I have been using the screw in tree steps for a few years now. I can't bring myself to buy the climbing sticks because I typically don't move my lock on once its in the tree. I leave it up for the whole season. Anyway I'm planning on heading to put up a couple stands at my new place in Oklahoma on Saturday. So to be fully prepared I have a couple questions for you guys. 1. What is the average distance between each step? 2. How many steps does it typically take you to get 20 feet? 3. Have you ever used the drill attachment that screws in the steps with a cordless drill? If yes, then how well did it work? What type of material is it made from (aluminum, steel, etc) I'm planning on making one here in the machine shop tomorrow after work. Any other input or helpful hints would be much appreciated!
I keep my stands up like you too, so i use the steps. When i space my steps out. I step on my original first step and bend my other leg that isnt on a step on the other side of a tree and ut it where my knee touches the tree. Its about a three foot gap for me, i have pretty long legs tho. I have never used a tool of any sort for my steps, they are all still pretty new and makes it pretty easy to screw in.
Been using tree steps for 23 years Depends on how long your legs are. Mine are usually 2.5 feet or so apart. There's nothing worse then having tree pegs too far apart, make It easy on yourself when going up a tree. Space them closer. Anywhere from 8 to 9 I'd say. Depends on the tree and how many branches/limbs a person can use for steps. Nope, that Idea actually scares me. To be honest I'm not sure but I think mine are made out of spring steel.
im a tall guy so i can put more room between my sticks, but i like to step "down" on my stand so my fourth stick isnt really used for height... i guess what i could do is put screw ins at the top... hmmm just might do that! back to your question, about 2 1/2 - 3ft inbetween sticks, 4 sticks get me almost to 20ft. biggest benifit is that on the way down i'll pull my last two sticks to make it harder for someone to steal my stand/sit in it.
1. I screw my first step about mid-thigh and my next one around my chin... and keep repeating until I reach my desired height. 2. Nine steps will typically get me to my usual hunting height. 3. NO, NO, and NO!! These are an absolute joke, and ANY manufacturer that has to promote them for their product... well, I'd steer WAAAAY clear of them. Trust me on this: Buy Cranford. Period. You may spend just a few more dollars initially, but it will be WELL worth it. There's only one step I'll ever use, and this is it.
I never have used the tool before. I never had any trouble just screwing them in by hand. Where in Oklahoma are you headed?
1. 3 ft Long Legs 2. 10 3. No - I have used a cordless drill to predrill hole so they go in easier. They make a handle like thing I've seen but never used.
I don't mind screwing them in by hand, but once you get to the top (about 10 steps in) I get worn out I'll be just outside Atoka
I'm 5"11 and setting them comfortably apart they are usually around 2.5 ft from one another. I usually use around 8 steps and have always just used my hand to screw them in.
Like Greg said... Use Cranford and you won't need a hole starter. I've been using the EZY Climb Rod Tree Steps for years and when I worked retail sold a pile of them. Heck, one time I was demonstrating them for a customer and cut my finger on the threads...They're THAT sharp and they start extremely easy too. They have a lot of different styles to choose from and the one in the picture is what I generally use. I also have some of their rope on steps which are great for public land if you don't have a climber.
Let me also add this. When I'm carrying them to and from my tree in my backpack, I cover the threads with fuel line (never been used of course) to keep them from poking a hole or holes in my pack. :D
It takes me right about 9-10 steps for 20 ft. I have never seen the need for a drill to get them in, but I haven't ever used one so I don't know how well they work.
For me, I start right above the knee with the first step and then the next one goes about nipple height :D. I continue that all the way up. I space mine a little closer together so that when I get all bundled up for a cold December hunt... it's still easy to get in. I'd rather screw in an extra step or two than have to struggle with 4 layers of clothes on.
You won't need a starter for the Ameristeps either, plus there cheaper then the Cranfords. I don't know nothing about the Cranfords though so I guess I can't comment on them. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ogle&cm_pla=ameristep tree pegs&cm_ite=netcon
That's what I use too. I take a dremel with a stone attachment and rough up the threads, makes 'em go in fast.
I don't mean this in a negative way, but anyone that is saying that they have 2 1/2 to 3 feet between each step ought to take a tape measure out to their sets. I am 6 foot 3 inches tall with long legs and I would tell you anything over 20 inches is uncomfortable and anything over 30 is dangerous. For a 20 foot set I usually have at least 15 steps. I like to have the last one higher than my stand, again for safety's sake. As far as drills and stuff. I take a 1/4 inch bit to pre drill and I try to only pre drill about an inch so that by the time that I am cranking on it, it is really gripping. I have no problems moving a set at a moments notice. I would love to have climbing sticks, I just can't afford them.
You're not buying Cranfords at Walmart, trust me. They usually sell Gorilla or Ameristep, and there's a WORLD of difference between the two. WORLDS.
