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Pre set Grade 8 bolt question

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Fingerlakes257

New Member
Dec 14, 2020
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Hey Guys,
I’ve noticed a lot of you like to use grade 8 pre set bolts on private property to climb. I’ve been thinking about doing the same and picking up an ez kut drill bit ( highly recommended)

since they’re bolts does everyone just wrench em in once the hole is drilled? Just a little confused and would love to hear the most efficient way to go about doing it.

Chris
 
bodark

bodark

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Aug 16, 2020
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Arkansas
The hole is the same size as the bolt so they just slide in as long as the hole is free from debris. You’ll want to drill your holes at a slight upward angle so your bolts don’t want to slide back out as easily.

For presets I would recommend using a power drill. When I hunted private I could preset a tree in a few minutes. Bring an extra battery and I could get around 2.5 trees per battery depending on the tree type/density.
 
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Topdog

Topdog

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Jun 5, 2020
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atwoodnative said:
Check out hand drill at treehopperllc.con. I bought one and love it. I have had predrilled holes ice up. Holes weep water and sap and then if below freezing they turn to ice. So always carry hand drill just in case so you can drill out ice.
Click to expand...
I just ordered one too, how bad is it to drill a hole full of ice out again, worse or better than just normal wood, I’m going to have this problem a lot, thanks.
 
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atwoodnative

New Member
Oct 29, 2019
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Montana
Topdog said:
I just ordered one too, how bad is it to drill a hole full of ice out again, worse or better than just normal wood, I’m going to have this problem a lot, thanks.
Click to expand...
Worse since the end of the bit does not have much to grab on to pull itself in. So you have to push on back of drill.
 
Topdog

Topdog

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Jun 5, 2020
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Great, not what i wanted to hear lol thanks though!
 
Loopwing

Loopwing

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SH Member
Mar 10, 2020
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I agree with Jimmy, unless I am never going to hunt that area again, I leave the bolts. A drop in the bucket on what we spend everyday energy drinks, coffee, cigarettes, wawa biscuit, lunch at the diner.....
 
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DXTJOE

New Member
Oct 18, 2019
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I am have been looking around, where do you guys buy your grade 8 bolts?
I wanna buy a bunch so Im looking for the best price. Thanks
 
george_costanza

george_costanza

Member
Nov 29, 2020
41
11
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34
Jennings FL
DXTJOE said:
I am have been looking around, where do you guys buy your grade 8 bolts?
I wanna buy a bunch so Im looking for the best price. Thanks
Click to expand...

The best price I've found is 25 bolts for $30 on treehopper.... But I've also wondered where others got them and if they were cheaper??
 
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Dwaters416

Active Member
May 13, 2014
156
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I got 21 bolts and bit for electric drill from tree hopper I’ll sell for 40 tyd


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Noonespecial

Noonespecial

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Dec 10, 2019
448
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Fingerlakes257 said:
Hey Guys,
I’ve noticed a lot of you like to use grade 8 pre set bolts on private property to climb. I’ve been thinking about doing the same and picking up an ez kut drill bit ( highly recommended)

I tried the bolts
since they’re bolts does everyone just wrench em in once the hole is drilled? Just a little confused and would love to hear the most efficient way to go about doing it.

Chris
Click to expand...

You’re going to have problems with sap, ice, sag on soft wood trees and finding the holes in the dark. I tried the bolt thing but because of these problems I went back to screw in steps for presets and folding Cranford steps for mobile set ups. No need to carry a drill when using Cranfords they are sharp enough to easily screw in any tree.
 
Jimmyfunk60

Jimmyfunk60

Well-Known Member
Jan 4, 2019
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I also preset with a dewalt in the spring leave the bolts. If I feel froggy in the spring I turn them with a wrench while shed hunting. I was using a hand drill for run and gun but have came full circle to carrying sticks on new properties until I figure out where I want dedicated spots.


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1

1simplemann

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Sep 6, 2014
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I try to pre set all of my trees permenantly. The best I have found is utility pole spikes. They have a little L at the end so your foot won't slip off. 5/8" x 12"
 
1

1simplemann

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Sep 6, 2014
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Jimmyfunk60 said:
I buy my bolts on eBay $32 for 50 bolts

www.ebay.com

(Qty 50) 3/8-16 x 6" Hex Bolt Zinc Plated Grade 8 Cap Screw Partial Thread | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for (Qty 50) 3/8-16 x 6" Hex Bolt Zinc Plated Grade 8 Cap Screw Partial Thread at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com


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Click to expand...
Are these big enough for your feet? I put my spike in at least 4" and try to have at least 4" out, preferably 6". Good footing is imperative as I get older.
 
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