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Making an Aider Out of Hawk Helium Treestep Strap?

S

Stagg412

New Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2020
Messages
5
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
I'm brand new to saddle hunting; so new that I'm actually still waiting on a platform, so have literally never even climbed a tree with my saddle yet. I bought the Hawk Helium 20" steps and have done a rope mod, so I figured I could reuse the straps the steps came with as an aider. I pulled the long strap out of the clip, put the tab end through the existing loop and did a water knot (I think... it looks like a neck tie knot when it's done).

My question is: has anyone else done this, and is it even safe to repurpose the strap in this way? I figured if it's got the strength to hold the steps and my weight as I climb, why not as an aider. I'm 6'4, 250lbs.

This forum has been incredibly helpful in helping me to decide to get a saddle, gear, and prep for some rut action. I'm sure someone out there can answer this before I try it out and maybe learn the hard way.
 
I thought about doing it like that, SEPA, and I still might. I didn't want to have too much attached to every section, so mine is a big loop that I just hang over the bottom two steps. I was thinking I could climb up then unhook the aider and hook it onto the bottom steps of the next section.

Glad that it's working out for you. Gives me more confidence in the idea and strap itself.
 
I have used the straps tied together with water knots at my desired length. Its a diy a cayg aider , I made it last year and works just like the versa aider. Cinched to my boot, loop at the top side and has bungee and cheap carabiner to clip to my linemans loop.


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Thanks for the input, jarcher. Def some upgrade ideas there that I can put to use to make it even easier. DIY versa aider seems like it'll be my preferred method.
 
Decided on length, then i created a loop on left side and girth hitched left side thru end slot on step. Right side, i used the sewn eye that was on strap. I slid it thru helium step on the end slot and then pulled loop over end of the step. Really simple. Hopefully pictures help. I only use them on bottom 2 sticks. But its rigid.

I slide them front to back thru slot so its easier to find loop. It keeps loop more forward. Good luck and be safe!20201021_091205.jpg20201021_091237.jpg20201021_091301.jpg

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I would just worry about the loops coming off the end of the posts and not noticing. Maybe that’s me being a little too cautious.

One thing you could try is girth hitching one side to the strap then taking off that step completely so you can girth hitch the other side. Same concept as the amsteel aiders that various places are selling.


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