Oops, misread that.

I definately use wratchets to hold the stand to the tree. Chain for theft, I use the tape to keep the chain quiet.

If I were you, I' d find a couple of good spots for the chain on stands and leave them in the tree. If you have spots where you must pack your stand in and out w/ you I' d suggest getting a Gorilla strap on stand. I' ve used about everything out there and find the Gorilla stands made by Game Tracker to be by far the most user friendly. They are also very reasonably priced for such a quality product.

To allay your concerns about the safety of the stand, remember that the chain grips the tree by using the downward pull of the stand. You would have to be in a slick tree for that thing to slide.

I use plastic dip on my API climber that has a chain. I works great, you just have to make sure that all the holes are plug up before you dip it.