I am going to share what I did to make my climbing sticks more quiet. I have some leverage climbing sticks, different people have different opinions on them, but i like mine, to each his own.
Although I really like the sticks, there WERE a few things I did not like about them, primarily the attachment system, metal on metal.. clank, clank, clank..
Well I did some searching on the net and found a good how-to. I thought I would share.
this is how my stand started.
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o795/wadebinkley/072E3D0E-F21F-4A0B-8D69-2D053D095411_zpsfkaqguas.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/wadebinkley/media/072E3D0E-F21F-4A0B-8D69-2D053D095411_zpsfkaqguas.jpg.html)
I went to the local hardware store to pick up a few supplies.
These supplies are for 1 stick, so multiply times how ever many sticks you are doing.
DIY "Versa Button"
1- 1/4" x 1 1/2" grade 8 bolt(Lonewolf) Leverage (2.5" because of how the sticks are a "v" shape)
2 - 1/4 flat washers
1 - fender washer
1 - 1/8" by 3/4" galvanized pipe coupling(I had to use a 1/2" socket)
1 - 1/4" drill bit(i didn't need this bc my original hole was 1/4")
2 - 7/16" wrenches
1 - 1/4" nylon washer nut
They go on in this order:
washer, fender washer, socket, [stand], washer, nylon nut. In the following picture, the bracket is the stand.
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o795/wadebinkley/5EF0FE54-22C3-47F9-ADF1-03A375BA3B00_zpsq6ppwfsx.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/wadebinkley/media/5EF0FE54-22C3-47F9-ADF1-03A375BA3B00_zpsq6ppwfsx.jpg.html)
Here is what it looks like afterwards..
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o795/wadebinkley/7CECA4D1-827B-4A36-8461-501A63653DAE_zpslqyyaq2z.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/wadebinkley/media/7CECA4D1-827B-4A36-8461-501A63653DAE_zpslqyyaq2z.jpg.html)
I then ordered me some 10mm kernmantle static rope. Cut it into 7.5' sections, tie a loop into it and you're set. I secured my ropes to the stand with a zip tie.
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o795/wadebinkley/B26236BC-F613-4123-BBE0-31BF0C46B9D1_zps7otcrtn7.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/wadebinkley/media/B26236BC-F613-4123-BBE0-31BF0C46B9D1_zps7otcrtn7.jpg.html)
The knot to secure them looks like this..
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o795/wadebinkley/AE39CD01-AE9B-4508-94C2-FB5E86453124_zpsoax9pk8q.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/wadebinkley/media/AE39CD01-AE9B-4508-94C2-FB5E86453124_zpsoax9pk8q.jpg.html)
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o795/wadebinkley/F233530D-02BF-4086-81A1-FF85899BC338_zpsa1cwln7n.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/wadebinkley/media/F233530D-02BF-4086-81A1-FF85899BC338_zpsa1cwln7n.jpg.html)
I hope this helps you guys out. I did not come up with this, so no "good ideas" expected. I just wanted to share because I know many people have the same problem I have with loud cam buckles and ratchet straps.
I imagine that will effect the way the leverage steps naturally stack on top of each other, right? can you show a pic of them stacked? (I saw the same thing on youtube and was thinking about trying it...)
I did same thing with my helium sticks. I also further modified them into two steps sticks with 24 inch centers. This allows me to get 4 foot with each stick. I usually use a web strap as an additional step looped on bottom steps so I actually get 6 foot with each stick. I can usually get 14 foot high with two sticks with two straps and 20 foot with three sticks and three strap steps
Because I bought a combo package with the light Silver Scout Gorilla, I bought the versa buttons and converted my long gorilla steps. Used 7mm purrsic rope breaking strength in excess of 2700#s I think. Good and silent system and you can get them super tight on tree. Half hitch easy to remove too
I would worry about the rope stretching and getting loose. What about modifying some ratchet straps?
Those ropes won't stretch. It's basically the same thing that Muddy uses for their step sections minus the sailing cams.
No significant stretch on rope. I can get it tighter than a lone wolf strap
Ive never had a problem with rope stretching. The sticks do initially settle a little lower. I'll try to post some pics of my set up
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx106/Davet1963/20141122_114120_zpshbxztfze.jpg)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx106/Davet1963/20141122_113920_zpsx3hqipgk.jpg)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx106/Davet1963/20141122_113817_zpsfg8xhpsy.jpg)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx106/Davet1963/20141122_114022_zpssgrfuslb.jpg)
I guess I don't understand what the zip tie is for? Does it keep the tag end from getting wrapped behind the loop?
