Why Bolts over Screw ins?

[mattsteg]

https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/bolt-climb-video.9379/

It is definitely not the fastest way up a tree, but it has a lot of advantages, and it isnt as slow as you might think.

My thoughts:
Pros:
Small and light
Easy and secure/safe/stable
Fast enough
Quiet
Stealthy/unobtrusive
Works on most any huntable tree
Usable for run/gun and single season presets


Cons
Penetrates tree
Lineman belt dance
Certain trees (soft, loose grain for example doesn't grip the screw portion of the ezkut bit adequately):suck to drill
More climbing time and effort than fastest methods on first climb
Presets need to be redone every year if pulling bolts

Any faster method is either less universal or significantly bulkier/heavier. If they're acceptable they're a great option. I prefer over everything I've tried except possibly srt which has a different set of advantages/drawbacks (less universal for run/gun, non penetrating, no lineman belt hassle, bulkier but still compact, presets can be longer term)

 

[bigdave1691]

Just purchased the bolt system from treehopper llc. After my hunt in Kentucky last week I'm done with sticks and platforms. I'll use the bolts to climb with and Cranford screw in T steps as my platform. Lost 1 1/2 days of hunting due to either my platform or sticks cutting through my bow string while going to my stand.

 

[Nutterbuster]

My thoughts:
Pros:
Small and light
Easy and secure/safe/stable
Fast enough
Quiet
Stealthy/unobtrusive
Works on most any huntable tree
Usable for run/gun and single season presets


Cons
Penetrates tree
Lineman belt dance
Certain trees (soft, loose grain for example doesn't grip the screw portion of the ezkut bit adequately):suck to drill
More climbing time and effort than fastest methods on first climb
Presets need to be redone every year if pulling bolts

Any faster method is either less universal or significantly bulkier/heavier. If they're acceptable they're a great option. I prefer over everything I've tried except possibly srt which has a different set of advantages/drawbacks (less universal for run/gun, non penetrating, no lineman belt hassle, bulkier but still compact, presets can be longer term)

I agree with everything but maybe "belt dance." What is that exactly?

 

[mattsteg]

I agree with everything but maybe "belt dance." What is that exactly?

Just general lineman belt annoyances going around branches, especially on large diameter trees where reaching around is a pain, or you need to toss/catch the end. SRT is nice for avoiding this (and about the only method that does) since you're fully tethered at or above hunting height from the get go, so don't need to do anything extra to get around back side branches.

 

[Rod in SC]

I've been using a Simmons woodpecker drill and bolts since the late 80s. It's all I ever use. Starting with the carbon bolts this year and I love them just need to not have too much upward angle so there's not as much weight on the end...just keep as horizontal as possible.
I've also used the electric drill while scouting but to me it's not much harder to use the hand drill. BUT I will say that the EZ Kurt drill isn't nearly as easy to use as the Simmons hand drill. I think it's because it because the ez kit doesn't hold the drill bit at an angle when opened. Plus if you'll keep your drill lubricated it will make it way easier. I even keep a small business eye drop bottle with unscented oil to put a couple drops on the bit from time to to time. I usually drill at about armpit level

 

[Rod in SC]

Ooops...hit the post button accidentally. I usually drill at arm pit level and can get over 20 ft with 10 bolts. With a smooth tree I can drill about as fast or faster than a guy can put in screw in steps. 10 minutes easy. And all I need the rest of the season is to stick the bolt in the hole as I go up. I might try to do a quick video

 

[Vtbow]

Just purchased the bolt system from treehopper llc. After my hunt in Kentucky last week I'm done with sticks and platforms. I'll use the bolts to climb with and Cranford screw in T steps as my platform. Lost 1 1/2 days of hunting due to either my platform or sticks cutting through my bow string while going to my stand.

This is my favorite go to setup. CF bholts and cranford t steps for a platform. Treehopper is coming back out with their hand drill too--which is quite nice. I talked to Mark the owner yesterday, and he is taking preorders if people are interested (@Nutterbuster @kyler1945 ) $67.90 shipped for the drill with a sheath for it. this is the old one they used to make and the new ones should look like this too, their waiting on some CNC right now:

 

[Nutterbuster]

Just general lineman belt annoyances going around branches, especially on large diameter trees where reaching around is a pain, or you need to toss/catch the end. SRT is nice for avoiding this (and about the only method that does) since you're fully tethered at or above hunting height from the get go, so don't need to do anything extra to get around back side branches.

Gotcha. Yeah, it's kinda unavoidable with most methods. I will say that aside from the drilling, I find CLIMBING to be easiest with bolts. They cant really shift, and you move very methodically. I've climbed with most methods, and bolts feel safest to me.

 

[Vtbow]

Gotcha. Yeah, it's kinda unavoidable with most methods. I will say that aside from the drilling, I find CLIMBING to be easiest with bolts. They cant really shift, and you move very methodically. I've climbed with most methods, and bolts feel safest to me.

