stevensondrive,, i go throught the exact same stuff you went through when i hang mine.. I hung two today and it sounded like a repeat of yours except for having to redo it, the climbing sticks and linemans belt seem to be the easiest way to go, but its still a huge pain, I was sweating so bad by the time mine were up that its no use to try to hunt them till at least the end of oct.

I plan to spry the heck out of mine steps and all once I get them hung, because yeah, I was wondering about all the sent I was puttin out as I was drippin sweat everywhere.

I hang quite a few different lock on stands but the best is a climber.

Those lineman spikes and lineman belt are great if you have them. I still wind up hanging most of mine from the steps though with a lineman belt.

I use steps I make at home and tie them on with rope as I go up.

I tie a rope to the stand and hook it to the belt and when I get where I want it I screw in a screw in step and pull up the stand with the rope.

Tie the rope on the step with a clove hitch and it's easy to adjust up or down a little to get it where you want it and the rope will hold it for you while you set it up.

If you have a partner it helps even more because they can pull down on the rope over the step to help pull it up to you.

The easy way i found to hand a lockon is to do this if you can! Bring along a climber type stand, And a cordless drill. Then shimmy up the tree all the way up to where your going to hunt! Then pull up the lockon stand and hang it where you want to? Then as you come down the tree use the drill to start a pilot hole for your step! This is the safest and the fastest way to hang a lock on. I took me about 15-20min to hang one stand and then i was out of there! P.S you also make less noise this way [8D]

This is something that will work w/ the following two conditions: 1) The tree must be straight enough (and w/out branches) to use a climber; 2)You need to have access to a climbing tree stand (Summit, Lone Wolf, API, etc.). Simply get to the height you want to hang your stand and either use a pully system (which I finally bought for this year) or just carry the rope from the hang-on with you up the tree. Pull the stand up, attach to the tree and "shimmy" on back down. This will keep both hands free and you won't feel the "burn" on the legs, feet and arms.

Now the funny thing about this is, I didn't think about this until after I hung all of my stands for the year. But next year I'll give it a try.

I also like the idea about taking a ladder out with you, but many folks can't drive up to their hunting spot or tree.

I usually get Len to do it. That way I don't get all sweaty and stinky.[8D] The sticks work. If it's something like an API hang on or one that uses a bottom T to hold the stand in place. Screw that in most of the way. I also put a screw in step up that I can hook the stand on once I get it up there to take a break. You can also take a couple quick loops around the top of your stick with the rope to hold it... and to catch it if you drop it. Have all the straps at about the right length etc before you leave the ground. I usually pull the stand up with the haul line I'm going to leave on it for hunting. I take up extra length by wrapping around the back of the stand seat once in place so the bow will be suspended off the ground. If you can't pull a hang on up with a rope.... you need to pump some iron.[&:][8D] I'll put in a couple extra screw ins at platform level and above to give me a step onto the platform and as a hand hold. You just got to experiment to find the place that's best for you. They double as gear hooks once you're up there. I usually leave an old belt type harness around each tree just above the seat that I can climb through before I take that dangerous step onto the stand. Once you're hooked up with your regular hook up you can take it off or step out of it. I've put backpack straps on my hangons for easy carrying along with the sticks. High density comfort pads on all platforms. Wouldn't think of doing it without a step starter and a linemans belt. Some stands I put steps from about 9 feet up to the platform and take the stick out when done. When I come in to hunt I bring 2 four foot sections that are light, can be strapped on quickly and quietly to get to the first step. That way it makes it harder for some joner to use your stand. In some instances I'll hide the 2 sections of stick on the way to the stand behind a log or something and cover with leaves. When I walk in I pick them up and carry them the last 50 yards.

Steps and belt ,thats how i did mine.no other easy way i could think of.

I brought my son with me and he can climb a tree like an ape!!
First I only hang my stands in trees that have branches 'cause I like the cover.
Then I put up my climbing sticks and screw a lag bolt into the tree about an inch where I want the stand.
Then my kid hands me the stand while I am up the ladder and set it on the bolt. My kid climbs to the other side of the tree and helps me set up the ratchet straps.
All done!!!

hunter25-Your right if it has limbs you can,t use a climber[&:] I guess there really is no easy way other than straps, steps, and belts[&:]

I never have a fun time hanging on my platform stand, that is why this year I invested in a climber to try it out.