Guest tarbaby Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 I was just wondering out of everybody that uses ratchet straps for your stands how many you use and how long do you keep using them before you replace em'. I went to take a stand down earlier this year that I didnt sit in at all during season, and the straps were going on their second year in use. I always grab the platform and pull down on it when I'm on my ladder just for a little test. Well this time the top ratchet strap broke!! I don't know if it was a cheap strap or it had just been weathered too much. So what does everybody do??? Thanks, Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hunter36 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands personally I like the stands with chains on top then I ratchet strap low close to the platform. So there is not alot of wear on the strap. Use them until I either loose it or it doesnt tighten properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands Probably don't change them out nearly enough, that's for sure. I'll give my a good looking over after season, and if I don't see any tears or rips, I'll continue to use them, that also depends on the material they are made from also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands The strap material itself (usually nylon) is very sensitive to UV light. Sunlight breaks down the material and weakens it severely. About 6 months in direct sunlight can completely do one in. Lots of stands are in places direct sunlight rarely gets too. Those straps seem to last longer. In any case, you should not trust a strap that has been out there longer than 6 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I usually change them if they are discolord. I figure if the U.V. light has broken down the color, the strap probibly isn't as strong as it once was. They don't cost enough not to replace them if you think they may be bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I'd use chains if you are leaving them out...but I would also definitely use one of these....in case of chain, strap or buckle failure...may save your life and they cost less than 5 bucks each Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutz4bucks Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands [ QUOTE ] I'd use chains if you are leaving them out...but I would also definitely use one of these....in case of chain, strap or buckle failure...may save your life and they cost less than 5 bucks each [/ QUOTE ] You make that swampy ?? I always just put a tree spike under the stand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mehunter Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I always check the straps for any fraying, and I always lube the ratchets with cooking oil. That way there is no strong oil smell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I use a strap with my climber. Going on the third season with my strap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deerslayer79 Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands the straps I use are overkill,I use the 2in heavyduty ones that you can tie down a small tractor with.Better safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardwood_HD Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands i usually put a the strap that comes with the stand on and then a chain on as well to keep it from getting stolen and a backup in case of the strap breaking... speaking of stands i need to get out and pull mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I'd use chains if you are leaving them out...but I would also definitely use one of these....in case of chain, strap or buckle failure...may save your life and they cost less than 5 bucks each [/ QUOTE ] You make that swampy ?? I always just put a tree spike under the stand [/ QUOTE ] No, I didn't make it...you can buy them for a few bucks each. Well worth it....my stand is so secure hanging off one of those, that it makes you really feel secure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands Had just 2 on my 16 ft stick ladder I built, might add one more, the hangon stand I used with it I used the chain that came with the stand, but might also put a strap on it. One in the middle and one at the top onthe ladder. Was the first year of use with that stand setup, and the straps were new, only out for about 3 months, will inspect them this fall before putting that stand back up. All the rest of my stands with the exception of my climber are homemade ladder stands and are tied off with rope in the middle and at the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I don't use any on the treestands, unless they are provided. I do put them on my ladders if the straps supplied don't hold it very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christsavedme Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands We use alot of rachet straps with our hang ons and generally speaking we will change them out every two seaosns. Some of them make it longer, but in general I like to play it safe! If there is any fraying or discoloring we change them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands After what happened to mine this year I will be replacing mine quite often. Putting that dang thing up got it on the tree put a foot on it and it broke. Now that scared the crap out of me and dad. It was about 3 years old guess we should have thought about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest realtrhunter Posted March 5, 2007 Report Share Posted March 5, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I perfer to use stands with the straps, instead of chains. I think I can get them tighter to the tre and they are more secure. I put a screw in step in upside down with the strap between the tree and the strap just incase. I then put a second one at the bottom of the stand. I usually just check the straps when I take them down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maytom Posted March 5, 2007 Report Share Posted March 5, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands I prefer chains when hanging my stands. There's nothing to wear out, or for squirrels to chew on!! If you rubber dip your chain, it quiets them down nicely!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted March 5, 2007 Report Share Posted March 5, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands When using them on hang on stands I always use 2. The 2nd one is for insurance. I also use them on my stick ladders too. Generally speaking I prefer to use the ones that say good to over 1,000 lbs. Generally they cost a little more but a lot cheaper than a stay in the hospital. No reason to be skimpy when it comes to personal safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unioncountyslayer Posted March 5, 2007 Report Share Posted March 5, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands Chains make too much noise and you can't get them to secure the stand as tight as straps. The first thing I do is throw the cheap straps away that come with the stand and use my own that I buy at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. and then put a cable lock around the tree and seat platform as tight as I can get it. This prevents theft and will also keep the stand from falling if the strap happens to break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands only use straps on my ladder stands..all other hang ons are chain and I have one screw in support as swampy has shown. 2 tree lounges..the safest stand Ive ever slept in!!..LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coles Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands i use them on my ladder stands. but then again i dont have any hang on stands. i make sure to angle the legs of the ladder out a littleways incase the straps fail. at least i will have gravity on my side for a second or two to where i will have time to react. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlott89 Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Re: Ratchet Straps on Treestands i use ratchets on my ladder stands but when the wind blows alot the strap comes loose alittle bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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