Ok folks, I am looking to start a thread about all the mods you have done to make your treestands better. Not necessarily things you have bought, but feel free to add something if it made a big difference for you.
I use old bicycle tubes cut and taped around any part that touches the tree. I use a quality hockey tape to wrap any parts that move (like the seat brackets). And I use vegetable oil to lube any squeaks. I don't care what it looks like, as long as it's silent. Good thread, hope to hear some more tricks!
I add extra ratchet straps to my stands. Normally stands come with two. I normally put a third one around it. I've noticed my hang on stands squeak less with the extra strap.
Here is my tree saddle platform that I just built. It's a Frankenstein stand. It has a muddy seat as the platform, 12" section of a lone wolf climbing stick, and a XOP stand off bracket. I wanted to built like a traditional lock on, but with out cable's. It's very stable and once cam locked in, I can't get it to move!
damn...and I thought LW seats were uncomfortable! what I've done is take 1"pipe foam insulation tubes and use that to wrap around my XOP sit and climb bar, then I used self-adhesive camo tape/wrap wound around it and secured the ends w/black duct tape. Works great....MUCH more comfortable and quiet. I've also added nylon washers to any bolt/nut on my ladders and hang-ons. No more squeaks.
No its a platform to lean off of while hunting from a saddle. The step on top is just used to cam lock the stand down.
My saddle was stolen when our camper was robbed out in Ohio this past spring......I am going to miss hunting out of one
Here is how I set up with my saddle.......... I built everything pictured (not including the rapid rail near the bottom).
Above is the modified version of the single person Walmart ladder stands (pictured below) that they blowout after hunting seasons are over, if your lucky enough to find them. They are ok for gun hunting in stock form but no foot room for archers. We have done this at least 3 times and they work like a charm!! Only welding required is to weld a borrowed seat piece to the supplied foot platform more than doubling the size. We also move the stock seat position back a hole position which also moves the tree gripper back too. You'll notice we bend up handrails using 3/4" EMT conduit which are covered with foam insulation after installation. The foam will be wrapped with camo duct tape once I get some to keep the squirrels away....... There are locations where we also add an extra section of ladder to make them taller as well.
I have a Lone Wolf Assault but this can be done with any hang on stand. Sometimes you get in tough trees and hard to hang your stand so to make things easy. Behind the seat I have a small loop of paracord. When I get up to the height where I want to hang my stand I screw in a little tree hook. Hang the stand by the paracord loop to free up your hands and makes it easier to put your straps on. Right before camlocking just unhook it. I find this easier than buying the stands easy hang system. No extra equipment needed or brackets etc.
I also really like the Third hand archery bow holder. Mine is attached right to the side of my seat on my Lone Wolf.
Looking for Molle backpack straps and belt to attach to my lone wolf climber. Currently just attached my bag and it is much more comfortable. Also attached paracord loops to the base and seat to hang a bag or what not on using a carabiner. Sent from my SM-G930V using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
Do a search for any Army Surplus stores in your area. I got mine for 10 bucks brand new at one here. Otherwise you can get them cheap on amazon/Ebay I believe
On another site I'm on, a guy almost fell (had his harness on or would have) when the cable broke on his hang-on stand. He has since replace all cables on his hang-ons with chains. Now with mine being a few years old....I'm converting mine.