If you notice, the tag end goes under the loop and around the post...with that creating friction which helps to hold everything in place.
Dave where did you get those ropes? Did you have to braid the loop or did you find them available like that?
I ordered the rope and made the splice (loops). I don't use a zip tie?
The OP used a zip tie.
QuoteOriginally posted by hickstick:
I imagine that will effect the way the leverage steps naturally stack on top of each other, right? can you show a pic of them stacked? (I saw the same thing on youtube and was thinking about trying it...)
It slightly changed it. All i had to do was alternate them(one with the top step up, the other with the top step down. It doesn't stack exactly like they used to, but its so close it wont matter.
I always strap mine to the stap on the way in, so it didn't really matter, It made a HUGE difference in putting them on the tree though! no noise at all!
QuoteOriginally posted by beendare:
I would worry about the rope stretching and getting loose. What about modifying some ratchet straps?
You could do that, but that would be louder than rope. I did this for it being quiet.
As far as the rope stretching, i think of it like bow string material. All of it stretches, but some stretches way less than others. If you buy some "Kernmantle static rope" it will work great. If you go to the hardware store and buy nylon rope, it will stretch like the dickens, if you buy proper equipment, you will get good results!
I am around #230 and the ropes did great this past weekend. stayed secure the whole time. Quiet up and quiet down. very pleased
QuoteOriginally posted by gvdocholiday:
I guess I don't understand what the zip tie is for? Does it keep the tag end from getting wrapped behind the loop?
If you notice, the tag end goes under the loop and around the post...with that creating friction which helps to hold everything in place.
I used a different type of rope than dave. I used kernmantle which is not able to make loops like daves. I used the zip tie just to be sure that my loop is always attacked to my stand. I didn't want it to fall off.
The rope I use is Amersteel blue from Sampsons - it stretched very little if at all. I think each of my sticks weighs just under 2 pounds - 3 sticks and 3 green straps are right at 6 pounds total. Now keep in mind I took a three step stick and modified it to be a two step stick with 24 inches between each step. My green strap is right as 24 inches while hanging. With each stick I can get 5 1/2 to 6 foot - add in a 2 foot step to my tree saddle platform and I am easily at 19-20 foot with three sticks (6 total pounds)
Thanx for sharing...
Hey DaveT1963 - What are you using for the bottom of your stirrup, a rubber hose... Thanx
I was thinking about doing this
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2352259
that way i won't need to modify the bracket at all.....and I have a west marine right down the road where I could get the amsteel rope.
It is black irregation piping for drip systems. Just had a lot handy and its light :)
Dave how did you weave the loop ends in the amsteel?
Disregard. I found a great video showing how easy it is to do.
Lots of youtube videos I think it is called a brummel splice
I've never heard of that added loop on the bottom rung. Pretty neat.
Same here with LW sticks, loops and flat rope...
Here's a short vid I did for a friend some time back.
http://youtu.be/k09cm-I7CD4
Flat rope originally came from Cranford tree steps. They will sell it separate I heard.
http://www.ezyclimb.com/treesteps.shtml
That AT thread is a long one huh? LOL
In this thread on archerytalk (http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2352259) they mention the working load and breaking strength of the rope they use. I can't seem to find any info to back up the working load number. I've been using amsteelblue rope for some years (smaller diameter 7/64) which has a breaking strength of 1600 lbs. I'm wondering if I've been at risk? Anyone know what the working load is for the 7/64th amsteelblue rope is?
I use it to hold custom climbing sticks and my Chippewa Wedgelock treestand.
I may be wrong, but the number I remember is that climbers generally set a 10:1 ratio ( tensile strength vs. safe working load). So your rope would be rated "safe" for about 160#s in a fall/shock loading situation. Maybe some climbers can weigh in on this.
I just picked up 25' of amsteel blue 1/4" in gray color on friday (8600 pound break strength). over the weekend I cut into three equal sections and did the did the brummel lock, melted the other end.
I tried the loop in the archery talk link I posted above (without modifying the W bracket on the leverage stick) and it worked on my trial run. have to take it out to the woods and put it through a real run and see how it does.
edited: oh and I used the ends of some old swaged XX75s as fids and they worked awesome.
I have been using the same 1/4 Amisteel ropes for three years and no signs of wear yet.