How to modify your Hawk Helium climbing sticks - A step by step guide for dummies (aka me)

[JBDaddy]

It is so much better to stack the first two with the brackets facing each other, then nestle the 3rd on top.

 

[Dale]

What do the modern sticks weigh

My finished weight last night doing the mods as Greg did but keeping the stock Hawk strap w/out the buckle was 6.8 lbs

 

[Ryanp1212]

I'm assuming 3 sticks

 

[Derbooze]

Well done, g2!

 

[Tek]

Thanks G2 - just received my new Heliums the other day. Looking forward to making these mods and stacking 4 sticks the elk yinzer way!

 

[J Gilbert]

Thanks for this, going to give it a shot soon with my spare stick and see how it goes.

As for the aider, is it moveable or multi-step? Looking forward to the video on that as well.


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[escpen]

Love the Easter Egg at 6:46

 

[Amarty734]

great video Greg

 

[mihunter101]

Is there enough metal between the bottom step screws and the slot. Hawk leaves 3/4", you have 《1\8"?

 

[bowhuntr09]

Modifying your Hawk Helium Sticks is easy to do. But be careful! Anytime you modify your gear, you’re taking a safety risk. You could get hurt or die! Do so at your own risk.

This is a step by step process for how to modify a set of Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks. I use this with a DIY Aider (video coming soon) to get over 20’ for less than 7 lbs. Overall the sticks are 22” long with a 20” step. However, you can make them whatever length you want. It's easy to adjust. They nest perfectly together with my rubber feet mod.

@DaveT1963 is the inspiration for this video. Thanks Dave! https://www.youtube.com/user/davetoms63

I also stole some ideas from @bowhunter15 Thanks Garrett! https://www.youtube.com/user/grprahl

Cheapest Hawk Heliums here https://www.mackspw.com/Hawk-1-PK-Climbing-Stick
Get your Mini VersaStraps here https://tethrdnation.com/product/versastrap/
Get your rubber feet here https://rubberfeet.us/store/?model_number=TF8T-TPR87
Get your Instamorph here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MFLU4...kCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.1XVYGJZZUSYON
Here is how I painted my Sticks https://youtu.be/dhONeCsz8Rs

Nuts & Bolts Needed
Drill Bit for Stand Offs and Steps = ¼”
Drill Bit for Rubber Feet = 24
Screws for Rubber Feet = 10-24 @ ¾” long
VersaButton = 1 ½” long 1/4x20 Stainless Bolt. (you might want to upgrade to a Grade 8 Bolt) 1” Fender Washer ⅜” wide aluminum spacer
Bungee Cord = I have no idea what bungee cord I used. It was lying in the garage so it got cut up. It is approximately ¼” in diameter and it’s camo. I like it.

View attachment 14493View attachment 14493

Here is the step-by-step video. Hopefully it helps someone.

I went to Lowe’s yesterday and got 1 1/2” 1/4x20 grade 8 bolts along with fender washers and 3/8” spacers and on my 2019 sticks that 1 1/2 inch bolt was exactly flush with the back. I didn’t have enough thread to even start the nut. Is there a thickness difference between the 2019 and earlier models?

 

[g2outdoors]

I went to Lowe’s yesterday and got 1 1/2” 1/4x20 grade 8 bolts along with fender washers and 3/8” spacers and on my 2019 sticks that 1 1/2 inch bolt was exactly flush with the back. I didn’t have enough thread to even start the nut. Is there a thickness difference between the 2019 and earlier models?

I do t think so. Let me measure the bolt again.

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[g2outdoors]

I went to Lowe’s yesterday and got 1 1/2” 1/4x20 grade 8 bolts along with fender washers and 3/8” spacers and on my 2019 sticks that 1 1/2 inch bolt was exactly flush with the back. I didn’t have enough thread to even start the nut. Is there a thickness difference between the 2019 and earlier models?

My bolts are 1 1/2" and the spacer is 3/8. I have just enough room for the nut with no spare. The 2018 vs 2019 sticks seem to be the same width. Weird.

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[bowhuntr09]

My bolts are 1 1/2" and the spacer is 3/8. I have just enough room for the nut with no spare. The 2018 vs 2019 sticks seem to be the same width. Weird.

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That is odd. I double checked the package marking and actually measured them. Also, did you drill new holes for the versas or reuse the original?

 

[g2outdoors]

That is odd. I double checked the package marking and actually measured them. Also, did you drill new holes for the versas or reuse the original?

The versabutton I made in the video was for the 2018 version. I think you may need a bigger bolt for the 2019. Maybe 3/8?

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[bowhuntr09]

The versabutton I made in the video was for the 2018 version. I think you may need a bigger bolt for the 2019. Maybe 3/8?

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It’s definitely a larger bolt than the 1/4x20 you used. I’m thinking I can reuse the existing with the proper spacer and washer unless the length would then interfere with stacking.

 

[Tommy Eastham]

A lot of good people on this site. Appreciate u guys. This has site has enhance my enjoyment of the outdoors. Fuels my obsession

 

[CZMark]

The 2019 sticks use a 5/16" bolt in the versa.

 

[bowhuntr09]

The 2019 stick use a 5/16" bolt in the versa.

Thanks @CZMark

 

[CZMark]

Also, if drilling new holes to relocate the buttons, do so very carefully; there is just 5/16" room between the channel walls for the hole.

 

[bowhuntr09]

Also, if drilling new holes to relocate the buttons, do so very carefully; there is just 5/16" room between the channel walls for the hole.

Is there any need to relocate them?