You guys think 1/2" would be too big?  i can buy 1/2" auger and have my welder make me a "woodpecker " knock off

joebuck, Are you talking about steps/bolts like the the Skyhook steps ? I've been using Skyhooks since the late eighties, they're great. I think the company went out of business awhile ago, but they are available on e-Bay.

You got me Stage...i have not heard of Skyhooks..you have a pic of them?

tell you what works good. Get a few sheets of OSB and build some stands. then just take an extention ladder in with you to climb up on. It's alittle noisy, but If you are gonna kill something, It'll happen anyway. DB

Joe, 3/8" grade 8 will be fine! My first drill was made of conduit and a 3/8" auger bit, cut down and tig welded a stop, pinned, and a handle attached. This was after seeing Byron's setup in his book.

Also use cordless drill when convenient!

Skyhooks use a small lag screw, with a seperate step that slips over the head of the lag on the tree. Kustom King use to sell them in the '90s.

Ok the old API stuff..i have never used them....

Batman....that is some funny stuff right there..

I don't think there making the API Skyhooks anymore, I'v seen some similar called Bear Claw Tree Steps very nice but cost to much for me.

Joey:  Just shinny up the tree like Gilligan.  You can do it!

I use 10" lag style wood ( I hunt in big pines)bolts from the HD galvanized and I set them up and leave them in.I also use screw in steps for the bottom 4,I can take them with me when I leave and the cheep-o stand stays in the tree.So when the dreaded tree stand thief shows up he better have some steps or he goes home empty handed.