steps??
I agree with Both MagicMan and Bry, I've sheared off a few Lag bolts over the years myself, and the design of a Tree Step is much better than a Lag Bolt for weight distribution, and that in itself would keep me from using Lag bots (that and maybe the fact that fully dress, I weigh close to 250#
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