Stands

[Buckmaster7600]

For those of you that leave stands up? How do you safely inspect them for broken welds, deterioration of straps,deteriorated cables? I can only do that at ground level and using weights to test them .. can't imagine trying to do that in a tree

Strap in well before getting on it. I wear a line and harness so I can tie off to the tree and am very secure. I almost only have hang on stands and I have replaced all the cables with chains. I also use a safety chain around the tree in case the strap goes. Most of my stands are ones I've welded up myself they are heavy but strong.

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[Fantail]

Dick's Sporting goods usually has a sale preseason, if you pick up a 20' set of sticks it makes a great way to help maintain straps & tie downs on ladder stands. Then I'll usually have an extra hang on & use the sticks to check out a new spot.

[LET EM GROW]

On 7/22/2016 at 11:03 AM, G-Man said:

For those of you that leave stands up? How do you safely inspect them for broken welds, deterioration of straps,deteriorated cables? I can only do that at ground level and using weights to test them .. can't imagine trying to do that in a tree

 

For Hang-ons:

I use the life-line attached to my harness, and just do a visual first, if all looks good i will give it a few good pulls and pushes, maybe a shake .. flex the cable that keeps it at a 90 degree.. if all seems well, ill make the step onto the platform.. after 5 or 6 years of steady use and nothing breaking, i will replace bolts, or the hole stand itself. My brother fell a few years ago out of his climber, due to rushing up the tree and not properly locking in his straps. after mercy flight and a long year of recovery, he has learned its not wrth it, and to take his time, not his life. 

 

Ladder stands: 

not much to check besides walking up them, and doing the visual on the way up. and the occasional shake to make sure verythign held together, of course attached to a lifeline and harness.

[Fletch]

Too hot and buggy yet for me. Once we get a cool morning I will get started. Most that needed moving got done after the season. I mostly use ladder stands and my climber. On the ladder stands they stay out and I loosen the straps. When I go in to inspect as grow says tie in and check em out.

[Rockspek]

I put a 2 man stand up in my backyard at the edge of the woods just so my son and I can go sit in it.  I figured now's a good time for him to be able to learn to sit still and ask questions without any pressure of scaring animals away.

[growalot]

For one thing I give them a few good raps...I hear a bunch of rust tinkling down  they get taken down and thoroughly checked wire brushed and repainted...as far as straps go ...ALL of them have a heavy chain  as a back up plus 2 extra straps farther down the ladder.