DIY Retractable Skeletor Aiders!!

[@johnbruce2719]

Thanks for coming up with these. Awesome idea. Took some time to splice but once I got the hang of it, it was easy! Keep it up!

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

Tip for others doing this: I couldn't get the fid to work at step 15:50. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get enough of the rope to slide over the fid. So I used a piece of copper craft wire. It worked really well and was much easier. Just finished and I'm loving these aiders! So slick!

[@aarondrop7298]

Can you please explain how you used a wire? How did you attach the Amsteel to the wire to pull is through? I’m struggling here.

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

@@aarondrop7298 I used a piece of crafting wire. You will need it to be about 4x the length of rope you want to work. Fold the wire in half leaving the fold tight but still rounded. Then feed the fold of the wire through the rope. Use the loop of the wire to pull the tag back through. Then do your happy dance.

[@JessicaBelle81]

I have the same problem. I think I bought the same knitting needles. However, it looks like filed and narrowed his down somehow to make it fit easier.

[@CoveringGround]

The filing actually made it tougher and I wouldn’t recommend it (it caused micro snags on the amsteel because it was no longer polished and smooth). It’s a tight fit with the regular teal needles but it does in fact fit.

[@CoveringGround]

Really glad you’re liking them! And this is a really great tip for anyone struggling at that step! Another option would be the universal FID in the video Earnie made!

[@athleteupfitness6852]

Absolutely clean, I love it. Great video, appreciate the detail! Just found my next project! Thanks man!

[@CoveringGround]

Thats awesome, and thank you - glad you like the design and enjoyed the video! Let us know if you have any questions along the way 👍🏻

[@tomreppert1722]

I did this mod to mine this weekend. Worked out great and is nice and clean! My only complaint is the #10 needle and trying to feed it through the amsteel. It was nearly impossible to get it to push through. I ended up using a #6 (4.25mm) which was a solid needle in my case. I drilled out the end about 1/2", cut it on a 45 degree and it worked perfectly. Took me a minute or so to feed it through. Thank you for the video!

[@CoveringGround]

That’s awesome! And good call on the #6 needle! The #10 was definitely a little snug, I actually sanded it down to try and make it move a little easier which helped a bit, but I like your idea too! Glad you liked the video and absolutely stoked that you made these for yourself! Send a pic if you’re on Instagram (@coveringground_hunting) or email us a pic if you get a chance ([e-mail]). We’d love to see the finished product!

[@slyfox2306]

Thanks for the clue, Tom. I used a #8 and did the same thing. Double tapered the last 1/8" of the AmSteel and superglued just the tip to hold it all together. Now, it takes about 1 minute for each bury. Thanks again for the inspiration Covering Ground and Tom.

[@kennyanstey44]

Very well thought out and implemented!

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks a ton Kenny, glad you like the idea! Think you’re gonna make a set?

[@curtisj.pacejr.579]

Wish you had done this about a week ago. Made my amsteel aiders and ran them off the bottom foot peg hole near the bolt. Possibility that I might change it. Awesome idea.

[@CoveringGround]

Sorry the timing was off haha! Glad you like the design though. Send pics if you end up making the switch!

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

Now THIS is how you do an instructional video! This is great! Thank you!

[@CoveringGround]

Thank you so much, means a lot!

[@loganwarren3453]

That is the most genius aider idea that I have ever seen.

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks a lot Warren - I’m really happy with how they turned out!

[@MrTrapper1111]

Wow you are a handy fella, awesome ideas

[@CoveringGround]

Haha well thank you very much! And thanks for watching!

[@nathanlane4774]

Hey Thanks for sharing this vid. I just did this to my sticks. The only thing that I'm going to add a little piece of webbing where you grab the rope to pull the rope so it will be easier to grab.

[@jimmyt6337]

Great addition to my sticks. I found using a US 6 (4mm) knitting needle to bore out the line and some copper jewelry wire (bent in half to pinch the taper) to pull it through was easier than the larger bore fid shown in the video. Also found a lot of knitting needles are solid and not hollow. ;)

[@412OutdoorGuy]

Thanks, this is a great idea. Just installed these on my Skeletors. I had the same problem with it being too close to the tree on the way down. I use little bungee cords to keep them away from the tree.

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks for watching! I’d love to see a pic of how you’re using the bungee cords! I have a way I’ve been working on that doesn’t require any additional equipment, but if I did it all over with this new method in mind I’d probably make each aider a couple inches longer. I’m planning to make a follow up video soon!

[@412OutdoorGuy]

@@CoveringGround I just added a video to my channel showing how I have it set up now. Working to refine it now.

[@CoveringGround]

Super cool! And very creative solution!

[@412OutdoorGuy]

@@CoveringGround I have a new version of the bungee cord mod. It is more streamlined for easier use with gloves on I really like the way it retracts for easier carrying. Let me know what you think.

