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Over center buckle

5 is the way to go. I like have a step dead center and then space them out like a 5 point star. It allot mor condisive to getting around the tree.
 
I'll start looking for another step then!

My practice tree is not ideal (which makes it a good practice tee).
Lots of gaps in the bark and not perfectly round.

I'm wondering it there is something (not noisy) that could be attached to the Tag end to make it easier to pull AND to keep it from pulling through the buckle.
A small Buckle would be the easiest (and would be adjustable).
 
justsomedude said:
I'll start looking for another step then!

My practice tree is not ideal (which makes it a good practice tee).
Lots of gaps in the bark and not perfectly round.

I'm wondering it there is something (not noisy) that could be attached to the Tag end to make it easier to pull AND to keep it from pulling through the buckle.
A small Buckle would be the easiest (and would be adjustable).
Click to expand...

If you flipped the tag end around and sewing it up to make a loop to pull that would help. I wrap it around my hand to pull tight. I tried out the only small buckle that we could find, but it was sketchy, and the smaller buckle didn't have the leverage when you swung to lever around to get it tight enough.
 
I just tied an overhand knot in the end and that gave me a 'handle' and it won't add any noise.

It seems like I just need to get good at tightening the buckle when it is on the other side of the tree.
The knot helped that.
 
justsomedude said:
I just tied an overhand knot in the end and that gave me a 'handle' and it won't add any noise.

It seems like I just need to get good at tightening the buckle when it is on the other side of the tree.
The knot helped that.
Click to expand...

Ok, so far most of the trees I have set it up on haven't been huge trees (I try to avoid huge trees for my mobile setups because they are more difficult). When I set the buckle up it would be somewhere between 12 and 9 oclock, and I pull the tag end tight with my right hand and then bring the lever around with the left.
 
I need to find a clean way to carry it up the tree.
Don't like to fumble around for things while standing on the top step.

Maybe attach the buckle (approximately set to tree diameter) and loop it over a shoulder?
It doesn't roll up very small. A soft stuff sack could work
 
Right now I have a pouch built onto the side of the climbing stick bag that I made, so I can keep it in there until I get up to height.
 
This is an excellent idea.

I stopped using the ameristep platform because as you all already know.... a ratchet is too loud and the friction buckle doesn't get tight enough to keep you from gradually inch-worming down the tree from side to side. lol....

I have three old loggy bayous that I only use as hang-ons now, they all have the cam over buckle straps. They may get re-purposed now for my brothers and I....and I'll just get ratchets for the loggys!

Very good idea guys!
 
Matty said:
This is an excellent idea.

I have three old loggy bayous that I only use as hang-ons now, they all have the cam over buckle straps. They may get re-purposed now for my brothers and I....and I'll just get ratchets for the loggys!

Very good idea guys!
Click to expand...

I think that might be the exact same buckle that we are using. I saw it in a picture somewhere on an old stand but couldn't find it within the hunting industry anywhere. The only place I can find the one we're using is the boxer tie downs website and they are ripping us off with shipping.
 
I found the same over center buckle at custom tie downs .com for a lot cheaper $14.68 for two of them delivered. Should be here in a few days. Check them out.
 

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I got my 2 additional Ameristeps so now I wil have 6 for ur season opener TOMRROW MORNING
Curious to see 6 on a smaller tree.
I tried it on a 15-16" diameter and it was nice having that many.
 
justsomedude said:
I got my 2 additional Ameristeps so now I wil have 6 for ur season opener TOMRROW MORNING
Curious to see 6 on a smaller tree.
I tried it on a 15-16" diameter and it was nice having that many.
Click to expand...

First of all, GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!!!

6 will be too many on a smaller tree. I have had issues with 5 where they are actually too close and a couple get bunched together. Make sure that you remember how to thread the buckle so you can take 1 or 2 off if you need to!
 
THanks!

I climbed up higher to a thinner spot and it was still OK.
I avoid skinny trees :) I saved the pic of the Buckle Threading on my phone. Insurance.

I still don't have a good process for tightening the strap.
Any tips? I'm guessing it will get easier after I have to do it more but I pretty much have to rotate the buckle in front of me and get it close to tightened down and then turn it back in position and give another pull.
Clumsier than I would like.
 
I'm in the tree standing on my platform right now. I put the buckle where I want it, usually opposite me, pull the tag end, and swing the lever. My first try was super tight but I had to adjust the position of a step. Second try wasn't as tight but i stepped on each step and they settled down. Now I'm really solid.
 
Just rigged mine up as well and gave a test run in the yard. Tighter and safer than a ratchet.
 
I had couple times where I couldnt get it tight enough. Are you leaving the buckle all the way in the open position or leaving it at a 90 degree when pulling the strap tight? It was causing the steps to squeek when I put pressure on them on pines and some really smooth barked maples. I actually used my ratchett last night. I can use it without any noise but not as easy as the buckle.
 
I kep the buckle open all the way while I pull the strap.
I figured out that it is easier if I pull the "loop" that is halfway through the buckle first before I cinch it down farther by pulling the tag end.

I hunted with them the first time today.
They were GREAT.
Once seated, they were totally quiet.
 
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