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DIY Climbing Stick (1.5lb)

bowhunter15

bowhunter15

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
Joined
Feb 1, 2016
Messages
646
I created a modified climbing stick where I used 1/16" wall 6061 tubing. Prior to this, I had made one from weaker 6063 aluminum from the hardware store, jumped around on the steps, and took note of where it deformed.

Switching to 6061 gives added strength, but I also reinforced the bolt locations by supporting the ID at the face and inserting sleeves made of 7075 aluminum, which is as strong as some mild steel. The sleeves serve to distribute the stress that would otherwise be concentrated on the thin wall of the tube.

Initially I wanted to make a fixed double step, but decided I wanted the ability to pack my sticks sideways. So I am designing some copycat Muddy steps but for the time being, put my Lone Wolf hardware on.

I knew I wanted to use the 1/4" Amsteel and versa button. The Lone Wolf versa button is too deep for the 1/4" rope, so I made a custom versa button from a .5" diameter, 3/8" long chrome sleeve and a fender washer. It squeezes the rope well.

This stick is 24" long with steps on top and bottom. The versa button is 10" down from the top. After a really brief evaluation in my back yard, I didn't see any bolt hole deformation. I will continue to evaluate, and if everything looks good. will machine the geared double steps.

Weight is currently 1 pound 8.6 ounces fully loaded, but that would increase with the double steps.
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Looks awesome. Do you have a mill, CNC or access to one? I imagine building those steps won't be cheap if you got to pay a machine shop


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Sit drag, Ernie's outdoors linesman belt,
At 20' up
 
Nice job, bh15. That looks great.

A question or possibly idea for you - have you thought about designing the bottom step in a way that would make it easier and/or safer to hang an aider from? The sharp edges of my LW steps always make me nervous that they're going to cut through my aider under tension. Also anything that would ensure it stays on the step, keeps it oriented properly and away from the tree would be helpful.

I haven't come up with any design ideas for this at the moment - just presenting a problem in need of a solution!...

Thanks,
Drew


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drew13 said:
Nice job, bh15. That looks great.

A question or possibly idea for you - have you thought about designing the bottom step in a way that would make it easier and/or safer to hang an aider from? The sharp edges of my LW steps always make me nervous that they're going to cut through my aider under tension. Also anything that would ensure it stays on the step, keeps it oriented properly and away from the tree would be helpful.

I haven't come up with any design ideas for this at the moment - just presenting a problem in need of a solution!...

Thanks,
Drew


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I've been thinking of a way to try and make an aider mate more cleanly with the bottom step. The trick would be doing it in such a way that it still folds and stacks nicely. I may play around with sewing a loop instead of tying one because the knots are fairly bulky and need to be moved to the side to stack.

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Slick stick.


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I have a really slick idea for putting the aiders in the bottom step (the muddy version bottom step). Ill draw up a quick sketch in the morning and send it to you on my lunch break.
 
I machined a single piece double step. I didn't machine the bottom surface as I figured I could take that off more efficiently using a bandsaw.
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Awesome work. I'm jealous of your setup.

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bowhunter15 said:
An updated weight with the double steps.
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Click to expand...
Your innovation and great videos have certainly advanced the interest in saddle hunting for many.
Your very detailed videos on the the one stick method of climbing and how to make an aider have encouraged me to do both.
Your videos on the sit drag and rock climbing harness include great details and add to what others have done like Dave T and Brian L.
Thanks for all that.
Cool stick too. Are you going to take two of those and one stick climb with the second stick?
 
Ontariofarmer said:
Your innovation and great videos have certainly advanced the interest in saddle hunting for many.
Your very detailed videos on the the one stick method of climbing and how to make an aider have encouraged me to do both.
Your videos on the sit drag and rock climbing harness include great details and add to what others have done like Dave T and Brian L.
Thanks for all that.
Cool stick too. Are you going to take two of those and one stick climb with the second stick?
Click to expand...
They're so light I'll probably just take 3 with aiders. That covers 95% of the heights I bowhunt at.

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