[@OutdoorsAllie]

End products looks great. Well done!!

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks Allie, appreciate it!

[@timpate598]

Worked great! I ordered a set from therealamsteelguy and it took me about 30mins to do my very first. I have never worked with amsteel before i might add. Ill be installing my other 3 this wkend. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@CoveringGround]

That’s so awesome! This was my first foray into the world of splicing and was super happy with how it went! Thanks for watching!!

[@timpate598]

Yeah man! I showed a buddy mine completed sticks and he is now ordering a set and I sent him my homemade fid.

[@stir_stick]

As someone who’s done very little climbing (I’ve been up some poles and trees as an electrician) I found this video great! I enjoy rope splicing and knitting needles were a great idea! I will say a 1/4-20 bolt isn’t a #20, it has 20 threads per inch. There is also a fine thread 1/4-28. If I were you I’d be buying grade 8 hardware, since you are really putting your life on it. Also Nyloc locking nuts so you know they won’t back off. Really professional build tho, man! Thanks for posting 👍

[@71robes]

That is slick as bull snot. Well done!

[@CoveringGround]

Haha thank you! Glad you like it! Do you think you’re going to build a set?

[@71robes]

@@CoveringGround I have the Tethrd Ones and think I'll use a similar concept on those. I'm going to get some skeletors too and for sure that's going on them.

[@CoveringGround]

Love it! Let us know how they turn out!

[@Pro-zh9up]

Slick! Nice vid and great explanation and demonstration!

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks a lot! And thanks for checking us out, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@samkramer4282]

I absolutely could not get the rope to fit over the #10. I found using the looper for the bury worked perfectly. I threaded the looper at the end of the bury (7 inch mark) through the rope where it came out next to the knot. Then hooked in the tapered end and it buried really easily.

[@zacharydavis2033]

This is absolutely genius. I just ordered a set of skeletors and was looking for DIY aider ideas for them when I stumbled upon your video. Definitely going this route, thanks for the idea. I have a feeling once this gets out this will be an extremely popular aider method for these sticks. Awesome video! -Zach

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks Zach, glad you liked the video! Let us know if you have any questions along the way. Also, we’d love to see how they turn out when you’re finished!

[@zacharydavis2033]

@@CoveringGround I made 3 of these and decided not to put one on my 4th stick yet. The process was pretty easy while being able to follow along with your video. With 3 of my sticks having aiders and the 4th one without an aider I was able to get 19.5 feet. The 3 sticks with aiders got me to 15.25 feet by themselves. I am 5' 10" so not a huge stride. I absolutely love these things. Thanks again for the idea and video!

[@CoveringGround]

@@zacharydavis2033 that’s so great! Glad you’re liking them and found the video helpful! You should tag us in a pic on IG (@coveringground_hunting) so we can see the finished product!

[@johntaylor6843]

I like the idea of the retractable aider; however, because of the position on the standoff, it is not very far off the tree. It basically hangs right next to the tree and makes it very hard to get you foot in on the way down. Going up wasn't an issue, but trying to get my foot in while coming down was a real pain. I ended up converting mine to regular aiders coming off the step. This brought it off the tree and easier to get into. It stows actually pretty well and just as neat as the retractable design.

[@CoveringGround]

Love it! I’ve actually been working on a way to move the aider back away from the tree a bit more and have found a solution I like quite well! Planning on making a follow up video on the topic soon!

[@pensnut08]

I saved this one!! Being a trapper as well as a hunter, I got a ton of cable that I use for cable stakes! I know you used Amsteel, but I definitely got some ideas for cable and I can dye it to take the shine off. Great video!!!

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks a lot, and thanks for watching!! I was actually originally trying to work out an option with cable but found it wasn’t as pliable as I needed for the design I came up with, but eager to see what you come up with! With all the holes in the Skeletors the options are truly endless!

[@snapcrack55]

How about attaching the cut cable ends with one on each side of the ferrule? So instead of a teardrop it would be a straight line? --------========--------

[@TheTylerKline]

What tool did you use to crimp the cable? I want to go the cable wire route.

[@Jumona07]

Did this mod and it is super slick! I’ve hunted half a dozen times with them and typically only use the bottom 2 steps with the aiders. Gets my platform to roughly 16-17 feet. Getting down is typically a bit tricky. Found easiest way if can’t get foot in is to squat down use hand to help foot get into aider not always an issue but if having trouble it’s not difficult. 10/10 would recommend. Difficulty I would say is 5/10 once you get into a rhythm it’s not bad

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks, and glad you’re liking them! I got really used to just working my foot in by pushing the loop out to the side of the tree, but when I switched to my size 12 alphaburly pros in the mid season I realized I needed to do something different and found a way to move the aiders out further from the tree! We’re going to make a follow up video about it soon!

