Hang on stands

[nhbuck1]

What do you guys use to secure your tree stands? I'm looking for the safest way they Will not fail, is putting three ratchet straps over kill? How long before there changed? They usual come with one donkey strap and that's not safe enough for me.

[nhbuck1]

Dinkey not donkey dang auto type

[Sawpilot 75]

I think for me it has been not leaving my stands up. If a stand is left out too much can happen which could cause a strap failure. The weather weakens the fibers in the material as well has the tree growing. Animals also chewing on your stuff is very possible. I use a lightweight Lone Wolf hang on and I Hang and pull it each sit. I move around a bunch too and feel this helps with not letting deer pinpoint a location. Just my opinion.. to answer your question I believe a heavy duty ratchet strap would fit your needs well. Just keep inspecting it's condition and change it annually if you leave it out for the season.

[Westkyhunter]

I always use at least two small ratchet straps on each stand and sometimes a third factory strap if it has one depending on their condition. Mine don't stay out all year usually three months or so but what I do when I go to hang them before season is rotate a new strap on each stand that has seen heavy weathering or wear depending on its exposure. I also replace all hard ware on stands that are showing signs of rust and corrosion over time. Usually every three to four years. If I'm not sure about the cables on one they get replaced with chains and hit with some cheap paint to help them blend in. They air out in the garage and are ready by the time Im ready for them. Its really not that expensive to replace versus the alternative. If I do leave one set up all year I loosen the straps at the end of season a little to allow for tree growth then check and tighten them adding a fresh one my first hunt the following year. Just remember to tighten and check all stands thoroughly before each season. Squirrels will chew them into sometimes making for a dangerous situation. Also do the same with strap on ladders or climbing sticks. It's way more comforting and peaceful sitting in a set that has been "updated" than sitting in one thinking it "should be ok"!!

[Orion]

I use Lone Wolf Assaults, which come with two straps, and that's what I use. The old stands used only one strap and I usually attached another for safety and stability.  

My stands are only in the woods for three weeks or so, so weather usually isn't a factor.  I check the straps every year before season and replace those that look worn or that are just old.

If you leave your stands out for long periods and weather or rodents might be a problem, could always substitute chain for the nylon straps.

[shedhunta]

Carry in carry out.  Small hook in tree left there.  Small piece of paracord on top of stand in a loop.  Climb up, put paracord on hook so you are now hands free.  Now wrap lone wolf straps around stand, push down and done.  No more worrying about theft, rust, straps weathering, etc.  Its not bad once you get used to it and the little extra work is well worth the other options of owning and maintenaning a garage full of stands.

[nhbuck1]

would chains be better then straps?

[shedhunta]

Chains better long term solution.  Noisy, heavy but last much longer!!!

[fisherick]

I replace straps and cables with chains on all my stands that are left out all season. I do have one lightweight stand with straps, cables and climbing sticks that get taken down after each use.

[DarrinG]

Anyone got any pics of how you replaced your platform cables with chain, showing the change-over?

[nhbuck1]

i guess im paranoid about a strap giving out, i usually use like 3 or 4 it just makes me feel better

[NBK]

Originally posted by Orion:
I use Lone Wolf Assaults, which come with two straps, and that's what I use. The old stands used only one strap and I usually attached another for safety and stability.  

My stands are only in the woods for three weeks or so, so weather usually isn't a factor.  I check the straps every year before season and replace those that look worn or that are just old.

If you leave your stands out for long periods and weather or rodents might be a problem, could always substitute chain for the nylon straps.

Exactly the same here.

[hitman]

As many straps that make you comfortable is my advice. Always be hooked up , most falls are getting in and out of stands.