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Hillbilly Hole Starter....

Fletch

Senior Member
Supporting Member
6,078
118
In Ricks camera mount thread he mentioned using a nail to start a hole in a tree... Over the years screw in steps etc have become dull and impossible to start in a tree... Who wants to use a good knife... So Jethro and Elly May gave me a good idea... Take a screw driver and grind it down to a point, like an ice pic... Cut the end off a tube of calk to place over point so as not to poke holes in you or your pack.... Works for me...
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,629
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Licking Co. Ohio
:smiley_coolpeace: That would work better as I am always searching my pockets for the freakin nail!

If on the 4-wheeler, I bought a Fiskas hand crank drill. Works pretty good but more bulky than a sharpened screwdriver.
 

Fletch

Senior Member
Supporting Member
6,078
118
Rick... Don't use screw in steps much any more... But when I did or if the tree is funky and screws are the way too go... I just throw the cordless drill in my backpack.... The hand crank drill is a good idea though...
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
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Not sure the actual name of this tool, but I've broke enough handles on screwdrivers that I prefer this now. You can smack the hell outa that shank and never break the handle.
 

OO2

Well-Known Member
2,566
111
In the Uplands
I carry a Real Tree EZ hanger in my backpack and screw that in a few turns then back it out and screw in the mount. Very easy.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,720
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Ohio
Yep. Awl is the name. You found it.

There is a tool I bought to use for screw in steps. Don't remember the brand or name. I'll look sometime when I have time. Put the step in the tool. Hammer it into the tree. Begin turning. It offers leverage to screw it in. I try not to use them. IF I use screw in steps I always make sure it is a junk tree which would never be used for timbering purposes.