[@snapcrack55]

​@@CoveringGroundwhen????

[@modernmibowhunter]

I just finished doing this to my sticks and love it so far! I followed your video to a T. The step is a little close to the tree and tough to get your foot in sometimes, but I still like it a lot. I’m probably going to do a video on this aider system and link your video in the description to give you the credit you deserve. So you may get a little more traffic on this video soon. Thanks a lot for idea!

[@CoveringGround]

Nice! We’re actually due for an update video on a fix for getting the aider further away from the tree. Once winter hit and I had big old rubber boots on I had to figure something out, and I like what I ended up with!

[@modernmibowhunter]

@@CoveringGround nice! I actually came up with a little fix for it. I just wrap the aider around my bottom stand-off once which keeps it a little further from the tree. Can’t wait to see your update.

[@dwebb68]

Great instruction!

[@DadProperly]

Amazing how-to video! I really like this idea. Thanks!

[@CoveringGround]

Thank you! Thinking of splicing some aiders on for yourself?

[@DadProperly]

@@CoveringGround Yeah, the 1/8 amsteel was delivered today. I still need to get the other hardware.

[@JFroMG_YT]

Have you considered using a cap nut in the front with loctite on your bolts to make a cleaner finish?

[@geofffeiler8360]

I agree with John Taylor below. While this is an excellent idea and a great instructional video, the aiders just hang too close to the tree to make for a secure trip down. You can't get your toe deep enough into the loop to get a proper foothold which leaves you dangling with one leg on the stick and the other fighting to get inside the loop. You'll have to angle your toe down and wiggle the sides of the aider until your foot makes it in. It's a pretty uncomfortable and precarious situation but if you have the athleticism and lengthen your linemans rope enough it can be done. That being said, this system is still extremely slick and I'm going to stick with it this season. For just around $40 it is worth it to at least give it a try and see if you can pull off the move yourself. Curious to see if Covering Ground has a workaround and appreciate the innovative content!

[@CoveringGround]

Hey Geoff, thanks so much for your comment and for watching the video! I agree whole heartedly - I definitely wish the aider came out a little further from the tree. That being said, what you’ve described (bringing one leg down, hooking my toe into the aider and moving it to the side so it seats around the arch of my boot) is exactly what I do. I think at this point I’ve practiced it so much it’s just become second nature, but I completely understand it’s a stretch for some. You also mentioned lengthening your lineman’s rope which I also agree helps, especially for the descent. I wish I had more tips, but you’ve already discovered all of the workarounds I’ve found work for me. Again, I really appreciate the comment and hope you have some great success this season! Thanks for watching!

[@adamdowning3892]

Pretty sweet mod, nice job walking out how to build them 🤙🏼

[@CoveringGround]

Thanks Adam! And thanks for watching!

[@bluecollarfreedoms]

This dude is a genius. 🤯🔥

[@CoveringGround]

Haha 🙏🏻

[@bluecollarfreedoms]

@@CoveringGround I tell no lies brotha! I’ll be rocking this set up before the season ends. 😎

[@lymanclark5537]

Great idea, wondering about putting the top loop of amsteel over top of v-bracket rather than than adding the bolts.

[@CoveringGround]

Great question - you could do that, and it wouldn’t interfere with the stacking at all! My only thing is you would need to make the step a couple inches longer to make that work. When I was prototyping I wanted to make the step sort of close to the length between the built in steps and that leaves the loop too short to loop over the top.

[@JHWImageDesigns]

After seeing this I'm doing it too. Thanks.

[@CoveringGround]

That’s awesome! Let us know how it turns out!

[@joshuarowe31]

Can you do a follow up video on these? Curious how they are working out for you. I like the design. I have some skeletors on the way and considering this mod. Thanks for the video.

[@CoveringGround]

Hi Joshua! We’ve been meaning to and should have something out here soon - spoiler alert: they’ve held up great so far!

[@manticsky]

Great video and explanation/tutorial! Having a hard time finding the "Cap bolt/connecting bolt" that you are using. Do you have a link for that and the nuts? Thanks!

[@CoveringGround]

Huh, that’s strange! You could get them from rockler, here’s a link: www.rockler.com/connector-bolts-black-oxide-connector-bolts It’s the 1 1/8” option. For nuts I would just take that bolt into the hardware section of a hardware store and ask the associate to help you find a nut that will fit.

[@dillonhobbs4334]

Thank you so much! Excited to do this myself!

[@CoveringGround]

Awesome! Let us know how it goes!

[@JFroMG_YT]

You should consider addding keepers down low to reduce friction on your line. Having the line go around that edge will eventually wear a spot in the line

[@pjcassidy1]

If you want the step part to be shorter when stored you could put another set of the table bolts farther down the sticks. Then after you pull the aider up got over the top table bolts and back down to the second set. It would pull the loose, "floppy" part of the aider closer to the bottom of the stick.

