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Cranford ez steps anyone use?

Jimmy Wallhanger

Jimmy Wallhanger

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2014
Messages
492
Hey, Im thinking of maybe using some of these steps. Not really a huge fan of sticks, I have some steps already and was using them at the base of some trees.

I like the idea of being able to climb a tree and have them in a pouch that I just screw in as I go. The extra time needed is not really a concern to me. What is a concern is that I have had one kick out on me before.

I have the fold out ones, but am thinking of maybe grabbing some of the non folding ones as the step is a bit bigger.

What are you guys who uses them experiences how do you carry them? in what pouch? Im using a Kestrel if that helps. How many are you using? etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
There are a few here that use them. I would use a tree hopper or ez cut drill and bolts over screw in steps for run and gun. It really shines if you decide to hunt the same tree again later in the season.
 
EricS said:
There are a few here that use them. I would use a tree hopper or ez cut drill and bolts over screw in steps for run and gun. It really shines if you decide to hunt the same tree again later in the season.
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Thanks for the reply, I will look into bolts. They do not slide out do they?
 
Jimmy Wallhanger said:
Hey, Im thinking of maybe using some of these steps. Not really a huge fan of sticks, I have some steps already and was using them at the base of some trees.

I like the idea of being able to climb a tree and have them in a pouch that I just screw in as I go. The extra time needed is not really a concern to me. What is a concern is that I have had one kick out on me before.

I have the fold out ones, but am thinking of maybe grabbing some of the non folding ones as the step is a bit bigger.

What are you guys who uses them experiences how do you carry them? in what pouch? Im using a Kestrel if that helps. How many are you using? etc.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

You might consider the Bullman Silent Approach steps if you like the Cranford concept. One issue I have found with the Cranford steps is they won’t work on smaller trees. Not an issue with Bullman steps. I use 14 steps and can get to over 30 feet if I need to.
 
I use them a few times every year. Especially in cypress trees in the water where the bottom of the tree is really fat. They're also nice when you are wading in the water as you dont have to put your stuff down, just pull a step out of your pocket and start climbing. I like them in conjunction with two or three sticks or with aiders,
 
I have a mantis saddle and a small Molle bag that I attach to the waist of my saddle. I have 12 folding steps and four of the large single folds for my platform. What’s great is that you don’t need any tools to install them and the screw is very sharp, they require minimal effort to install. Way better than bolts which I tried before and didn’t feel safe plus you have to carry a drill and sweat your butt off to drill the holes. Use something for its intended purpose...can’t beat Cranford’s!
 
Thanks for the reply, I just got a treehopper drill and 10 bolts to go in conjunction with the Branford ez steps I already have, will see how they work.
 
Heydeerman said:
You might consider the Bullman Silent Approach steps if you like the Cranford concept. One issue I have found with the Cranford steps is they won’t work on smaller trees. Not an issue with Bullman steps. I use 14 steps and can get to over 30 feet if I need to.
Click to expand...
I think the OP is referring to the screw-in style of Cranford.
 
Ive used Cranford EZ climb Deluxe for over 30 years. The Deluxe model is the type that the step itself is one piece (the step itself doesnt fold, but the lag folds).they are the best screw in steps. I love them. I can usually get 18 feet or so with about 9 steps. One issue they have is that the lag can be very difficult to pull out of the folded position. Sometimes I need to pry the lag out with another step lag. So I'm very careful about fully folding the lag into the step body when I pack them. It hasn't been an issue if its not my last step I have...if its my last an only step, then I have to search for something to pry with... pruner tips or something else in my pocket to pry the lag out of the body.
For transporting them, I just put them in a fanny pack.
I have had one step break on me in 30 years. The lag pin broke. The lag stayed in the tree but the step fell off. Luckily, it was my bottom step.
But I've become a big fan of bolts and a Treehopper drill or cordless drill for pre season setting.
Ive sold all my ****ty Americrap screw in steps and will primarily use bolts. When I dont bolt, I will use my EZ climb.
But, as good as EZ are, on super hard trees like osage, bolts are easier.
 
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Heydeerman said:
You might consider the Bullman Silent Approach steps if you like the Cranford concept. One issue I have found with the Cranford steps is they won’t work on smaller trees. Not an issue with Bullman steps. I use 14 steps and can get to over 30 feet if I need to.
Click to expand...
If you resplice the ropes, you can get them tight enough to cinch tight on a coffee cup. Quick and easy to do.

 
Jimmy Wallhanger said:
Is there a best or easiest to use brand?

Ty

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
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I have treehopper bolts and they do not like to come out at all. They are really safe as far as that goes. I have been on a descent trying to pull them out before and dang near had to unscrew them out of the tree. I guess when pressure is applied those threads dig in and grab. Probably an unintentional pro/con
 
Allegheny Tom said:
Ive used Cranford EZ climb Deluxe for over 30 years. The Deluxe model is the type that the step itself is one piece (the step itself doesnt fold, but the lag folds).they are the best screw in steps. I love them. I can usually get 18 feet or so with about 9 steps. One issue they have is that the lag can be very difficult to pull out of the folded position. Sometimes I need to pry the lag out with another step lag. So I'm very careful about fully folding the lag into the step body when I pack them. It hasn't been an issue if its not my last step I have...if its my last an only step, then I have to search for something to pry with... pruner tips or something else in my pocket to pry the lag out of the body.
For transporting them, I just put them in a fanny pack.
I have had one step break on me in 30 years. The lag pin broke. The lag stayed in the tree but the step fell off. Luckily, it was my bottom step.
But I've become a big fan of bolts and a Treehopper drill or cordless drill for pre season setting.
Ive sold all my ****ty Americrap screw in steps and will primarily use bolts. When I dont bolt, I will use my EZ climb.
But, as good as EZ are, on super hard trees like osage, bolts are easier.
Click to expand...
How long would you say it takes to get 18' using 9 screw ins? I got two EZ climb Deluxes to supplement my predator platform and I'm really impressed. Considering getting more and using them as my climbing method!
 
Seancobelli said:
How long would you say it takes to get 18' using 9 screw ins? I got two EZ climb Deluxes to supplement my predator platform and I'm really impressed. Considering getting more and using them as my climbing method!
Click to expand...
Maybe 10 minutes or less. It also depends on the tree species and type of bark. Soft bark is easier to get started which assists in driving into solid wood.
Something to keep in mind is exactly how you plan to use the steps. All presets and steps left in the tree for the entire season? Screw-ins work okay for that.
Are you planning to pull steps after each hunt, and return to that tree again during the season? Then go with bolts. Drilling and climbing to 18" feet with bolts takes longer initially, but after that, bolts are lighting fast and MUCH easier to pack.
 
I use the Cranford EZ steps for all presets. I am sure there are other companies that make good screw in steps now, but back when I bought the 100 or so that I have they were considered the best. I just have the EZ rod model I guess you would call it? Looks like the ameristep ones but they are much thicker and the threads go all the way to the end, making it much EZr to screw them in. One thing to note is that if you are using them while you are hunting on a run and gun type set up and are wearing some gloves that have that silicone type grip to them, it can be frustrating because the glove will wont to bind up while you are screwing them in..Not sure if that makes sense or not...The remedy for this is just cut a small piece of PVC pipe and slide it over the steps while you are screwing them in..it really does help. If you are using them as a platform just make sure to smack them a good couple extra turns to kinda "lock them in", if done right they won't move at all while you are on them.

Cranford steps are expensive so if you are using them for presets, its good practice to back them out a bit at the end of the season, or before you know it a couple years go by and it becomes apart of the tree haha
 
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