Carbon Rods

[Edward Forman]

I was excited about carbon bolts until I saw the 3/8” carbon bolt that broke. I understand the guy was trying to break it, standing on the end and bouncing! It would have probably never broke under normal use climbing a tree. Yet it caused concern and rightfully so. I am 68 years old standing at 300 pounds. I use my tree spurs when and where I can and grade 8 bolts as an alternate climbing method. I wanted the carbon bolts to lighten my load so I opted to go to a 1/2” drill bit and 1/2” carbon bolts that would drastically increase the strength over 3/8” carbon. I ordered a Milwaukee 1/2” Ship auger bit and prepared it for my 20 volt DeWalt drill: I didn’t see a significant difference in drilling effort between 3/8” and 1/2”. I then got a 1/2” bolt and it didn’t slip into the cylinder hole. This was a surprise to me. I then purchased a couple 12mm bolts and they slid into the holes without wobble. I am glad I checked this out because I would hate to pay $100+ for carbon bolts and find too late that they don’t fit! 12mm bolts are just .7mm smaller than 1/2” bolts and are much stronger than 3/8” carbon bolts. Just thought I would relate my experience with the 1/2”carbon bolt path to tree climbing. Maybe it will save those who go to 1/2” a costly mistake.

 

[WHW]

Thanks for sharing this information. Hopefully it will save some guys the expense, and grief of buying 1/2" rods that they think will work to replace grade 8 bolts, only to find out that they won't.

By the way, Edward Forman (Lloyd) has been my main hunting partner for the past 41 years. Welcome to the Saddlehunter site, Lloyd.

 

[swampsnyper]

I was excited about carbon bolts until I saw the 3/8” carbon bolt that broke. I understand the guy was trying to break it, standing on the end and bouncing! It would have probably never broke under normal use climbing a tree. Yet it caused concern and rightfully so. I am 68 years old standing at 300 pounds. I use my tree spurs when and where I can and grade 8 bolts as an alternate climbing method. I wanted the carbon bolts to lighten my load so I opted to go to a 1/2” drill bit and 1/2” carbon bolts that would drastically increase the strength over 3/8” carbon. I ordered a Milwaukee 1/2” Ship auger bit and prepared it for my 20 volt DeWalt drill: I didn’t see a significant difference in drilling effort between 3/8” and 1/2”. I then got a 1/2” bolt and it didn’t slip into the cylinder hole. This was a surprise to me. I then purchased a couple 12mm bolts and they slid into the holes without wobble. I am glad I checked this out because I would hate to pay $100+ for carbon bolts and find too late that they don’t fit! 12mm bolts are just .7mm smaller than 1/2” bolts and are much stronger than 3/8” carbon bolts. Just thought I would relate my experience with the 1/2”carbon bolt path to tree climbing. Maybe it will save those who go to 1/2” a costly mistake.

Welcome Lloyd. Heard a lot a good things about you from Mr. Warrens stories. Glad to have you. Don’t know how I missed this thread. Good info on the bolts.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Welcome Lloyd, any friend of Mr. Womack is certainly welcome here.

Edit: I was sitting here thinking "Wow hunting together for 41 years" when it occured to me that my hunting buddies and I have been hunting together for that plus some . . . time flies when you're having fun.

 

[Nutterbuster]

Howdy, Lloyd! I have immensely enjoyed watching @WHW's videos of y'alls hunts. Hope the 12mm bolts work well for you!

 

[bongo]

I was excited about carbon bolts until I saw the 3/8” carbon bolt that broke. I understand the guy was trying to break it, standing on the end and bouncing! It would have probably never broke under normal use climbing a tree. Yet it caused concern and rightfully so. I am 68 years old standing at 300 pounds. I use my tree spurs when and where I can and grade 8 bolts as an alternate climbing method. I wanted the carbon bolts to lighten my load so I opted to go to a 1/2” drill bit and 1/2” carbon bolts that would drastically increase the strength over 3/8” carbon. I ordered a Milwaukee 1/2” Ship auger bit and prepared it for my 20 volt DeWalt drill: I didn’t see a significant difference in drilling effort between 3/8” and 1/2”. I then got a 1/2” bolt and it didn’t slip into the cylinder hole. This was a surprise to me. I then purchased a couple 12mm bolts and they slid into the holes without wobble. I am glad I checked this out because I would hate to pay $100+ for carbon bolts and find too late that they don’t fit! 12mm bolts are just .7mm smaller than 1/2” bolts and are much stronger than 3/8” carbon bolts. Just thought I would relate my experience with the 1/2”carbon bolt path to tree climbing. Maybe it will save those who go to 1/2” a costly mistake.

Welcome Mr Lloyd I look forward to more of your posts.


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[sdonx]

Thanks for that Edward. I am about to purchase a set and have been debating the 3/8 or 1/2”. Im a big guy for 225lbs. I think I will go with the 1/2” i just need to try one on my hand drill first.


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[ChetterB]

Thanks for sharing. Where do you get the carbon bolts please thanks.

 

[EricS]

Thanks for sharing. Where do you get the carbon bolts please thanks.

https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/nutterbusters-5-5lb-saddle-hunting-rig.12255/

 

[ChetterB]

Thank you very much.

 

[tbowers]