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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: HighNTree on August 03, 2015, 11:41:00 AM

Title: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: HighNTree on August 03, 2015, 11:41:00 AM

I can't find replacement straps for my Ameristep Rapid Rail tree steps. Has anyone come up with a way to make their attachment system for the rapid rails?

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: Stump73 on August 03, 2015, 01:19:00 PM

Could you use ratchet straps?

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: GoBow on August 04, 2015, 10:47:00 PM

I replaced the straps on my Rapid Rails with climbing rope and used a prussic knot slider for the hook.  I think it works better than the poly rope that they come with.  Give me a couple days and I'll try to get pics up.

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: HighNTree on August 05, 2015, 09:54:00 AM

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.  I was hoping to get something like GoBow mentioned.  I look forward to seeing pictures.  My straps are starting to fray and I need to replace them.

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: MnFn on August 05, 2015, 01:56:00 PM

The Prussic knot is a cool knot.  I learned  it while in the Army during a mountaineering course in AK. Don't think I've used it since.

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: Ray Hammond on August 05, 2015, 07:10:00 PM

I'd like to see those photos, GoBow

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: dnovo on August 05, 2015, 09:26:00 PM

I took my straps off and replaced with a hollow braid poly rope using the Chinese know like the original rapid rails had.  Much lighter and quieter.

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: GoBow on August 07, 2015, 10:52:00 AM

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/GoBow/129.jpg)

   (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/GoBow/130.jpg)  

   (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/GoBow/131.jpg)  

Ok,here are a few pics.  In all truthfulness, this idea came from somewhere else on the web...  Just copied it...

Got the rope/cord at the Harrisburg Show years ago.  It's some type of rated climbing cord.  Figured that since I'm replacing a manufacturer's item, better to go way over the weight rating.  Read somewhere that the Prussic knot needs to be smaller cord than the main line in order to "grab" the main line properly.  Think I used 9mm for the main and 7mm for the Prussic.  The Prussic was formed by creating a loop using the original "hook" and a Return Bend knot; then tied the Prussic onto the main line.  Tied the main around a rung using a simple Overhand Loop.  Best of Luck!!!

Title: Re: Replacing Tree Step Straps?
Post by: HighNTree on August 07, 2015, 07:35:00 PM

Thanks to dnovo and GoBow for the pictures of their rail rope systems.  I tried tying a rope on one side of the rail and a half hitch on the other side and it held very well.  This weekend I will look for some static climbing rope rated for heavy use.