Looking for advice from folks who have done this. Left a stand too long in tree and had to take hatchet to original strap to get it off. Took by sowing shop to get them to put back together but they were going to use cotton thread to so back together and strap has a few years on it. I thought I would just replace with new ratchet strap. Have anyone had any problems with just a plain 500lb rating strap working for main support strap. Or should person get one of the huge straps.
I would put your safety as a first priority, I NEVER use a treestand w only one ratchet strap, I always use 2 , bad things happen, not worth the risk. Be safe
I use several straps, chain and strap or cable and strap, never can be too much when your in a tree.
Tim
I pull all my stands after the season so that I can check the cables, straps, chain, seat, etc-never had a problem removing them.
When I use ratchet straps I always put 2, I have never had a problem. Better safe than sorry!
Ive used just one ratchet but thats on ladder stands. Hang ons are a little different I try and use 2 on them. I'm with all the comments above. Take the safest course. I'm with selfbow I believe after this season I'm going to start pulling all my stands.
I use ratchet straps on all my hang ons.. Always 2 straps at least rated to #500. I replace them every year
I like 2 ratchet straps on a ladder stand, and two ratchet straps plus a chain on a hang on tree stand.
Those ratchet straps break easier than you think.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T06Euf8HJcU/TptKeZ5dg4I/AAAAAAAAC7A/zefnZA_hjd8/s800/IMG_0273.jpg)
If I was using a hang on Id look seriously at the tree stand buddy
Look like it would make hanging a stand easy
Im a ground hog nowadays
I have the trail hawk tree stands where you have a pin and then a ratchet strap but i still like having another strap just in case.
I used to use the strap or chain provided with the stand as well as a ratchet strap.
To answer your question though, YES I would just get a new strap....or two.
Thinks for the replies. I know that some of them buckles on straps can pop apart etc. And they are only 1 inch wide where the original strap on this stand is about 2 inches and thick. Just stopped by tractor supply and they have some thicker and wider straps that are rated for 4000 pounds so that ought to support me and stand. This is for one of the original old non-typical brand loc ons. Boy the original straps were tough. I had left this thing in the tree for 2 years and the platform was at a 45 degree angle from the tree and tight and when I cut the strap off with a couple of licks from the hatched the stand jumped off the tree. Usually try and pull or at least loosen sets each year but forgot about this one.
QuoteOriginally posted by TxAg:
I like 2 ratchet straps on a ladder stand, and two ratchet straps plus a chain on a hang on tree stand.
Those ratchet straps break easier than you think.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T06Euf8HJcU/TptKeZ5dg4I/AAAAAAAAC7A/zefnZA_hjd8/s800/IMG_0273.jpg)
The strap that broke on that photo is not used for attachment to a tree, it is for holding it together when moving it and storing it - that is a Summit strap. Just trying to help you here, you should have a black or brown (bronze) actual tie down strap that came with that stand.
This wasn't my stand, but I hear ya. I generally buy heavier duty straps from the store to use anyways.
I've got a stand up right now that needs the straps replaced.
I put two at top and one at bottom. Had a buddy fall last year. He had a ratchet strap break. I now wear a harness as well. Been a waist belt only guy for 22 years.
I get the 1300 pound 1.5" straps at my tractor supply store. Great for treestands.
X2 Kentucky TJ
I really like the strap that's provided with the Gorilla stands -- I buy extra's of those and convert some of my older stands with those.
Sun and weather take a real toll on ratchet straps left out all year...but the main "killer" is tree growth. You don't realize it grew, but it really puts tension on the strap fibers if left out from one season to the next.
To echo most of the others -- better safe than sorry, buy a couple new straps for sure.
I agree buy new and don't risk it. I really prefer chains for hang ons.
If it's permanent or semi-permanent stand it get a CHAIN with a turnbuckle and a RACHET STRAP. No deviations.
I will strap a loc-on for daily use with the strap it comes with. Change out if it gets frayed
The straps that originally come with a stand are usually 2" and heavy, not a regular 1" ratchet strap. Replacements are available, such as this strap from Gorilla. Much better and stronger than a plain ratchet strap. Nothing worng with backing this up with a ratchet strap, tho.
http://gorillatreestands.com/6-foot-replacement-strap
More than 1 and always look it over before I climb up.Squirrels will chew a ratchet strap
QuoteOriginally posted by okla bearclaw:
.....Squirrels will chew a ratchet strap
That's why my permanent sets have a chain also.
QuoteOriginally posted by okla bearclaw:
.....Squirrels will chew a ratchet strap
That's why my permanent sets have a chain and turnbuckle also.
I'm looking at getting a couple of the bloodsport treestands from Muddy. They use two climbing ropes for the attachment. My buddy has one and it took only a few seconds to have that stand bound locked tight to that tree. Besides, they'd match my muddy steps nicely.
Only thing is I think I may be on the verge of selling my tree saddle in order to fund it.
My personal humble opinion here fellows.... I do not like a ratchet strap at all. Too loud and cumbersome to me, but again JMHO.
As Fletcher said above... the straps that come on most hang on stands are the 2" wide non ratchet type that have the flat metal buckle you pull SNUG, not so D**N tight that you are at the breaking limit of the strap when you install the stand in the first place. Then the strap is further stressed from tree growth, wind storms, temperature swings,etc, etc. The longer the stand is on the tree the more these factors come into play. No wonder so many ratchet straps break each year !!!
If you are going to continue to use a ratchet strap then yes, please by all means use TWO, go with the wider ones and try not to ratchet them down to the breaking point fellows ! Remember, when you add your weight to the stand you are pulling tension straight down which acts to tighten the strap too..... :readit:
If a stand has the small 1" ratchet straps. I end up removing them and putting a chain on instead.
The 2" straps I use for quite a while until I feel they have been damaged or weakened.
I use 900 lb rated rachet staps (two of them per stand) and had never had any trouble.
Also remember that nylon breaks down just like rubber boots due to ozone. I believe all treestand manufacturers recommend replacement of straps every three years...regardless of how much they've been used.
I believe Muddy actually offers free strap replacements to the original owner.
Fantastic idea for the double strap or chain combo. I saw first hand on a buddy's stand, what leaving them out all year in the UV's do to Nylon, luckily, we were moving a monster ladder stand, and realized what happened.
Ive got 3 ratchets on each stand i have.....2 towards the top and one on bottom. Replace all of them every year...you can never be too safe.