Locking Treestands to trees?
 

Anyone have any luck with treestand locks that are used for treestands? Or are they just a way to slow down the would be thief?

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I think they just slow them down or just make them think its not worth the effort. Since we've locked al our stand 3 years ago we haven't lost a one. ( We have about 22 permanent portables ) Its easy to do and surely won't hurt.

Good Luck!

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I have had 2 stands stolen (both were locked) until I finally found a solution to make sure my stands stay put. I purchased some 6 feet long 5/8 inch thick rubber coated steel cables with built in locks from Lowes, Walmart or Advance Auto Parts. They are made by Brinks or Masterlock. They cost around $20 a piece. Ever since I started using these heavy duty steel cables I haven't lost a stand yet. These cables are tough as nails. I tried cutting one myself just to see how tough they are. Well a normal set of bolt cutters won't touch them and a hacksaw would cut them if you had 4-6 hours to do it and about 4-5 people. So in other words no one is going to put that much effort into stealing a stand.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

Do you think Home Depot would have it? Was it $20 for the whole set up?

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

Hankfan , good advice ...BT

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I bought a cable lock from walmart this year from walmart. It was a 'actual' treestand lock.

Didn't slow them down. I am guessing it was some local as it was on public land and not everyone carries around a set of bolt cutters in their pack.

bastard got my ladder stick too.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I lock my stand ever time I leave it on the tree over night. I have one of those walmart cable and pad lock deals to. if they want it bad enough, they'll get it, but I beleive it helps in detering the thief from goin to the trouble of cuttin the cable.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

:( Thanks for the info HANKFAN! My ladder stand got stolen this year and so far while still hunting, ground hunting, I have not seen any bucks with an irregular STEEL rack, prancing around, yet. If I do I"ll be sure to notify B & C and P & Y that they should start a new category for scoring bucks. Dang, maybe that's the BIG BOY that has been rubbing those big trees I've been so curious about lately. Huntin! What a life!!!!!!

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

Brinks makes good stuff.

I have a heavy duty "padlock" by Brinks.

I tried to get extra keys made...you cannot do it. Brinks can though...maybe a locksmith could, but Joe at the local hardware dept cannot.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I lock all mine, it doesnt take long and it cant hurt at all.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

i use the same cables as hankfan, bought from lowes, haven't lost a stand in three years.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I lock mine (with a padlock) and remove all bottom tree steps that can be reached from the ground. I find this works really well. However, one S.O.B. cut down the tree!!! I figured out who it was and got my stand back. Damn gun hunter who poaches.....cut it down 2 weeks before gun season - while he was out hunting! I may look into that cable though.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

I used the Kryptonite Cable and a big Masterlock.

They actually cut the lock and stole the cable. I know this because they left the locks under the trees. (all 5)

I also had the Kryptonite cable with the lock built in. Once again, they cut right where the lock met the cable.

Next year I am buying a motorcycle lock from Kryptonite. You can't cut them and if someone is somehow able to get it off. Kryptonite insures you up to $1000 for theft. If you lose your key, it is kept on registry with them so you have to have them send you a new one.

It costs about $60 but it's the only way I am going to leave another one of my stands in the woods. Stands aren't cheap.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

It's sad this question has to be asked.

I too lock all my stands after a couple were stolen.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

it's a shame we have to even discuss this, but unfortunately the thieves have infiltrated the woods and hunting community. A couple of years ago, I had one of my stands (which was locked) shot 2 times with a 12ga in an attempt to bring it down. The strap actually imbedded in the tree. Thank goodness I went back in during the daylight. It taught me one thing; never assume your stand is safe on your return, always inspect it before getting in!!!

Flipout: as far as stands go, I bought 2 hunters view bobcats at Walmart for $40(for both). They're fixed stands with chains and served their purpose very well this past season......I did lock them to discourage theft; but the loss wouldn't have been that great.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

Well I went to Home Depot today and got a Kryptonite 1/2 in. 5 ft. cable with built in lock. They had a 6ft. 5/8 but it was $30. Then I went to Walmart and got a Brinks 5/8 in. 6ft cable with built in lock. Hopefully they'll both do the job. Thanks for everyones help!

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

Titleist_03- the 1/2 inch is a good cable but can be cut with bolt cutters. But the Brinks 5/8 inch cable will make sure your treestands stay put. I have 8
hang-on stands that I leave on public land and since I started using the 5/8 inch cables I haven't even had anyone try to steal one of my stands. I know I hated paying $20 a piece for the steel cables but when I want to go hunt my stand it is good to know that it will be there when I arrive.

RE: Locking Treestands to trees?
 

An eigth of an inch in those cables makes that big of a difference?