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Easiest method for screw in steps?

What size is the shank on the Treehopper drill bit? Looks to be compatible with a 3/8" chuck. Makita makes an awesome very compact cordless drill that has a 3/8" chuck that looks to be a perfect match and less than 1/2 the size and much lighter VS my behemoth 18V DeWalt.
 
Certainly don't mean to high jack the OP here, but I've used screw-in steps for years because they're cheap (I'm a teacher in WI) and simple, and when I'm going in blind I just want something without a lot of variables. My question is this: Has anybody come up with an effective way to carry and silence the steps on the way into the woods and up the tree? The shape of the steps and metal construction has always made them super cumbersome for me to carry in pockets, and loud to have in a small dump pouch or bag. Do you think something like what Nutterbuster is running for his carbon fiber bolts would work with screw in steps as well?
 
@redsquirrel turned me on to this after I bought a bunch of the junk ameristep screw ins at a good discount. http://www.treesteptool.com/

It doesn’t change that they are junk but does make things easier. I also have bolts. If starting fresh I would go with bolts simply because of the ease and silence of setting a tree up during season. I make a lot of noise using the step tool to set one up. I did find the screw ins useful for setting up some trees post season last year.I didn’t have to worry about opening holes back up.
 
EricS said:
@redsquirrel turned me on to this after I bought a bunch of the junk ameristep screw ins at a good discount. http://www.treesteptool.com/

It doesn’t change that they are junk but does make things easier. I also have bolts. If starting fresh I would go with bolts simply because of the ease and silence of setting a tree up during season. I make a lot of noise using the step tool to set one up. I did find the screw ins useful for setting up some trees post season last year.I didn’t have to worry about opening holes back up.
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This is basically what I used when I used screw in steps! Kinda bulky but works great! And to keep them quite I used the sports tape like you use for hockey sticks and wrapped them good and it works decently!
 
EricS said:
@redsquirrel turned me on to this after I bought a bunch of the junk ameristep screw ins at a good discount. http://www.treesteptool.com/

It doesn’t change that they are junk but does make things easier. I also have bolts. If starting fresh I would go with bolts simply because of the ease and silence of setting a tree up during season. I make a lot of noise using the step tool to set one up. I did find the screw ins useful for setting up some trees post season last year.I didn’t have to worry about opening holes back up.
Click to expand...
The ultimate tree step tool with screw in steps is an awesome and pretty cheap method for pre set trees. After giving bolts a shot for presets the past couple seasons I give a nod to the screw in steps for how I hunt. If I was guaranteed to be pulling them every year, bolts would win, but if I am unable to go back and pull them until the next season, screw in steps are much easier to remove.
 
“Go To” are my sticks with DanO doublestep mods. Very nice.

For “Screw-In” steps... both of these Cranfords are sharp and start quickly.
“T” steps store in pouch nicely. Vinyl one piece larger, quiet, and definitely stout.
Also have some “Squirrel” strap steps.
I always carry several with me to get a boost as needed.

Intrigued by “drill and bolt” option, maybe next season.
 
redsquirrel said:
The ultimate tree step tool with screw in steps is an awesome and pretty cheap method for pre set trees. After giving bolts a shot for presets the past couple seasons I give a nod to the screw in steps for how I hunt. If I was guaranteed to be pulling them every year, bolts would win, but if I am unable to go back and pull them until the next season, screw in steps are much easier to remove.
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I’ll be pulling some and adding this year but being able to put a screw in in February and knowing it will be good to go this or next September is nice. I bought them on clearance for $4 a six pack. $8 of screw ins gets me to 18’ and serves as a ring of steps. That’s about perfect for early season. I’ll continue to use both methods.
 
EricS said:
I’ll be pulling some and adding this year but being able to put a screw in in February and knowing it will be good to go this or next September is nice. I bought them on clearance for $4 a six pack. $8 of screw ins gets me to 18’ and serves as a ring of steps. That’s about perfect for early season. I’ll continue to use both methods.
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Agreed. I like having both options!

Back on topic is if you are going to use screw in steps like the ameristeps, the ultimate tree step tool is a must have.
 
I’ve been pre setting my trees the last few years with cheap screw in steps. Unfortunately I lost my ultimate tree step tool somewhere in the woods this summer. I ordered the Muddy version since it was substantially cheaper and I’m hoping I will find the ultimate tool at some point scouting this spring.
For in season movement, I’ve been using the Cranford Deluxe steps. I keep them in the bag my sit-drag came in. I then put this pouch inside a utility pouch from Tactical Tailor which is on my Kestrel when needed. I have been seriously considering switching these to bolts this year. I’ll keep my existing cheap screw in steps for my pre-sets but I have found they are extremely difficult to remove after a year of growth when they are properly installed and the 90* bend is touching the tree. I think using bolts for presets will be easier to remove should I decide after a season to move trees. I also like having the redundancy of using bolts for my mobile site if I determine I need to move.
 
I’m thinking of ordering a tree hopper mini, a pouch for the bolts and drill, 2 cordless drill bits for the new Dewalt drill I got on Black Friday, and a bulk order of bolts. Maybe 100? This way I’ll have ample bolts for mobile site and plenty left over to pre sets trees with from here on out.
 
NATHAN said:
If you don’t want to buy anything, I have used a crescent wrench. Other options are better, but it could get you by.
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That’s a great idea. I have several that I could use. Can’t believe I didn’t think of that!
 
redsquirrel said:
Agreed. I like having both options!

Back on topic is if you are going to use screw in steps like the ameristeps, the ultimate tree step tool is a must have.
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Red,
Do you think I’d regret switching from Cranfords to bolts and a tree hopper mini? The big advantage to me seems to be weight savings and the ability to remove the easier after the season if I don’t like the set and also on the way down while mobile. Appreciate any input!
 
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