Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: peak98 on December 07, 2007, 12:01:00 AM
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I'd like any opinions from members who are currently using or have used the Simmons Woodpecker drill for installing steps up a tree. I already have a lineman's belt and a set of spurs that I climb with but really like the simplicity and added safety factor of using this method, especially when having to pack a climber or stick ladder/loc-on along way in would be a hinderance. I placed an add in the classifieds "Treestands and blinds" looking for a used one and would also like to find one of the lightweight belts that Simmons sold, so maybe I can pick something up soon. For those who have used this system, what's the good/bad points, it really look like it's a simple, light, safe, and easy way to go.
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Excellent tool. One of those items you buy an extra of just because it's so handy. Along with the lineman's belt it sure makes getting stands up a heck of a lot easier. Well worth the money.
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I love mine. The best part is being able to use the same holes each time you climb the tree. It saves alot of time. I carry ten bolts and the drill and there is no tree I can't climb. I use mine with the Greene's Tree Saddle.
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It works well considering its small size and weight. When pre-drilling trees for later use I prefer a good cordless drill.
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I agree with blackhawk. I have the belt, the woodpecker drill, and the bolts. I also bought a bit the same size for a cordless drill. I use it for pre drilling but I have the hand drill in case I need to add a hole or if I decide to move a stand. I use hardened cap bolts now instead of the hex bolts. I like being able to remove the bolts on the way down. Stands tend to stay where you put them better.
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I like mine, but the tree has to be hard-you guys don't use this system on pine trees do you? I've tried and they are too soft-maybe I'm doing something wrong?
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Are people stupid? This system is so superior to convential steps it's not even funny. AND it appears the company couldn't make go of it. Very SAD!!!
Bowmania
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I can sell mine if anyone is intrested. Or better do some trading.
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Dan,
PM sent.
Darrell
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Think about it-you can use this system and get up 15-20 feet with what you can hold in one hand..
I will offer an alternative for you all that don't like the hand drill aspect of a woodpecker...(boys with toys).
http://www.treesuit.com/treehopper.html
Paul
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I've been using my Woodpecker drill and belt for the last 15 yrs or so....very quick and easy way to hang a stand...without alerting what your hunting!
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Anyone know if there is a difference between this one and the treehopper drill? Both look about the same.
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I think Yohon must be busy cutting Christmas trees or he would have chimed in here. I know he uses one and has no problem with them in loblolly pine...
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East Coast archer,
Woodpecker is a hand drill. Treehopper is a bit that you put in your power drill.
Paul
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BCD,
Make sure if you are drilling a soft tree like a pine or poplar that you drill the hole on a slight uphill angle. That way when loaded with your weight it will remain perpendicular to the tree trunk.
nocams
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Legolas
Treehopper has a hand drill too. Looks a lot like the woodpecker.
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East Coast,
I was responding to the link I provided... no hand drill there.
Paul
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Paul
This is what I was wondering about:
http://www.treehopper-llc.com/HandDrill.aspx
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What's the advantage over srew-in tree steps? Your using the same motion to drill the holes. Are you guys pulling out the bolts each time you leave?
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VTer,
Yep. And you can hold 10 bolts in one hand, You can't do that with steps. And once the holes are in the tree next time you just put it in the hole and one good shove and its in. Instead of standing there on steps screwin in steps over and over and over...
Paul
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I wish I could find some titanium bolts. Anyone work for a company that might have 2nds or 3rds that we could use for our steps?
Thanks,
Paul
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Thanks for all the info, I haven't heard/read anything but praise for the Simmons system, I'm gonna have to give it a try, and I'll report back with my thoughts on it's ease of use. The titanium bolts are a great idea.....damn sure wouldn't leave them in the tree when I wasn't sitting in it though.
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Titanium would be a bit pricey wouldn't it? I can get bolts built, but wow! If I was going to spend money on custom climb bolts, I would use an aluminum alloy of some kind----light and very tough. Less money than titanium too.
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I would not use them in our neck of the woods. The amount of Oak wilt we have up here drilling anything in the tree is asking to kill your best stand sites.
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I would not use them in our neck of the woods. The amount of Oak wilt we have up here drilling anything in the tree is asking to kill your best stand sites.
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Nocam- I do drill at a slight upward angle, but with pines and poplar, the tree still "gives" a bit and I wouldn't want to use the same hole twice.
BCD
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There are some screw in tree steps that are small enough that one can hold 8 or 10 in the hand. Don't know if they're made anymore, but there was a place here in Wisconsin that made/makes a step they call the "Happy Hunter." Very compact, very strong and very stable. The screw was housed inside a u-shaped piece of metal which folded out to act as a lever in turning in the screw into the tree and then , when it's lower end was pressed back into the tree bark, it served as a jib (I think that's the right word) holding up the screw part. The protruding part of the housing even provided a little lip to keep one's boot from slipping off.
One of the problems my hunting partner ran into with using bolts in trees in November and December is that the bolts either froze into the trees, or when he took them out, the holes filled with water/sap and froze, so it wasn't just a matter of slipping the bolt in them when he came back.
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Orion,
Thanks for the info. I have not had that problem yet. I do not leave my bolts in the tree.
Paul
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Guys, I can't remember who asked me recently if I knew of any place that had the Simmons Woodpecker Drills anymore and I told him that I did not know, but if I came across any I'd let him know. As most of us know, Woodpecker Drills are getting to be as scarce as hens teeth.
To make sure I'm following Tradgang's guidelines, I will not post the name of the business because they are not a sponsor here. They are located in Baton Rouge,LA though. Please PM me and I'll send you the name and phone number. The manager over the archery dept. said they can take payment over the phone and ship them to whoever buys them.
Merry CHRISTmas, and a happy new year to all !
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I also have the name of a company that sells a system much like the woodpecker. You have your choice of a hand drill like the woodpecker or one where the drill bit can be removed to use in a cordless drill. I've been using it for a few years now and it beats screw in steps. email or PM me and I'll provide you with the website. I believe they are located in Illinois.
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Orion, is correct been using this system for over 25 years -- started with an old fashion hand drill. In Wisconsin when the weather turns cold if you remove -- holes fill with ice, if you leave in they freeze and can not be removed until spring with a great deal of difficulty. Early season only in wisconsin.Thanks Jerry, good luck.
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I have very few private lands to hunt, so I'm mostly public. those that hunt on public land, check your state regs.....many places have restrictions on drilling into the bark of a tree (it invites beetle and disease infestation)
i have on private land used and old bit and brace and 3/8" x 8" grade 8 bolts occasionally and it is pretty quick.
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Fallguy,
As long as you only place steps beginning in October you don't have to worry about Oak Wilt.
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I sent the info to everyone that PM'd me, anyone else interested ?
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I use one some every year.I use it in long walk places and leave the bolts in for the next trip.It also works great for sticking an eye in the side of a tree to skin out something if you are far from the truck.A good tool that does just what you expect when you get one.