Tree Stand Screw Steps

[Deadhunter25]

Hey guys Im thinking of doing something new this fall and instead of using climbing sticks, trying out screw steps. Im a big guy and just wondering what kind you guys use for those that use them. Also do you think screw steps are best or would screw bolts into a tree be a safer alternative? Thanks in advance

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[turkeyfeathers]

I've always been leary of using these. I'm 5-10" and 200 pounds. All bundled up for an all day hunt with clunky boots climbing gets me a bit nervous that I'll fall and gut myself My friends have a few climb on stands that are accessible with climbing pegs, nope not for me.

[Lawdwaz]

Big guy huh, how big is big?

 

I use screw in steps and have been for 25+ years.  All my hang-on stands utilize screw-in's except one..............

 

I'm not interested in the bolts.

[Nomad]

When I started using tree stands we used pieces of 2x4 with holes drilled through them and feed clothesline through and wrapped it around the tree ...

Screw in steps were like science fiction when I found them !

Today I use strap on ladders and climbing sticks as I find them faster to place and I think safer to use.

Now for screw ins look for the biggest ones and remove them or at least back them out at the end of the season .

I know couple guys who have been injured I falls by screw ins , and the farm I hunt forbids them.

Edited February 15, 2016 by Larry302

[Deadhunter25]

Big guy huh, how big is big?

I use screw in steps and have been for 25+ years. All my hang-on stands utilize screw-in's except one..............

I'm not interested in the bolts.

5'10" 250lbs. Im going to use the screw ins in places i fear a climbing stick would disappear.

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[Tughill Tamer]

I could be wrong but I was told once that they are illegal on state land as they say it is harmful to the tree?

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[gastrodoc]

I used screw in steps for years until I found climbing sticks. Now, I will never use the screw ins again. They damage trees and are dangerous. My buddy was damn near eviscerated by one when he fell a few years back

[Nomad]

I used screw in steps for years until I found climbing sticks. Now, I will never use the screw ins again. They damage trees and are dangerous. My buddy was damn near eviscerated by one when he fell a few years back

One friend partly degloved another took,one to the ribs, it's nice how they curve up to catch you like a meat hook !

[shawnhu]

I could be wrong but I was told once that they are illegal on state land as they say it is harmful to the tree?

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You're right, but you don't know if the op is hunting public, or private.

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[Tughill Tamer]

You're right, but you don't know if the op is hunting public, or private.

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Your right there, he never really mentioned if it was private land or not. I wasn't 100 percent sure if it was illegal on state land but I thought so

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[Lawdwaz]

5'10" 250lbs. Im going to use the screw ins in places i fear a climbing stick would disappear.

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5'11" and about the same or less but maybe more.

 

The Ameristep Grizzly is the one I'd suggest.............................

 

http://www.basspro.com/Ameristep-Grizzly-Tree-Steps-12Step-Kit/product/33660/

 

They aren't easy to start but a tap on the back of the step with an axe/hatchet will get 'er going. 

 

One more thing: make sure you're using a GREAT climbing belt and flip line. 

[Larry]

there not called GUT HOOKS for nothing stay with the climbing sticks

[Deadhunter25]

there not called GUT HOOKS for nothing stay with the climbing sticks

But do you think people harm themselves because of the design and whatnot of the product or by their own fault considering mistakes do happen. I can see how they are obv more dangerous than climbing sticks

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[Deadhunter25]

Your right there, he never really mentioned if it was private land or not. I wasn't 100 percent sure if it was illegal on state land but I thought so

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Public but not state land

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[nyslowhand]

The Ameristep Grizzly is the one I'd suggest.............................

 

http://www.basspro.com/Ameristep-Grizzly-Tree-Steps-12Step-Kit/product/33660/

 

They aren't easy to start but a tap on the back of the step with an axe/hatchet will get 'er going. 

Same ones Dick's (F&S?) sells in bulk at their stores. They come in two sizes, 4" & 6", both having formed 2" screw-in threads! Threads are not machined, so there is some variation in thread details. Like Lawdwaz mentioned, little hard to start depending on type of tree &/or formed threads. Make great & cheap accessory hangers for us ladder stand wimps.

[GreeneHunter]

I used a buddy's climbing stick this past season .... once !  The steps that were on it had no upturn at the end and if there was any ice my boots would just slip off .  I have the screw in steps at two of my stands and the steps have the upturn on the end and are knurled and my boots do not slip off !

