• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Using bolts for soft wood trees

C

Chrisparsons

New Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2019
Messages
10
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with using bolts on soft wood like pines for pre sets. In the off season I was thinking about setting up trees using bolts. I haven’t used bolts before. Anyone’s experiences will be appreciated.
 
Loopwing said:
I found to put a little more up angle on the poplars and pines, besides that nothing different. And the pines sap SUCKS!!!! But I will continue to use line trees
Click to expand...
I appreciate the info. What length bolts would you recommend?
 
Normal 6 inch, buried to the normal depth. I have bent less than grade 8 bolts with them being to long. The longer the bolt extends out the tree the more pressure you can put on the end. I wear size 14/15 boots and half a bolt is more than enough to climb on.
 
Last edited:
Loopwing said:
Normal 6 inch, buried to the normal depth. I have bent less than grade 8 bolts with them being to long. The longer the bolt extends out the tree the more pressure you can out on the end. I wear size 14/15 boots and half a bolt is more than enough to climb on.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks for the help !
 
Loopwing said:
I found to put a little more up angle on the poplars and pines, besides that nothing different. And the pines sap SUCKS!!!! But I will continue to use line trees
Click to expand...

This.

And definitely make sure you are climbing on grade 8 as previously mentioned. Grade 5 3/8"x6" bolts will send most folks for an unexpected ride when they bend under foot. If you are setting in the off season with a power drill and enough battery packs your best bet is grade 8 anything, but I have gotten away with all-thread that is cut to 6" and, I think, 7/16" diameter. I am about 210lbs. Your luck may vary. I did a video earlier this year talking about bolts and what not if interested. It is still my preferred method for preparing trees in the off season.

 
Definitely grade 8 bolts but I do differ a little in the fact that I use 7 inch bolts just because I like more area for my foot and as long as my 200lb butt has been using them, 3-4 years, I have never had any issues except the sap from pine trees it SUCKS!!!
 
Recurveaholic said:
Definitely grade 8 bolts but I do differ a little in the fact that I use 7 inch bolts just because I like more area for my foot and as long as my 200lb butt has been using them, 3-4 years, I have never had any issues except the sap from pine trees it SUCKS!!!
Click to expand...
Just keep in mind that this is loading the bolts substantially more and increasing the chance that they fail. Not saying that it's an issue just pointing it out.
 
mattsteg said:
Just keep in mind that this is loading the bolts substantially more and increasing the chance that they fail. Not saying that it's an issue just pointing it out.
Click to expand...
I have jumped up and down on the ends of the 7" ones and not had them bend in the slightest but thanks for looking out!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top