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EZ Kut Tree Bolts

[quote="Matty]Sorry I missed this.

I think this is my 5th year using the bolts and because I don't want to kill trees either, I have kept somewhat of an eye on it. So far I haven't seen the bolts kill any trees.

Of course any time you open up a tree down to the cambium (or something like that) layer....It's a little more vulnerable to disease and bugs. Tree steps, climbing spikes, some stands, etc all do the same thing. They penetrate the bark and leave the tree somewhat vulnerable. Even a Maple Sugar Tap could kill a tree the same way. Hell just nailing a sign on a tree can kill it.

Back about 15 years or so I did end up having a black cherry die after I put tree steps in. Took them out after a year and the tree was fine...Next year I came back to it and it was already dying/dead. BUT, I've used other black cherries for a few years in a row with no problems. They seal up every year just like the rest. Just unfortunate for that tree.

Sometimes, especially if I think I'll never use that tree again, I will jam sticks into the holes when I'm done for the year, filling the entire small hole so that the tree is at least somewhat protected. I have no idea if it helps or if it possibly is even bad for the tree. I just assume that it helps because you're plugging that vulnerable spot. Most of the time I don't do that though.


Red, I had seen you talking about that stuff. My friend also makes stuff with molds and pours plastics (fishing lures mostly). I'll probably exhaust other methods first, but I do like that I can completely build from the ground up with that stuff.[/quote]

No worries Matty, this is good enough for me using a tree for 5 yrs with no effect is impressive if you use a tree for that long with a climber it can kill em just as you said. Im hooked ill be buying this set up over the summer and will implement it this next fall.

Loving the pedal platform sounds like a great cheap way to set up. When you move around at different angles the pedals should move with you giving you the most surface area for a stable shot. I cant wait to order my saddle this spring and start making my own set up, I've already been picking trees out for next fall :lol:
 
I finished the bike pedal step covers.

Very easy. The reflectors came right out of the pedals. I broke the first one, then realized they slide right out the side. I removed all of the guts from the pedal except for one race that the bolt fits through. I could drill out the other race but didn't want to be bothered right now. Since the bolt is a little loose and the inside of the pedal is tapered, I decided to just wrap the bolt in cloth tape until it was a snug fit. I may come up with a better way, but for now, good enough.

Haven't had a chance to test them at all, but definitely thinner and lighter than the wooden version. The plastic pedals weigh next to nothing once the guts are removed.

I plan on using two and then the rest of my platform will be hose covered bolts. Can't wait to try them.

Here's a side by side picture.
 

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I think you guys will really like this. I have been looking for a trophyline tree step belt for a long time. When one finally popped up I snatched it up quick. I was walking around home depot yesterday looking for something similar to the fuel line that Matty used to put on my bolts, and then I started thinking about heat shrink. I went over to the electrical aisle and found this heavy duty heat shrink. I used the bolts over the weekend and I'm not concerned about the size of them for standing because they are similar to my tree steps, I was just looking for something to help quiet them down and to help camo them when sticking out of the tree. A whole bunch of heat shrink later, and here we are! I think this tree step belt is PERFECT for carrying these bolts. It is too bad they don't make them anymore. The bolts would rattle together a little before I heat shrinked them, now, no more!
 

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Red that belt looks perfect for the bolts. One thing I learned was I plastic dipped a set of bolts. It works great but when it rains or my boot are wet from walking in the plastic dipped bolt squeaked really bad. I took the dip off because if the noise and just use plain bolts. I do plan on painting all my bolts during the off season.


Proverbs 27:17
 
Dwaters416 said:
Red that belt looks perfect for the bolts. One thing I learned was I plastic dipped a set of bolts. It works great but when it rains or my boot are wet from walking in the plastic dipped bolt squeaked really bad. I took the dip off because if the noise and just use plain bolts. I do plan on painting all my bolts during the off season.


Proverbs 27:17

Good call. I'll have to pay attention to that and see how squeaky these are.
 
Oh that's nifty Red.

