Aluminum R.O.S

[zer0]

Problem:


The basics: Wheelin' and dealin' 360 degrees of death from above, on my climbing steps just isn't gonna cut it anymore.

Solution:
Poke around the SH DIY section for ideas. Get nasty with the plasma cutter, and a some aluminum plate from the scrap pile.



The design template I found seemed to need a little tweak, and was rolling over too far when mounted to the tree.


Still seems a little squishy when mounted to the tree.
Time to get a hold of @DanO for another gear grab.......since it's been a week from my last order.

 

[DanO]

A whole week?? Come on, all the cool kids order at least twice a day!

 

[zer0]

First draft. The bottom of the step was pushed far off the tree, and was rolling over too far when weighted. Maybe that design didn't work with a strap threaded.



Not much of a weight penalty in a kit of 4.


Might end up removing additional metal on the front face, because drilling holes to get rid of a few grams is all the rage.

 

[always89y]

Nice! Holes are handy...cause you can put stuff in them, hang thing from them, breath through them, and they are much less resistant to go-fast. Be careful of hole placement. Wind catches them just right and make a pretty cool whistle.

 

[Weldabeast]

Nothing to aggressive, if u cut/grind ridges or teeth or whatever on the bracket where it contacts the tree will bite into the bark a little better once u load with ur weight and keep them from sliding back up because of strap stretch

 

[zer0]

Nothing to aggressive, if u cut/grind ridges or teeth or whatever on the bracket where it contacts the tree will bite into the bark a little better once u load with ur weight and keep them from sliding back up because of strap stretch

I have some 1/4 and 5/16 round bar tool steel, and use it for points on fishing spears. So maybe fab up a spur for the bottom, if this OCB buckle from DanO doesn't tighten things up enough.

 

[Weldabeast]

That's pretty aggressive

 

[zer0]

New strap and buckle from @DanO was the cure. No more sag or pull away, even on this wet day.
Time to fire up the powder coat oven and get a good hard finish on these.

 

[Red Beard]

I'm sorry... are we all just going to ignore the opening gif here???

I watched that thing repeat about 5 times because my reaction was about the same as this girl...

 

[1978circa3]

I'm sorry... are we all just going to ignore the opening gif here???

I watched that thing repeat about 5 times because my reaction was about the same as this girl...
View attachment 35686

She's got some skills! For sure

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[GCTerpfan]

I'm sorry... are we all just going to ignore the opening gif here???

I watched that thing repeat about 5 times because my reaction was about the same as this girl...
View attachment 35686

Ignore it? I googled it to try to find a bigger version of it.

 

[neonomad]

Ignore it? I googled it to try to find a bigger version of it.

I just paid $39 for some software to slow it down.

 

[mtsrunner]

Have you ever seen/tried Climb Paws? These look like an aluminum version.


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[zer0]

Have you ever seen/tried Climb Paws? These look like an aluminum version.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I saw something about them in the early years of DIY section, mostly guys using PVC tubes. No idea what the actual manufactured product looks like.
Was there much bulk in the paws when carrying into the field? These little steps nest together pretty well, much like my V steps.

 

[mtsrunner]

I saw something about them in the early years of DIY section, mostly guys using PVC tubes. No idea what the actual manufactured product looks like.
Was there much bulk in the paws when carrying into the field? These little steps nest together pretty well, much like my V steps.

Bulk and time to strap each on was the problem with the originals. They don’t nest together. I’ll snap a picture of some that I still have.
I have messed around with a way to use them with a quick release Amsteel connection and have also added Amsteel one step aiders to some of mine. I can now get over 4’ per Paw from mine. At 7.5 oz each, its not a bad system. I still prefer the LWHC, though.

 

[zer0]

Shot some flat black powder, but they were a lil clangy. Taped up, and DanO strap installed.
Looks like I gained 2oz in the process.
@always89y guess I should have put in them speed holes!

@mtsrunner I did some digging after you mentioned the paws, and found some pics, as well as the same gripes about how they packed.
I don't think these have the same foot hold dimensions though.

 

[always89y]

View attachment 35760
Shot some flat black powder, but they were a lil clangy. Taped up, and DanO strap installed.
Looks like I gained 2oz in the process.
@always89y guess I should have put in them speed holes!

@mtsrunner I did some digging after you mentioned the paws, and found some pics, as well as the same gripes about how they packed.
I don't think these have the same foot hold dimensions though.

Bah...that just means they go slower when your swinging them around your head!

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[ricky racer]

Great minds think alike! Those look really familiar. I made similar steps but didn't have access to aluminum plate.

ricky racer's Cheap and Dirty Platform

Like everyone else here, I'm always looking for a safe, easy and light to carry climbing system and platform. I'm still looking for the climbing system but will probably end up with climbing sticks or the Tree Hopper system. I have both but haven't used them for a few years because I've been...

saddlehunter.com

Ricky Racer's Cheap & Dirty Platform Revisited

I finished up my Cheap and Dirty Platform and have it ready to use out in the woods. I primed the steps with red oxide primer to resist rust then I used some camouflage Gorilla tape to wrap the steps. The tape dampens the sound and reduces but not totally eliminates the metallic sound should...

saddlehunter.com

 

[zer0]

Great minds think alike! Those look really familiar. I made similar steps but didn't have access to aluminum plate.

ricky racer's Cheap and Dirty Platform

Like everyone else here, I'm always looking for a safe, easy and light to carry climbing system and platform. I'm still looking for the climbing system but will probably end up with climbing sticks or the Tree Hopper system. I have both but haven't used them for a few years because I've been...

saddlehunter.com

Ricky Racer's Cheap & Dirty Platform Revisited

I finished up my Cheap and Dirty Platform and have it ready to use out in the woods. I primed the steps with red oxide primer to resist rust then I used some camouflage Gorilla tape to wrap the steps. The tape dampens the sound and reduces but not totally eliminates the metallic sound should...

saddlehunter.com

I still have enough plate to do several more steps, so I may as well cut a few to your shape.
Check back later for the weigh in pic

 

[mtsrunner]

Not trying to hikack the thread, but here are some pics of the Climb Paws.

with original cambuckle straps

Next, my modified paws with Amsteel one step Aider and my own Amsteel “button runner” attachment (basically and long, adjustable soft shackle)

Here they are on my basement “tree”

My modified version (top) is significantly lighter, packs tighter and gives you double the height per paw.

Close ups of the attachments and Aider

The advantages of the Climb Paws are they are:
super quiet
Light
Comfortable to stand on
Make a great handhold to stretch your spacing out
If you fall on one, they don’t impale you
The blend in the tree very well

The biggest con is that they are just too bulky for most people to even give them a shot