A rotten tree and a person is asking for it. I saw that in you're previous post. Anyhow I've left them in for a year with no problems. I'm not going to suggest others to do it though. You have to really know what you're doing with steps and have a good amount of experience with them. Like has been said tree steps could rip the heck out of a person. I tried the sticks a few years ago. I hated them. I feel much safer using steps. But then again it's all I've ever used. I've never had a tree die from me using them. A few of the tree's I've been hunting for 10+ years. I suppose bugs could get in them holes and cause havoc but I've never seen it.
Space them to what's comfortable for you. The more comfortable (less stretching) the safer they are. I too put them on the sides of the tree. The bigger trees though I don't quite go on the sides.
They sell an attatchment for the drill that screws the step right in for you. I think Gander sold it for around $20. I couldn't find one this year but after installing 14 into my tree (soft box elder tree) I realized I wouldn't need it as it was way easier than I thought. I haven't screwed into a hardwood tree yet. Measure the distance you want your steps to be and tie a piece of string around your wrist that long. Then as your climbing you'll have perfectly spaced steps.
I use quite a few screw in steps as well. I usually use the Ameristep brand, because I found a good deal on them a couple years ago. I have left them in for a couple years in a few spots, never had any problems. Whenever possible, I try and make sure I screw the steps in so that the piece that is vertical is resting against the tree. That puts less stress on the threaded part of the step, which theoretically should increase the life of the steps.
My other thought was, should I be putting some more paint on these steps or something to keep the rust away? I thought tar on the threads but not sure about the smell. I like doing things right the first time so I don't have to worry about hem down the road. The other thought was screwing them into the tree angled down a little so water wouldn't want to seep up along the threads.
I wouldn't recommend angling the steps down, that sounds like it could get pretty slippery. I always make sure of my footing before I climb to the next step when its icy or snowing (raining and muddy in your case )
Actually, I had it wrong. Tie a piece of string twice as long as the distance between steps you want it. As your climbing up, dangle the end of the string to your foot and where your hand rests is where the next step goes on that same side, if that makes sence to you. Also, as far as extending the life for the steps, they are only $2. If you think they are getting to the end of their lifespan, replace it. It's not worth slipping a few feet and being gutted.
I would not worry about rust with them. I have seen where other hunters have left the steps in the tree, and the tree grew around them and only about 2" of step left out and they were still the original paint with no rust. I bet those steps were put in around 10 years ago.
I wrapped friction tape around all of my EZY steps. Keeps them quiet and gives you a better grip. I also cut 2.5" pieces of semi-hard plastic tubing that I slip over the threads to keep them sharp.
Fiction tape is a good idea but would it hold the water to the steps? I put that stuff on everything.
Last Thursday I slipped climbing up mine 10 foot drop tore my glove up Thank the Lord I didn't get hurt worse
Cranford Ezy Climb rod steps!!! The best and I have been using them for many many years. I even bought some more this year and for $2 a piece at Rural King! Best steps by far.