I never thought about heat shrinking the bolts. I have a bunch of that stuff leftover from some electrical work on a boat. I'll have to give it a try. I've always just been careful not to clank them together and mine are all squeezed tightly into the pouch that came from Treehopper. This may be the ticket though.

I only used the fuel hose for cushion on top steps.

Which by the way, I finally got to try the pedals and fuel hose steps at height yesterday. BIG difference in comfort. Only issue is the fuel hose will make tiny squeaks if you move your boot over it just right. The pedals were totally silent and amazing though.

I also tried my new hook-up, but used a linemen's belt that came with my Gorilla harness instead of the LW strap. Virtually the same thing, except the g-belt is wider webbing and has a bar lock buckle instead of the cam buckle. Worked great! I may end up making a bunch of tree ropes for spots that I hunt more often and hanging them there for the season. Then I just walk up and clip in. I'll also be ordering some webbing and a buckle from that para site you shared and then making a lead that's exactly the way I want it.

That'll be off season stuff though. Soon it's time to focus on winter bow so I don't want to change up my system too much right now.
 
Glad you guys like it!

I will wear it around stomach height like a belt. It really distributes the weight of the bolts and makes it seem like nothing.

Matty, I'm glad the pedals worked out! Pretty neat! I'm slightly worried about squeaking with the heat shrink, I guess we'll see!
 
Has anyone compared the cordless version of the EZKut bit to the Tree hopper bit?

Treehopper bit is $24 alone or $36 with 10 bolts and case.
EZ Kut is $25 for bit alone, and no option to add bolts.

Im going to give this a go next year.
 
Bump on this. Anyone tried both? Recommendations on which bit to get?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Bump on this. Anyone tried both? Recommendations on which bit to get?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Haven't used both, but I bought the ez cut drill bit and hand drill. I love setting up a tree with the electric drill. I can be set up in less than 10 minutes, and climbing and descending are very quick. The hand drill is more time consuming and not as easy. I did an on the fly hunt with it once. Right now I am keeping the hand drill in my bag in case any holes need to be cleaned out when I get back to a tree.
 
ncsaddlebowhunter said:
That's sweet! Do you wear it as a bandolier, a belt, or roll it up and stuff it in a pack?

I've changed what I am doing a little bit. I am rolling it up and putting it in my pack for the walk in. I wear it up the tree as I go, then put it back in the pack. I put it back on at the end of the hunt, climb down, and then just wear it out of the woods. It is less comfortable to wear as I'm walking in. Walking out I think it is ok because I have more clothing on and my body is trying to warm up so it doesn't bother me as much.
 
The EZKut Bit is worth it....the depthstop is VERY important.
You could set your own up of course, but it won't likely be as lightweight and you will have moving parts.

Im going to have to look for a Tool Roll that could hold the bolts.
Or maybe just make my own...I just got a sewing machine!
 
justsomedude said:
Im going to have to look for a Tool Roll that could hold the bolts.

Let us know if you find something commercially made.
 
Hey guys new to this sight hunting from saddle/web 3 years. I tried the hand drill for a mobile set up but it just takes to long. Does anyone use a cordless 12v drill on the go? If so is there one out there that anyone knows of that is quiet enough to use on the hunt? Any ideas would be appreciated!
 
320thmp said:
Hey guys new to this sight hunting from saddle/web 3 years. I tried the hand drill for a mobile set up but it just takes to long. Does anyone use a cordless 12v drill on the go? If so is there one out there that anyone knows of that is quiet enough to use on the hunt? Any ideas would be appreciated!

I've done this in the off season to set up trees. I'd be concerned with noise during the regular season.
 
BassBoysLLP said:
320thmp said:
Hey guys new to this sight hunting from saddle/web 3 years. I tried the hand drill for a mobile set up but it just takes to long. Does anyone use a cordless 12v drill on the go? If so is there one out there that anyone knows of that is quiet enough to use on the hunt? Any ideas would be appreciated!

I've done this in the off season to set up trees. I'd be concerned with noise during the regular season.
x2. I think it is good to set up trees prior to your hunt if that works for you. I only tried this system out last year but the holes I drilled last year were filled in this year.
 
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