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Why Bolts over Screw ins?

N1ChBryant said:
Definitely smaller and lighter...Damn you guys!

.....Doubt creeps in...Is this actually better :sob:
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Its way better with a good drill and a good bit. Just relax and lean back into your linesman belt and take your time. Very safe and easy. I never hesitate to climb a new tree. Only takes 10 minutes. Earlier this season when it was hot I climbed a tree on public land first time in and when I got up I realized I needed to be in a different tree about 20 yards over. I just climbed down and changed trees. And it's hot in SC early season! Gotta do what ya gotta do though. I have to be close with the tradbow to hit anything so I cant afford to pick the wrong tree
 
If the 3/8 carbon bolts are breaking, will the drill bit accommodate going to 1/2”?
Also, might have missed it, link to buy carbon bolts, thanks.
 
I suggest if you're nervous about the carbon bolts just buy the steel bolts from treehopper. They come already dipped in linex and have a pouch too and 10 bolts will get you over 20 ft. About 30 bucks I think. I think steel bolts weigh about 3 ounces each so about 2 more pounds than carbon bolts. Total system, drill bolts pouch would weigh about 4 pounds I'd say. Or you can buy Titanium bolts for about 20 dollars each and cut that weight in half. 200 dollars for 10 Titanium bolts ain't much more than 4 climbing sticks if weight matters a lot to you.
 
Rod in SC said:
I suggest if you're nervous about the carbon bolts just buy the steel bolts from treehopper. They come already dipped in linex and have a pouch too and 10 bolts will get you over 20 ft. About 30 bucks I think. I think steel bolts weigh about 3 ounces each so about 2 more pounds than carbon bolts. Total system, drill bolts pouch would weigh about 4 pounds I'd say. Or you can buy Titanium bolts for about 20 dollars each and cut that weight in half. 200 dollars for 10 Titanium bolts ain't much more than 4 climbing sticks if weight matters a lot to you.
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I have ti bolts as well. They're nice and a happy medium, but the carbon honestly feels better in the hands, especially in cold weather, and its quieter..
 
Trueblue said:
If the 3/8 carbon bolts are breaking, will the drill bit accommodate going to 1/2”?
Also, might have missed it, link to buy carbon bolts, thanks.
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You would have to get a 1/2" drill bit. You can get them at Lowe's. I bought a 3/8 Erwin bit at Lowes and used a cordless drill and it worked fine. I'm going to make a handle for it to see if it's good enough for hand drilling.
 
How are you guys locating the holes you drilled when you return to a tree? I have found it can be a challenge locating them.
 
Buckhorn70 said:
How are you guys locating the holes you drilled when you return to a tree? I have found it can be a challenge locating them.
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I’ve been considering reflective tacks directly above or below each hole. I think @denots is putting a dot of green spray paint on each hole. Probably gonna try that as well.
 
I thought I some one said always drill at eye height and put a saw mark on the hole. If the hole is right at eye level it is easy to see. I know that does not work on the first two holes.
 
Buckhorn70 said:
How are you guys locating the holes you drilled when you return to a tree? I have found it can be a challenge locating them.
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After a few trees I feel like my holes are within inches of the same place every time. I've only had a few instances where in couldn't find them, and they were rough barked trees, in the snow.
 
It gets easier as you get more accustomed to what height and place that you drill your holes. In the daylight you should be able to see them fine BUT in the dark I've found the best way to find them is with a red headlamp. The red light will make the hole appear as a very dark round spot and are easy to find. Another way to help in the daylight is to scratch a groove in the tree directly underneath the hole with the threads of the bolt. Of course that won't work with carbon bolts. You could also use your limb saw to cut a groove underneath the hole.
 
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Man you guys are killing me here so it looks like I might be getting some bolts before next year and a drill but this not being able to find the hole thing is bringing back some old memories.
 
Buckhorn70 said:
How are you guys locating the holes you drilled when you return to a tree? I have found it can be a challenge locating them.
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I was thinking about some kind of plastic plug that would identify the hole and keep water/snow/ice out as well. Got to be something out there that already exist that can be fashioned into a plug.

Also heard of coffee stir straws being put in the holes as bolts are removed.

Ideas?
 
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Rod in SC said:
I suggest if you're nervous about the carbon bolts just buy the steel bolts from treehopper. They come already dipped in linex and have a pouch too and 10 bolts will get you over 20 ft. About 30 bucks I think. I think steel bolts weigh about 3 ounces each so about 2 more pounds than carbon bolts. Total system, drill bolts pouch would weigh about 4 pounds I'd say. Or you can buy Titanium bolts for about 20 dollars each and cut that weight in half. 200 dollars for 10 Titanium bolts ain't much more than 4 climbing sticks if weight matters a lot to you.
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Where are you buying the carbon bolts? Tape just for added grip?
 
weekender21 said:
The new drill is available on the Treehopper LLC web site, says it will deliver in mid January.

Sooooo I just spent another $100! (drill, holster, coated bolts).

saddlehunter.com is definitely good for the economy!
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Yep, me too
 
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