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Lag Bolts VS Screw-in Steps

d_rek

d_rek

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2014
Messages
2,495
Location
SELP Michigan
Hey All,

Have a handful of trees to prep before the fall yet and have mostly exhausted my supply of screw in ameristeps. Even when buying in bulk they get pricey. Lag bolts on the other hand are much cheaper than most screw in steps on the market.

Just wondering if anyone uses a treehopper style system with lag bolts. These would be used only for ascending/descending and not the actual platform. What i'm primarily concerned with is weight rating on the lag bolts. I'm 225-230lbs throughout the year. I haven't had any issues with screw in steps (yet) but just want to make sure these could handle my weight before I commit.

Also, what style and length would you recommend? I see the treehopper lag bolts are 6" in length. I don't know what DIA they are though. I would think a thicker bolt (5/16 or 1/2) would have a much greater working load. They are also available in 8" lengths.

Any input is welcome.

Regards,
d_rek
 
I have the ez cut (woodpecker hand drill) and I use 6in 3/8 grade 8 bolts with it. I think at home depot or lowes they were like $3 each. Can't remember.
 
check out these on ebay.....(35) Hex Head 3/8-16 x 6" Grade 8 Bolts Yellow Zinc Cap Screws. They have been working great for me.
 
I have the ezcut drill bit also and got a whole bunch of those 3/8" bolts on ebay. $28.94 for 35 of them.
 
d_rek, the bolt diameter is 3/8" but the most important thing is to make sure you get grade 8 . I'm not sure what the shear strength is off the top of my head but they will hold your weight without bending no problem at all.
 
Thanks for the info. I was able to get the tree hopper hand bit and a good quantity of bolts for a great price from the classifieds on archery talk... Now I just gotta find the time to prep my stands lol.


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Do you find that 6in bolts are enough step ? Do you ever have an issue with the bolts coming out? or loosening up while climbing?
 
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