Replacement stand cables for hang on stands

[Mike Gerardi]

I have several older stands in great shape but need to change out the cables. Some of the manufacturers are no longer in business.  Who makes custom replacement cables?

[Eric Krewson]

If you are talking about hang-ons change them to chains, much saver and they will last forever.

I am in the process of changing mine over now.

[Huntrdfk]

I agree with Eric, I will be changing all my stands to chains after the season. I hunted out of stands that had been changed over a few weeks ago and felt a lot safer.

David

[Huntrdfk]

[Alvey]

Changed mine to chain also put bike inertube over it to quiet it down if I hit my limb on it.

[KyStickbow]

I agree with everyone else...replace the cables with chain. Did this to mine a couple years back and feel much safer!

[Mike Gerardi]

Chain it is. Thanks for the help everyone.

[ChuckC]

Any guidance as to WHAT size / kind of chain ?
Thanks
ChuckC

[KentuckyTJ]

I think Mike is talking about the cables that hold up the platform not the one that wraps around tree.

[Mike Gerardi]

Yes the cables that hold up the platform.

[Brian P.]

Yes, I assumed most of the replies about switching to chain meant replacing the cables that hold the platform up. I have replaced most of my stand cables with chain.
I bought the chain at Lowes. I beloeve it was 800# test. 3/16" dia if I remember correctly.  I replaced the bolts holding the chain with grade 8 bolts at the same time

[Nomadstalker]

I am in the process of changing all of the cables on my lock ons to chain.  Take off the cable, take it to Home Depot or lowes and see which size galvanized chain will match the exact length of the cable by laying them side by side. (I usually find the 5/16 works) Buy new galvanized bolts while you're at it along with some large washers.  I don't suggest inner tubes to cover the chains as your rubber boots will squeak if they rub.  The cable stands are DANGEROUS once they get rusted at all. They also rust under the plastic coating. Don't leave cable stands out between seasons. Take them down and keep them inside.  One stand I changed out was so rusted I was able to bend the cable and snap it!

[Mint]

That's going to be my winter project for this year. Complete stand maintenance.

[Mike Gerardi]

Great advice everyone. Thank you.

[TooManyHobbies]

Just did almost all of mine too. 31 links of 3/16". Still have two to do. Feel much safer. Spray painted the chain to get the shine off.

[Steelhead]

You can use plastic dip on the chain to quieten the chain.It comes in spray on or brush on and is available at most hardware stores.Its very durable and easy to apply.I would highly recommend it.You can use it on the chain that wraps around the tree as well if you have a chain on.

[finkm1]

Sounds like a good idea, could someone post a picture of the stand after the upgrade. Thanks

[South MS Bowhunter]

Or how about heat shrink applied to the chain?

[Steelhead]

Not sure about heat shrink.Might work great?

Been using the plastic dip along with several buddies for about 30 years.most my stands have been chain ons and I still prefer that connection over any style.They seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur these days in favor of strap ons.

Plastic dip is the same thing you see on tool handles.Like some wrenches.Its the way to go IMO.Its not expensive,wears like iron,easy to apply and will really quiet down a chain.Most hardware stores have it.Just put it on thick enough to dampen the metallic chian sound

[meathead]

Heat shrink tubing works just fine over the chain. That is what I did on the last ones I replaced. 2/0 machine chain with 3/4" heat shrink tube.