Lock on stands

[tailchaser]

Just read about muzzyman's father in law and the straps breaking,got me to thinking all my lock-on have a chain instead of straps I've had them for years,so do they not make um that way no more,The way I do mine is once its chained,I then take a screw in step and put right under the chain,on backside that way it couldn't slide down any,you can put a strap on to if want to be safer.

 

[fairchaser]

I think the loc on manufacturer's are repsonsible for making a dangerous situation when they use a nylon strap to hold a hunter off the ground. I am sure they have a disclaimer that says to replace the straps after each season, etc, etc. First, the straps must be extremely tight, then oxidation begins working on the threads where the strap is sewn. The tree grows a little and then you add a couple hundred pounds and bingo. If you are going to use one, I agree with you "tailchaser", a chain and t-screw is the only way to go. Also, a harness attached to the tree from the ground up is a necessity. Be careful please.

 

[yamaha200]

When I hunt out of lock ons, I use new straps every year. I use 3 straps, not 2. I fill better with 3 on there !

 

[Brownie]

I use the provided strap and add an additional strap, plus I am never not tethered to the tree...use a lineman' belt climbing up and then have a tree strap I lock into above the stand before ever stepping out onto the stand

 

[Mossy Oak]

I use the strap provided and also use two additional straps. I was wondering just yesterday why you rarely see lockons with chains anymore. Probably a cost issue with the company.

 

[Planking]

No more lock ons for me. Nylon is an unacceptable material for a dang treestand.

 

[Tracker56]

One of the main reasons I invested in lifelines for all my stands this year, just so my wife doesn't have to get that call. I use the manufacturer provided equipment and usually add a strap of my own. I am always on the lookout at the end of season sales for extra straps and steps as you can never have too many...

 

[htnseymour]

I started using small 500 pound ratchet straps with mine. I use two, one at top and one at bottom. Change them every season. Never had so much of a wiggle, because each time I climb i just ratchet them to make sure they are tight. I also use the linemans belt and attach my tree strap and harness before climbing in

 

[Headhunter]

I replace the strap and the wire ropes on the sides with chain on all of mine. I have over 30 lock on stands hanging on various farms.

 

[Boll Weevil]

I use lock-ons less and less...either a ladder or climber for me. I've never felt as comfortable in one and the recent examples of faulty components has me steering clear.

 

[infoman jr.]

I had the hooks break on a 2" ratchet strap earlier this year. The hooks! It was a pretty hairy experience. One of our off-season projects will be to rehang our stands with new straps. I think there are 11.

 

[catman529]

I hung 2 lock ons this year. Hunting out if one right now. Bought brand new ratchet straps for them. Might replace the straps after the season... I could use the old ones for other things. But since they are brand new I'm not worried about em right now.

 

[scn]

If you leave the stands hung all year, a chain is almost a must have. Or, at least change the straps before every season.

A chain and turnbuckle are pretty easy to add to any hangon or ladder with the use of quicklinks. A quality chain/turnbuckle can be put on for around $15. It is much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room (or worse).

After reading about treestand accidents and almost seeing my best friend get seriously hurt, one ot the lifelines should be at every hangon. And, they need to be taken down after the season and stored for the next year.

 

[TLRanger]

I replace the strap and the wire ropes on the sides with chain on all of mine. I have over 30 lock on stands hanging on various farms.

Same here......Never trusted the straps or the wire ropes/cables on the sides.

 

[turkeyhunter]

If you leave the stands hung all year, a chain is almost a must have. Or, at least change the straps before every season.

A chain and turnbuckle are pretty easy to add to any hangon or ladder with the use of quicklinks. A quality chain/turnbuckle can be put on for around $15. It is much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room (or worse).

After reading about treestand accidents and almost seeing my best friend get seriously hurt, one ot the lifelines should be at every hangon. And, they need to be taken down after the season and stored for the next year.

I always pull my loc on stands after season. I also pull the ones with chains on them .I have seen what straps look like after being out all year on my ladder stands. Its alot of work to pull stands , but needed in my opinion. I never step on to my loc on stands without my safety harness. Dont know what I will do if i fall. I guess I hope im able to climb down or back up.

 

[Mike Belt]

Pull your stands after season. I always have even on private land when I could leave them out all year. Your straps will last a lot longer but still need to be checked every year. And....BUCKLE IN BEFORE PLACING YOUR WEIGHT ON THE STAND!!!!

 

[jmf]

I will only use chains on lock ons and ladder stands. Straps are not made to be left out in the weather! As SCN stated, you can use a turnbuckle to tighten the chain or you can use a 6" piece of all thread. Both work good but all thread is cheaper.