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Using the treehopper drill in off hand..

Jimmy Wallhanger

Jimmy Wallhanger

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2014
Messages
492
So I've got a treehopper hand drill and bolts. When I'm climbing and have to put a bolt in on the left side of the tree it's a nightmare being right handed.....

Any tips?

Thanks in advance.

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Jimmy Wallhanger said:
Drilling lol. I'm having a hard time getting it started its very awkward reaching across my body

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You shouldn't really need to reach across your body. You'll be drilling on the left side using your left hand to rotate the handle, and you'll be steadying the bit and applying pressure with your right hand. Get comfy in your linemans belt, and there's nothing to it
 
Nutterbuster said:
You shouldn't really need to reach across your body. You'll be drilling on the left side using your left hand to rotate the handle, and you'll be steadying the bit and applying pressure with your right hand. Get comfy in your linemans belt, and there's nothing to it
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This^^^
The wording of his original post made me wonder if it was a drilling or an insertion issue.
Before I ever drilled my very 1st hole, I had suspicions that the left side would be awkward but after the 1st try, I can't really tell the difference between the right or the left side.
Something that I've noticed some guys do with screw in steps is they install them nearly 180 opposite of each other...right step at 3 o'clock, left step at 9 o'clock, etc.
I usually install at something like 4 and 8 o'clock. Screwing or drilling more-so in front of me is easier, and the stretch from step to step is better with steps at 4 and 8.

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Phaco said:
Sounds like you are spreading the holes too far apart. Try less separation so that you can use your right hand for both holes...
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Can you post a video of you drilling all holes with one hand? If it works for you, awesome! But that sounds extremely awkward. Alternating hands seems much more natural, and you get to rest each hand alternating up the tree.
 
Sorry, no camera or smartphone.

It's real easy. I set the hole slightly at or narrower than shoulder width, and while advancing up a tree all I need to do is slightly shift my weight/body position to the non-dominant side. With the linesman belt and my knee, I can hold my position steady and increase/ decrease pressure for drilling by pushing away from the tree by adjusting the linesman belt (if needed).
 
Bought a treehopper drill and ever since I got it I drill into tree and it will not come out today I bent the bit trying to get it out. Do you typically have to work it back and forth to get it out? That was the only way I got it out.

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Sodbuster3 said:
Bought a treehopper drill and ever since I got it I drill into tree and it will not come out today I bent the bit trying to get it out. Do you typically have to work it back and forth to get it out? That was the only way I got it out.

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User error? Not trying to be a smart ass. Did you continue to drill until it totally strips-out and then give it a few more cranks to clear the chips? That's what I do and I've had no troubles. It does seem like certain tree species are a little tighter than others to extract...softer trees seem tighter than hard trees. But I've never had a bit stick to the point I came close to bending the bit.
 
I did seems like from when I got it it has never been easy. Tried on multiple trees with same result. Got in touch with the owner and hes helping me out.

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Seems like it he responded right away. I would love the drill if it worked right. Was scary trying to pull it out with both hands at 20 ft

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