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Treehopper Drill and bolts

I have a hand drill, but if wanted to use a electric drill for presets what size bit would be comparable?
 
Davis21 said:
I have a hand drill, but if wanted to use a electric drill for presets what size bit would be comparable?
Click to expand...
TH sells cordless bits.
The are metric size...I think 11mm (I can never remember which mm size). The bolts are 3/8" but you dont want a 3/8" bit.

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Davis21 said:
I have a hand drill, but if wanted to use a electric drill for presets what size bit would be comparable?
Click to expand...

10mm. Don’t forget you need a drill stop to get consistent depth. Or just order the one from Mark for cordless drills. It works great.
 
Back in the day I used a battery powered impact gun and run 3/8" or 1/2" lag bolts straight in, surely wouldn't do it day of but boy it was quick and easy.

I've never looked back at prior tree's, does it cause damage or kill trees IDK
 
My drill and bolts have arrived! Can’t wait to try them out!


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I’m new to the forum. Started saddle hunting this year. I’m using LW sticks rn as my method but I hunt a lot of private too. I’ve seen videos and want to switch to bolts and a drill but have some friends trying to talk me out of it. Is it really worth it?
 
Hosierdaddy19 said:
I’m new to the forum. Started saddle hunting this year. I’m using LW sticks rn as my method but I hunt a lot of private too. I’ve seen videos and want to switch to bolts and a drill but have some friends trying to talk me out of it. Is it really worth it?
Click to expand...
Compare bolts to screw in steps, not so much to sticks...its apples to oranges.
Bolts beat screw ins hands down.
I like bolt better than sticks, but thats just my opinion.

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Allegheny Tom said:
Compare bolts to screw in steps, not so much to sticks...its apples to oranges.
Bolts beat screw ins hands down.
I like bolt better than sticks, but thats just my opinion.

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Click to expand...
I know it’s not apples to apples but I was going to set up trees with screw in steps this year and the price point of the bolts is what grabbed my attention.
 
Hosierdaddy19 said:
I’m new to the forum. Started saddle hunting this year. I’m using LW sticks rn as my method but I hunt a lot of private too. I’ve seen videos and want to switch to bolts and a drill but have some friends trying to talk me out of it. Is it really worth it?
Click to expand...
I tried bolts this year and nothing beats the weight! also at end of the day pull them out as you come down the tree and on your way home. No stacking sticks or strapping to back pack also it's not bad to hand drill ten holes if you don't do presets.. I love it so far! there's nothing easier when the darkness comes. If you hunt bedding areas it's the quietest climbing method out there (IMO) especially if you prep in the summer. My biggest concern was killing trees but have found no evidence that it causes enough damage to kill a tree based on what I've read no more damage than screw in steps.

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Hosierdaddy19 said:
I know it’s not apples to apples but I was going to set up trees with screw in steps this year and the price point of the bolts is what grabbed my attention.
Click to expand...
I would advise bolts rather than screw ins. Next in line would be Cranford screw ins, and last on the list is Ameristep style screw ins. And if you use those, you want the install tool. But, for several reasons, bolts are still the best. Especially if you are hunting extremely hard trees like osage. And for pre sets, a cordless drill and bolts are the cats ass.

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For me, bolts can’t be beat for a pre set. For a hang and hunt it’s debatable, but then I like sticks.


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What do you guys mark your holes with so you can use the tree again? Especially in the dark
 
I tried the bolt system and for me it stunk! Not trying to be rude but tell me if I’m doing something wrong. Cordless drilled my holes in the late winter early spring. Water poured out of every hole in the hickory tree I drilled. Installed my first bolt stood on it and the bolt sagged down so far that I couldn’t stand on it without falling off. Tried the second and third hole exact same thing. I’ve heard that you have to wait until after the growing season to drill holes because the trees are too soft. What good is that when you want to prep post season? In PA the growing season ends in June. I don’t want to go in the woods then scouting and prepping locations. I went and bought screw in steps.
 
Cutright said:
What do you guys mark your holes with so you can use the tree again? Especially in the dark
Click to expand...
I use a reflector tack near my first hole once bolt is in first hole I use my knee to locate the next hole just the same as when you first drilled the tree it's not so bad. Some put twigs in the first few holes.

Note..Always bring hand drill in case sap or water froze in hole.

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I was contemplated that same thing this year. How many bolts are guys using to get about 10-20?


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A 3/8 auger bit from home depot, with a few wraps of electrical tape to act as a depth gauge has been totally okay for me. You can't hold the bit perfectly still as you drill the tree, you always end up "hogging out" the hole when drilling. I've never had an issue getting my 3/8 bolts to slide right in. Don't over complicate things.
 
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