Hanging a Lone Wolf....user question...

[Guru]

I've hung stands for over 30yrs., all kinds, shapes and sizes. So I'm no rookie....

For you  guys that actually use them on a regular basis.....how in the world do you keep the top bracket against the tree as you use it?!!!!

I've tried all kinds of ways, and after a few minutes of use....once I get weight on the end of the stand it works it's way off the tree on top.

Starts out solid as any stand I've used, but, after a little bit it becomes loose.

I mean I doubt it will go anywhere, but I want a stand that it super solid, and won't give me a "half inch heart attack" every time I move.

I wanna love this stand, because it's so versatile for crooked and leaning trees, but since I got it last Christmas, it hasn't happened.

Suggestions please      

[LB_hntr]

I use LW stands and always have to "set" them. When I hang it I then lift the platform up (closed position) and yank it downwards to set the top bracket the lower the platform.

[Coach Jones]

With the stand folded up, pull the straps tight then shove it down.  Next fold down the platform.  Then lift the platform and pull the bottom strap about an inch tighter then lock it down.  It will rip that tree to shreads now.  

Personally I like the easy hook system.   You won't have to worry about it moving.

[matthewp]

Curt,
After the stand is hung.  With your safety harness securely attached, kneel on the seat and hug the tree with both hands.  Reach down with one leg and lift the platform up a few inches.  The stand will settle.  Then push the platform back down.  This will "cam lock" the stand and you will not have that issue.  Hope this helps.  
Matt

[njloco]

Hello Curt,

What I do with mine is, if I am using steps ( screw in or strap on ) I hang one at the height of the bottom of the stand and use it to lean the stand against while I strap it on and then just raise it up a little.

For the last two or three years I have been using lone wolf climbing sticks, since they are not right up against the tree, I can lean against the tree and holed the stand on while while I put the strap around it.

You can also use a bungee cord to hold it on while you set the strap.

[South MS Bowhunter]

Curt,

I'm assuming you mean the hang on model, What I do once the strap at top is snug, if it a newer model with top and bottom straps leave the bottom one snug but not cinched down  just yet.

Climb in the stand (Safety strapped in of course) now fold the seat down place your rt/lh knee on the seat and with the other foot hook the edge of the platform and lift up allowing your wt to
push the stand down and lock into the tree, sort of Cam action.  Now you can cinched the bottom strap.

Sometimes cinching the bottom strap will cause the weight to shift unsettling the upper  from the tree again so play with it, If this happens snug the bottom but leave off of the torquing allowing the top to remain locked in place.

Make sense?

[South MS Bowhunter]

Wow I type to slow, appears we are in one accord  

[Guru]

Thanx for the tips guys....

I will try the knee on the seat/pick up the stand with the other foot method to seat the stand.....I just watched a video on youtube that showed that as well.

Yes, I'm using the Assault hang-on with offset bracket....I want all the versatility I can get for crooked and leaning trees.

[MCNSC]

I notice my top bracket sometimes pulls away from the tree a little but I never saw it as a problem. The stand is solid and quiet.

[Red Beastmaster]

I always hang mine on the hook, then attach the lower strap and make it just a bit snug with the platform up. Push the platform down and it tightens the whole thing up.

When hanging from the hook I don't think it's possible for the top to pull away from the tree.

[doug77]

I bring a extra rachet strap and put on after it's hung with the platform up and it's tight to the tree and NEVER moves.

doug77

[bluegrassbowhunter]

Originally posted by Red Beastmaster:
I always hang mine on the hook, then attach the lower strap and make it just a bit snug with the platform up. Push the platform down and it tightens the whole thing up.

When hanging from the hook I don't think it's possible for the top to pull away from the tree.

Same here..I use the hook.
Had a buddy last week that had a versa-button break on the climbing stik,he got tore up pretty good.

[Coach Jones]

Originally posted by bluegrassbowhunter:
 

Originally posted by Red Beastmaster:
I always hang mine on the hook, then attach the lower strap and make it just a bit snug with the platform up. Push the platform down and it tightens the whole thing up.

When hanging from the hook I don't think it's possible for the top to pull away from the tree.

Same here..I use the hook.
Had a buddy last week that had a versa-button break on the climbing stik,he got tore up pretty good. [/b]

When I use the hook I still use the top strap.  Lone Wolf recommends this way.

[Morning Star]

Might consider replacing your strap with a new one.  I've had some that have slipped slowly like that.  Nothing to throw a person from a tree, but enough to loosen the stand at the top.  There is a reason they went to the 2 strap system.....

[jonsimoneau]

Curt, I used to have the same problem. Once you get it down on how to "set" it, you will love that stand. What I do is get the strap tight around the tree. Then with the platform still in the folded up position, I push the bottom of the stand out away from the tree, then pull straight down on it. It locks it in tight.
   I'm hunting only public land and a small private parcel so I am hanging the stand, hunting and taking it down each hunt. I use 4 sticks and the assault. Also, one other little thing, there is a product callled stealth strips. Works very well for quieting up any metal to metal contact. Once you get used to it, you are gonna love that stand!

[KAZ]

My Lone Wolf locks down rock solid with similar advice as has been given... I make sure to cinch up the top strap as tight as possible, flat and level to the stand, with the platform folded up. Then, I pull down on the vertical frame and lower the platform. Next, I install the second lower strap and pull snug but don't over do it. I then climb aboard and secure safety harness... With seat up, I put my left foot at the inner portion of the stand tight to the vertical frame, give the tree a bear hug, and use my right foot to lift up on the platform, while I put all my weight with the left foot and "set" the stand. Now the stand is rock solid, even if the tree is not straight... After the stand is "set" and platform is lowered, I usually get off and lift the platform a bit, and cinch the lower strap even tighter, then step on it for the last time... If you overtighten the lower strap, there will be "spring" in the platform, cables that are not taught, which I don't prefer... You'll get the hang of it and your preference. Depending on if you're "hanging & hunting" or leaving the stand up for awhile will determine how finicking you become... That first "set" with one/top strap will make your stand rock solid, the bottom strap is just added insurance... Great stands, and to me, perfect combination with the Lone Wolf sticks strapped to them. Typical sets work well with 3 sticks, occasionally (4) provide additional flexibility... Hope this explained it well enough. Happy to chat if it would help...

Side note: If the strap is "slipping", you absolutely need a new strap/buckle, period...! Should never slip, not to be trusted if it does...

[T Sunstone]

A trick I have used for many years with screaming eagle and now with lone wolf.  I have the older lone wolf with 1 strap and after setting the stand by getting the strap tight then pulling down the platform.  You get in the stand sitting down then do a seat plop.  You sit half way up then left your feet so your butt hits the seat before your feet hit the platform.  Locks the stand hard guaranteed.

[Guru]

Update fellas....

I used it this morning. attached myself to the tree, and hung it with the top strap a tight as possible. Then I got on it, knee on the seat and picked up the platform with my other foot.

It dropped about an inch and locked in rock solid!!!!

Then I just put the bottom strap on as tight as I could get it.....perfect!!!

Thanx fellas.....it seems I learn something everyday on Trad Gang      

I tried the hook, but like the versatility of the offset bracket for crooked trees.

Jon, I used camo Gorilla tape(extra thick duct tape)on all metal parts of stand and sticks.

[Rick Richard]

One word of caution about the "seat plop" method as mentioned.  If done too hard it will bend the center beam... I learned the hard way on a brand new one.

[Guru]

I've used the "seat plop" before...it's worked on other stands, but didn't on this one....