Replacing Tree Stand Cables with Chains

[Mint]

Was checking my trail hawk tree stand that I've had since 1993 and found that the cable is in bad shape. Want to replace the cables with chain. I figured I would bolt the chain to the platform where the cable attached and then use an eye bolt on the stand upright and connect with an extra link to the eyebolt and chain. I'll leave the chain a few inches longer so the platform can be leveled for trees that are leaning. Anything I'm missing or any tips you can give me would be appreciated. The bolts and extra ling will be hardened steel and weight rated in excess of 500lbs.

[Longbowcrowder66]

Mint... I replace all the cables on my hang on stands with chains when I first buy them, I also use heat shrink tubing on the chains. I dont like cables in plastic. I dont like what I can not see.. if you know what I mean...

[Westkyhunter]

I also replace all worn or old cables with chain. Sounds like your doing it the same way. I pick up older stands cheap here and there with broke cables for a little of nothing and replace the hardware then add chains as well. Then hit them with a little paint covering the fasteners and let them air out in the garage. They're much more solid feeling with the chains and I like that!

[Mint]

Thanks guys, I like the heat shrink tubing on the chains rather than rubber dipping.

[FoCoBlackWidow]

It is also possible to replace the cables with a stronger cable. I contacted Lexco Cable and had stainless steel cable with a 1,200-pound rating made. They can swage the ends with eyelets to run the bolts back through and you're good as new. I hunt public land where the stands are taken down and moved often, so I find this quieter and lighter than chains, yet still reliable. It probably cost just over $50 for four cables.

[Mint]

Thanks for the tip and info but I'm staying away from cables. did a search on google and it seems like a lot of failures happen with them rusting thru etc. I have a Chippewa wedge loc stand for the areas I want to be mobile. These stands are going to be put up in September and taken down in January so weight isn't an issue.

[KyStickbow]

I replace all the cables on my stands with chain as well. Read to many stories on those cables breaking.

I always use a HSS lifeline as well...just to give me the added comfort of being safe the moment my feet leave the ground.

[gvdocholiday]

Pics?

Would like to see the connecting points at the platform and seat posts.  Also, size of chain and heat shrink tube size/supplier.

I like the sound of this idea.

[katman]

I just replaced all my cables this winter with cables, never thought of chains, good idea.

[Bill Carlsen]

I replace all my cables with 3/16" air line cable. Piece of cake and now have about 800#'s of safety.

[Biggie Hoffman]

Bill, do you NEED 800#'s of safety nowadays?

8-)

[JimB]

1/8" cable has a breaking strength of 1,700# and 3/16" is 3,700#,per cable.

Plastic covering lets water run down in the cable and holds it there,corroding galvanized cable.Galvanized cable not plastic covered,can also rust inside where it can't be seen.Ask any experienced snare man.

I replaced cables on my Gorilla tree stands with 1/8" stainless and copper ferrules.Copper is the proper ferrule for stainless,not aluminum.Aluminum and stainless can create electrolysis and subsequent corrosion.Aluminum ferrules are correct for galvanized.

I've used the same SS cables and copper ferrules to build earth anchors that stay in the ground for months to years,in alkaline soils that eat up galvanized and have yet to get a spot of corrosion.316 is the most corrosion resistant but 304 is plenty good.

Nothing wrong with chain but if I were going to the trouble,and only had a handful of stands,I believe I'd spring for stainless chain and hardware.Just some thoughts.

[jkm97]

Good idea. Three years ago I was hanging a stand, not using a lifeline, stepped onto the platform, and both cables snapped simultaneously. The platform was at the top of 24' of stick ladder, and I came down on my legs, breaking my pelvis in three places. I couldn't walk for about 7 weeks, and was still hurting from pulled muscles, etc in my midsection for 9 months.

Now all my hang ons wear chains...and I use lifelines...and I hunt out of groundblinds most of the time!  

[tracker12]

When you replace the cable you need to have a tool to crimp on the hardware.  Is that a very expensive investment.  The is also a point of failure if not done properly which would make me hesitant to do it myself.

[woodchucker]

This is why I hunt from the ground... I only fell off my stump once. Woke up about an hour later. Sun was shining, I was warm & cozy, closed my eyes and took another nap!

[Running Buck]

I have replaced chain for cable a few times on my hang on stands. Make it a point to use grade 8 bolts and stainless washers and nuts. A couple extra bucks can give you piece of mind when you are standing well above ground.

[J. Cook]

I'd love to see pics of the hardware and conversion...