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BOLTS for fat guys

What is the black stuff protruding out of the ends of the heat shrink?

And I know earlier in the thread it was asked how far the bolt should stick in the tree. From your pic it looks like about 2 1/4", am I reading that right?
 
Allegheny Tom said:
Here are a few pics and points.
A 6" bolt, when installed properly, has the same surface area inside and outside of the tree, as a quality EZ Climb screw-in step.
Heat shrink tube...use quality tube or it won't hold up. This is marine grade, 3:1 shrink ratio, with adhesive built in. And 1/2" works well but if you want the edge of the head covered, then you'll have to round off the points if its a hex bolt. A hex head can easily be grinded round in about 20 seconds on a bench grinder.

For removing bolts after a year or more that may be tight in the tree, use mini vise grips. Wrenches can be dropped and you have to hold them during the removal. Vice grips are clamped on the bolt so you can actually turn it with 1 finger without them slipping off and falling to the ground.
Vice grips are universal, too.
Over the years, a hunter will probably a a mix of hex and allen bolts...vice grips can work on both. No need to carry both hex wrench and an allen wrench.
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Click to expand...
That looks great @Allegheny Tom
 
five said:
What is the black stuff protruding out of the ends of the heat shrink?

And I know earlier in the thread it was asked how far the bolt should stick in the tree. From your pic it looks like about 2 1/4", am I reading that right?
Click to expand...
Its actually about 2 3/4". Thats an old pic...I cut the tubing so 2 3/4" of the bolt is bare. And actually, I dont even tube very many bolts...just the ones that I plan to carry during hunts. All my preset bolts are bare steel.
The black is plastic dip that I was experimenting with. I wanted to seal up the very top of the bolt...not needed.

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stevethebreeze said:
Wow. Seems kind of shallow for bigger guys. Do they make that shrink wrap in other colors than Red?
Click to expand...
Its no less deep than a screw-in step, and in reality, screw-in steps are often installed less deep than a bolt because screw-in can be difficult to fully insert.
Ive only found the high quality tube in red or black but I think it's probably available in other colors.
This stuff holds paint well. A quick over spray of primer will tone down the red quite well.
There is a down side to black or camo bolts...they can be really hard to see when you climb down in the dark...almost invisible to see. You can leave a strip of unpainted, bright color and face it ^up. It looks drab from every angle on the ground but is easier to see when climbing down. Dark colored bolts a a bit of a safety hazard in the dark.

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The grade 8 bolts at Lowes are in drawers above the bins not in the bins.
 
stevethebreeze said:
IT WORKED!!!! Stopped and got a 3/8-16 6" Grade 8 with the 6 lines on the bolt head.
Drilled my hole about 3 inches, stuck it in and it held.
Thanks for all the help guys!! Your the best!
Now I have to buy a box.
Click to expand...
Haha...don't for a minute, think that you are done buying stuff. This is just the beginning.
But hunting will be better. Its worth the price.
 
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