[maytom]

I tried a couple steps on the market. The Cranford EZ climb steps are the easiest to screw into trees, there threads are fully machined. The problem I experienced was with their folding steps. Being 250lbs. and after numerous climbs into trees, I have found that the pin used for the hinge was getting bent????? After seeing that, and not wanting an accident to happen, I went to the one piece design steps. Like others have already mentioned, cost wise you can't beat the grizzly ameri-steps for the price, and they hold up very well. You want to get enough steps so that you climb up a little past your stand so that you can just step off the steps onto your stand. I also HIGHLY suggest a climbing belt that goes around your waist and then connects around the tree. That way you can have both hands free while hanging your stand while being able to lean back!!! While up in my "hang-on" stands, I prefer a very short tether strap around me and the tree rather than a safety vest. I don't like all that extra rope or looseness while up 18+ feet in a tree. With that short 1 foot tether between me and the tree, it gives me piece of mind. I also have 2 summit Viper climbers as well, and with those type of stands, a safety harness is the only way to go.

[Doewhacker]

I am going away from screw in steps, I prefer the ladder sections like rapid rails ect. All you need to do is take the bottom section with you when you leave so no one will get in your stand and it won't harm the tree if that's an issue.

 

Screw in steps are a pain in the butt if you ask me, I carry in a cordless drill and predrill a hole to get the steps started in. I always end up in a sweat setting them up.

[Deadhunter25]

I tried a couple steps on the market. The Cranford EZ climb steps are the easiest to screw into trees, there threads are fully machined. The problem I experienced was with their folding steps. Being 250lbs. and after numerous climbs into trees, I have found that the pin used for the hinge was getting bent????? After seeing that, and not wanting an accident to happen, I went to the one piece design steps. Like others have already mentioned, cost wise you can't beat the grizzly ameri-steps for the price, and they hold up very well. You want to get enough steps so that you climb up a little past your stand so that you can just step off the steps onto your stand. I also HIGHLY suggest a climbing belt that goes around your waist and then connects around the tree. That way you can have both hands free while hanging your stand while being able to lean back!!! While up in my "hang-on" stands, I prefer a very short tether strap around me and the tree rather than a safety vest. I don't like all that extra rope or looseness while up 18+ feet in a tree. With that short 1 foot tether between me and the tree, it gives me piece of mind. I also have 2 summit Viper climbers as well, and with those type of stands, a safety harness is the only way to go.

Thanks for the detailed response. I am planning on using a linesmans rope and a screwgun to predrill some holes.

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[Four Season Whitetail's]

Hey guys Im thinking of doing something new this fall and instead of using climbing sticks, trying out screw steps. Im a big guy and just wondering what kind you guys use for those that use them. Also do you think screw steps are best or would screw bolts into a tree be a safer alternative? Thanks in advance

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You will be fine with the bigger screw in steps. Any falls on them must have meant no safety device in place. Catch that climbing stick and it will tear ya up also. If you find one that does not want to start just try the next one and after you get that one started back it out and put the pain in the arse one in that hole. Have used them for eons with no issues.

[jjb4900]

back when I used screw ins, I used a cordless drill to make pilot holes, saves a lot of sweating and blisters trying to get some of them started.....obviously well before the season.

[Tacti_Steve]

A few years ago I fell out of a tree taking a stand down (that used those steps) and one of my worst fears almost came true. Those steps grow into the tree if you leave them in. Even if you don't they are a PIA to get into an oak tree each time. Then yes they will hold you. And when you fall they'll catch you right under the ribs and yank your whole cage out!. Not worth the risk!!! No that didn't happen to me. I managed to kick away from the tree and landed on my head instead. Yes I'm fine. 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I have used screw in steps in the past. I never had an issue with one piece solid ones but I did have one "folding" type fail when the rivet broke at the hinge point. Happened just as I was putting my leg forward to get it on the platform of the Lok on. It was the longest 3' I can remember before the the inside of my thigh made contact with the previous right foot step below. raked up my thigh and as much as that raking hurt the sudden stop sitting on the step like a saddle hurt wayyyyyyyyyy worse. (your eyes watering yet). They were all taken out of service and I started using a harness after that. 

[Doewhacker]

I have used screw in steps in the past. I never had an issue with one piece solid ones but I did have one "folding" type fail when the rivet broke at the hinge point. Happened just as I was putting my leg forward to get it on the platform of the Lok on. It was the longest 3' I can remember before the the inside of my thigh made contact with the previous right foot step below. raked up my thigh and as much as that raking hurt the sudden stop sitting on the step like a saddle hurt wayyyyyyyyyy worse. (your eyes watering yet). They were all taken out of service and I started using a harness after that. 

 

OUCH!!!!

[ants]

Years ago a friend fell out of a tree and ripped his side open on a screw in step, on the way down.. He got, I don't even remember how many stitches, but he could have died. Since then When I rarely use screw ins I place them closer to the back of the tree rather than the sides and closer together. . Still dangerous if you fall, while climbing, but not as much