Hello, I have some hang on stands that have a main ratchet strap to secure to the tree. I would like to add a secondary stap to the bottom of the stand. I am currently using hook ratchet straps and using duct tape to keep the hooks on the stand. Not sure if this is the smartest move. What do you guys use to add support to a hang on? thanks

I don't use any extra support. The supplied support straps are designed with a generous margin of safety. I do, however, keep a close eye on the condition of the straps and replace them when they get frayed significantly.

Just run a ratchet strap around the bottom. Hook it into itself so that it is just ratcheting the stand tight to the tree. I've done this on crooked trees before to make sure my stand didn't shift. You can't have it "Over-secure" so if another strap makes you more comfortable throw it on there.
-Jake

I would suggest NOT adding straps. This type of stand is designed to be used with just the top strap. When you apply weight the stand "shifts" down securing it to the tree. Adding a strap prevents this, plus may change the weight bearing vectors the designer built into the stand.

I started this a few years ago by accident but now its the only way I hang my hang on stands. I place a screw in tree spike into the tree and "hang" the hangon stand on this spike. Then rachet it the to the tree. Stand doesn't move at all once its strapped down and is very steady. May be a little over kill since they are designed to dig into the tree once you put weight on them, but its about all i do now.

NE doesn't allow you to use screw in spikes on public ground so I can't do it there but all my private ground stands are setup this way.

ONLY "safe" way to use hang ons:
1). Remove the nylon strap at the top of the stand & replace it with a suitable length of STEEL CHAIN!

2). The top strap you removed from the stand should now be used on the bottom of the stand but ONLY after you have already properly hung, & "set" the stand into the tree by standing on it. The strap is not there for weight concerns as the chain is MUCH stronger & indeed weather, sunlight & rodent/bug proof. The strap simply provides lateral stability to the base.

3). Hunt with confidence that your life is no longer dependent upon strands of nylon that were stitched together by a 12yr old in China.

Funny, the only stand that I put a second strap on is my old chain-on stand

Why?

I grew up using the original Loc-On stands back in the 80s. I wouldn't even use a bottom strap on my hangons today except that I feel them now "possibly safer" for my sons & guests as they aren't that experienced as to dos & donts with climbing in/out of hangons.

Use an extra strap if you like. I've been doing it for years for the extra security. Some may say to take the manufacture strap off and put a chain on but if you do and something does happen, your screwed. They will no longer be responsible for any defects on the stand.

I guess I am anal. I put the one on top. I then bought one of the biggest ratchet I could find to put on the top for a second. I then have another one on bottom. Over kill I am sure but don't want my life depending on one 6 dollar strap. I did replace all the nuts an bolts this summer. I also took off the cables and put on chains on the sides.