Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
07-05-2004, 05:00 AM
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
This seems like a dumb question, but I have a good number of tree steps screwed into pine trees that I can't get out. The sap has essentially glued these steps into the tree. Any tips that might help me get them out would be appreciated.
07-05-2004, 07:35 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Beatrice NE USA
Posts: 54
RE: Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
get one of those tree step wrenches they work real good.if you can,t get a good hold of the step because the tree has grown around the step trim around the step with a hatch so the wrench can get a good grip on the step.
07-05-2004, 07:47 AM
#4
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: South Central Missouri
Posts: 3,112
RE: Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
We often have problems removing screw-in steps. Try using a hammer that has a solid steel handle, such as an Erwin. If they have been in for so many years that the tree has grown around the step. you will probably do more damage to the tree trying to take them out and would be better to just leave them.
07-05-2004, 11:04 AM
#5
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
RE: Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
the steps have been in the tree for 8 months, so hardly too long. Pine trees tend to drip sap that sticks like glue. I looked in the cabelas mag and saw the Ameristep remover. I wasn't sure how well it works but I might need to give it a try, though at $30 incl shipping, I would rather not buy one. I can buy two boxes of steps for that price. lol
07-05-2004, 01:46 PM
#9
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blossvale, New York
Posts: 21,199
RE: Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
A hammer should do the trick. You can buy one of the Ameristep wrenches or just weld a couple pieces of angle iron together leaving one side open and maybe a notch cut at one end. Then just slide the open side over the step and the notch down over the step part itself. IF you make it a foot or so long it should give you the needed leverage. You could even run a bolt through a piece of pipe at 90 degrees on one end to use as a handle. With washers the pipe should rotate around your bolt.
07-05-2004, 03:54 PM
#10
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: the woods of NJ.
Posts: 5,643
RE: Need tip on removing stubborn tree steps
I removed some years back, and took a long limb and wacked it, and was able to hit and unscrew the two I could reach from the ground. Maybe bring a 2x4 for leverage, or a pair of vice-grips with a pipe. There not that expensive so maybe leave them. Guess the tree didn't produce the fruits you thought it would yield.
