Metal Stand Maintenance?

[burmjohn]

Besides the usual of inspecting the straps and ropes for tightening and replacement what other things do you do when checking on your metal stand?  This year I think i'll bring a can of spray paint to hit any rust spots I notice too.

[WNYBuckHunter]

I just inspect them to make sure there are no weakened areas or bad rust spots. You have to remember that with these stands, the rust on the outside isnt the biggest concern, its the rust that develops on the inside of the steel tubing, they tend to rot from the inside out.

[burmjohn]

Good point

[bubba]

I check all the joints for rust/cracking plu noise.  I try to eliminate all squeaks and noises.  I also check the tree to be sure there is no damage to it that will impede my safety.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Always look for odd looking spots in the finish, like bubbling, wrinkles, etc and investigate them by pushing and prodding with a screwdriver or some other sharp mental tool. If it feels soft or the tool pushes through, its time to replace the stand.

Dont forget to check all bolts and replace as needed.

[gjs4]

have a bunch of cheapy ladders and chain ons....but mobile stand hunting is one of the best things i have ever got into....check seats (and shooting lanes), chains, steps, repalce bolts and washers (plastic help so much for stealth)...

[G-Man]

sounds crazy but i remove all my stands (34 of them) everyear and they are completly checked straps,metal,nylon,seats replaced, painted and cables checked for frays. i have a lot of friends that hunt and would not like to see them get hurt out of a stand.. you spend a lot of money for a stand so why let it rot away out in the woods all year? Had a friend who laughed at me for years because it would take me 2 months to get all the stands out. that is untill he was checking his stand to see it it was safe while up in the air 15 ft where it sat out for 3 years.All looked good so he got in it... a cable snapped and he fell fortunatly he wasnt hurt to bad..still missed 1/2 of bow season with just bumps and bruises... check your stand cables(they too can rot inside the tubing) a foot off the ground get on it and jump! a foot fall might make you look foolish but a long fall.....

[growalot]

All my stands are loosened after hunting...then I go in about now and retighten check for rust and bring a tire thumper with me ...I tap the side rails and rungs ....you'll get a different sound on a section that's not good...all my stands have a heavy chain that attaches them to the tree as well as 2 straps...one at the top and one mid section above stablizer bar...every other year they get taken down wire brushed ..primed and repainted....when new I take and spray the inside of the tubing with rust resistant paint as well as all the nuts and bolts and especially the welds