I also find it took some getting used to,k but setting them at more of a "v" than on the sides of the tree made a huge difference. then as you shifted your weight over the next bolt, your hips turn and generally thebolt ends up at your belt buckle area where there is space in your Linemans. once you get a pattern down to your climb, its kinds comes naturally.

 

[mattsteg]

I also find it took some getting used to,k but setting them at more of a "v" than on the sides of the tree made a huge difference. then as you shifted your weight over the next bolt, your hips turn and generally thebolt ends up at your belt buckle area where there is space in your Linemans. once you get a pattern down to your climb, its kinds comes naturally.

Yes the v is critical especially if on a tree of any size. I wouldn't list the lineman dance as a negative, except for SRT/rope climbing. But since there's a way to avoid it and it can be a pain, it gets an entry in the negative column. With the stability of bolts, low profile on the tree, and flexibility in spacing, it's less of an issue with bolts vs. pretty much all other methods except climbing rope for all of the reasons cited above.

 

[GodsCountry]

This is my favorite go to setup. CF bholts and cranford t steps for a platform. Treehopper is coming back out with their hand drill too--which is quite nice. I talked to Mark the owner yesterday, and he is taking preorders if people are interested (@Nutterbuster @kyler1945 ) $67.90 shipped for the drill with a sheath for it. this is the old one they used to make and the new ones should look like this too, their waiting on some CNC right now:


View attachment 8752

Interesting. Do you just use 1 T step for your platform? How is that on the feet? What’s the ETA on that new drill?

 

[Ontariofarmer]

This is my favorite go to setup. CF bholts and cranford t steps for a platform. Treehopper is coming back out with their hand drill too--which is quite nice. I talked to Mark the owner yesterday, and he is taking preorders if people are interested (@Nutterbuster @kyler1945 ) $67.90 shipped for the drill with a sheath for it. this is the old one they used to make and the new ones should look like this too, their waiting on some CNC right now:


View attachment 8752

So where do you preorder

 

[Vtbow]

I use 5 of the cranford t-screw in steps--not the t screws your're thinking of( https://ezyclimb.shptron.com/c/tree-steps_ezy-climb-t-tree-step). I find no problem wih the steps for comfort and they are rock solid. The DRill should be out of cnc in 9 days ish according to the owner, but he is taking preorders. You can contact him through treehopperllc.com --he's a really nice go and quite responsive!

 

[Vtbow]

So where do you preorder

email or call MArk through treehopperllc.com and he'll hook you up

 

[Rod in SC]

That tree hopper drill will make it much easier than the EZ Kut. The EZ kut is too flimsy. The hand drill used really makes a big difference.
Here's my old Simmons woodpecker drill carbon bolts small bone saw(Quieter cut) and carbon bolts. Notice the end isn't open like EZ kut and holds drill bit at a proper angle. Helps a lot . I use an old Gerber two-blade saw case to hold them and just clip onto my right side in a molle look on my saddle

 

[N1ChBryant]

Gotta say looks easier than I imagined but with the standard cranford screw in steps I’m about as fast as sticks because they go in so easy and they are hella safe. I also wrap each in camo hockey tape to quiet. 12 pack fairly small and did away with the stick bulk I hated.

You guys have sold me on so many great ideas but prolly gonna pass on the bolt investment at this point

 

[Vtbow]

Gotta say looks easier than I imagined but with the standard cranford screw in steps I’m about as fast as sticks because they go in so easy and they are hella safe. I also wrap each in camo hockey tape to quiet. 12 pack fairly small and did away with the stick bulk I hated.

You guys have sold me on so many great ideas but prolly gonna pass on the bolt investment at this point

just kleep in mind if you're returning to a tree and take your screw in steps with you, you have to screw them in again...the bolts just slide on in!
but yes, cranford screw in steps are quite nice! I have a pile as well.

 

[Rod in SC]

With 15 carbon bolts, drill, limb saw, and pouch the whole system weighs 1.5 pounds. I usually space steps 28-30 inches apart so I can get well over 30 ft with this system. I'm almost 57 years old and it's easy once you learn the proper technique. I have one little short fat hunting buddy in his late 40s that can do it easily too. Once you learn how it's the best system without a doubt.

 

[Vtbow]

With 15 carbon bolts, drill, limb saw, and pouch the whole system weighs 1.5 pounds. I usually space steps 28-30 inches apart so I can get well over 30 ft with this system. I'm almost 57 years old and it's easy once you learn the proper technique. I have one little short fat hunting buddy in his late 40s that can do it easily too. Once you learn how it's the best system without a doubt.

I love the gerber saw case repurpose, genius!

 

[N1ChBryant]

Definitely smaller and lighter...Damn you guys!

.....Doubt creeps in...Is this actually better