Bolts vs screw in steps

[Steve]

OK im still trying to decide on the most efficient climbing method what are your options on bolts vs screw in steps?

 

[Erniepower]

Well if you can leave the screws in as a preset, then that's by far the easiest. If the holes are pre drilled, the bolts are nice, but I have trouble finding the holes sometimes.

I'm not a fan of drilling or screwing the steps in a run and gun situation, but that's my opinion. In that scenario, the bolts would be quieter and lighter. I read a thread somewhere where a guy bought titanium bolts to cut down on weight....

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[Steve]

With the bolts have you or do you know anyone that has ever had an issue with the bolts coming out

 

[justsomedude]

I was terrified that the bolts would come out..but no. My bolts are from Home Depot. I use the EZ KUT hand drill and their power drill bit (worth it...don't make your own).

I marked how far the bolts should be in and Plastidipped the part you stand on. If a bolt isn't in all the way, it makes it obvious. Also cuts down noise and gives better traction.

If you can predrill a bunch of trees, bolts rule. They fit in a small pouch and you can get up and down fast.

Make a webbing tether for your power drill. You can generally set 3 or 4 trees and you'll want a break (and a fresh battery). I usually use 10-13 bolts

Just have a system for drilling. I stick a reflective tack or orange tape on the tree.
I always start even with my right knee, left waist level, right sternum, left top of head.... I measure using my elbow to fingertips. So if I find one hole, it's easy to find the next. Even spacing makes climbing down MUCH BETTER.

I wear a dump pouch on a shoulder strap. Easy to put them away on the way down or get them out on the way up. I carry a couple of extras.

Drilling a bunch of trees is work. I have drilled trees and ended
Up not using them after leaves started to fall. So I go back and forth on using them or keeping full flexibility on tree choice.

And drilling by hand for run and gun is no fun. You need thick boots
So the bolts don't wear out your feet

 

[Steve]

Thanks that's a lot of info I appreciate your time and effort, I wear rubber boots is that still an option with bolts? How long and what size bolts do you use and how deep do they go into the tree

 

[justsomedude]

Lacrosse Aero boots work fine on bolts.

Thanks that's a lot of info I appreciate your time and effort, I wear rubber boots is that still an option with bolts? How long and what size bolts do you use and how deep do they go into the tree

 

[justsomedude]

Grade 8 6" bolts. About $1 each

 

[Steve]

Perfect, that is the boots that I use.

 

[Steve]

Looks like I'm going to Lowes tonight to get some grade 8 bolts

 

[DNanks]

2.98 each at Lowe's grade 8.