as navy said hold the bottom of the stand as high as possible when putting the chain around the stand. That is the way mine are anyway. As you lower the bottom of the stand it will really tighten up or it does for me anyway

I have a River' s Edge as well. I haven' t had any problem with mine. I have several other chain-on stands as well. I place all my stands on my own property before the season. They remain in place all season long. I have an additional stand/ladder that I use on public land. I usually leave the stand locked onto the tree and take my ladder each time (if I plan to return there). No problems thus far. This year, I started driving a nail just beneath the chain of each stand on my own property....just for my own peace of mind. I will remove it when I dismantle each stand/ladder set-up in a few weeks.

Clint

Why would anyone buy a chain-on knowing they have to buy a rachet strap to make it work.That seems pretty lame.

I have an old Loc-on stand with a chain and have not had any problems.

The key is that you have to hang the stand, with most of the slack out of the chain. Once you climb in the stand, with you harness attached, you should jump/hop on the base of your stand at the position closest to the tree trunk. This action will set the stand firmly in place.

Doing this, I have never had any problems.

Good luck.

it really also depends on the tree, if the stand cannot get grip on the bark then there' s your problem, the ratchet strap really helps to remove any slop

some lock on stands come with ratchet straps, my miejer cheapie came with one, only paid 25 bucks for it