[@PastorChes]

Very nice. Can you link the tools you used?

[@CoveringGround]

Needle: www.etsy.com/listing/702514872/boye-10-size-10-aluminum-knitting?gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKBqRPewxx6IjyapJXSZoCaK&gpla=1&gao=1&&Cj0KCQiAr5iQBhCsARIsAPcwROOWHOIE8evvBAPaop5NxkYMp6xmo8KEk9sNAg70hMzf0y3c-k4QO2MaAmtnEALw_wcB_k_&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKBqRPewxx6IjyapJXSZoCaK&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr5iQBhCsARIsAPcwROOWHOIE8evvBAPaop5NxkYMp6xmo8KEk9sNAg70hMzf0y3c-k4QO2MaAmtnEALw_wcB Loop puller: www.joann.com/dritz-loop-turner/1048347.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAr5iQBhCsARIsAPcwRON2bTITraU5Qi_eglLyF88W8tmahUTCwgHsS8FWx5aXP6k0wJ1iFwAaAuhEEALw_wcB

[@TheTylerKline]

What diameter coated cable did you use? I want to use the cable because of the stiffness.

[@jasonwiersema835]

Thanks for the vid

[@CoveringGround]

Absolutely, glad you liked it!

[@robertwilliams6107]

Is it possible to just run a square knot at the bottom and slide the hose overtop? Just an idea, instead of trying to splice. Or is splicing a better option?

[@rickerdman9287]

Saw comment about aider hanging too close to the tree to allow safe and effective usage. What has been your experience?

[@rickerdman9287]

Seemed like a streamlined aider, but functions poorly because it hangs too close to the tree. Especially difficult descending the tree.

[@CoveringGround]

It’s definitely closer to the tree than an aider that hangs off the ends of the steps, but I haven’t found it to be prohibitive. I tend to hook my toe through the loop and then move it to the side of the tree where I can line it up with the arch of my foot/boot before bringing my toe back into the trunk.

[@walter992]

Skelator sticks have allot of sharp edges. Have you noticed and chafing of the Amsteel? That is a great idea.

[@CoveringGround]

I haven’t as of yet, they seem to be holding up quite well! It seems to help that the biggest stress point is along the back of the stick when they’re deployed.

[@scottvonasek3706]

I am thinking about getting these sticks and saw you great idea for an aider. It seems like the best place to attach to add maximum clearance from the tree is the outermost holes in the lower step. For storage the rope would run up the front of the post. It looks like this would stop the lower steps from fully sliding into the groove between the back and front plate. Would this cause problems for stacking the sticks?

[@CoveringGround]

That’s a great question! I honestly don’t know if it would cause problems with stacking - I just avoided it because I wanted to be able to fold the steps in all the way 👍🏻

[@flinginairos]

Very cool!!

[@CoveringGround]

Woah, thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@urbanarcher3535]

What was the size of the needle used to splice?

[@seanbarrett657]

Any idea of the bend radius of amsteel? This looks like a great idea i just worry about the hard edges.

[@CoveringGround]

I do not, but the reason I personally wasn’t too worried is because all of the tension in this design is spread across the back of the step itself which has rounded edges.

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

@9:16 in the video - Why not run the aider through the two circular holes next to the triangular holes you use? Seems that would place the aider slightly further from the tree and wider. Does it matter? Thanks!

[@CoveringGround]

Hi Greg! Those holes receive the pegs from the stick below when you stack the Skeletors so we wanted to keep those clear 👍🏻

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

@@CoveringGround Ah! My Skeletor's arrive in the mail this week. That is probably obvious once I handle them.

[@tylerelkins9619]

Looks Awesome but, very tedious & a little bit confusing…. I would definitely try & send my sticks off to have them done

[@mihunter2343]

So I think you mentioned this being a 19 inch step once everything is done. I assume if I wanted to do an 18 inch step I would cut the Amsteel at 66 instead of 68?

[@CoveringGround]

That should work if you still do the same length of bury etc.!

[@grantspencer6650]

Great video! Just ordered everything and can’t wait to get it started! How high up were you able to get?

[@CoveringGround]

It really varies based on your height/legs but for me I can get up around 20ish feet pretty comfortably! Thanks for watching!

[@sarafayelawton652]

You need to patent that if you haven't. Really nice video.

[@CoveringGround]

Thank you! Glad you like the video! And re patenting, not really what we’re doing it for, just wanted to share the idea since we liked it so much! If people use it and like it, that’s all that matters! That said, if tethrd wants to send us gear to tinker with, we’re down for that too ;)

[@joshc407]

Definitely having problems feeding the needle back through the amsteel. Seems like I can get 2” fed and then it just stops. Hopefully trying a smaller needle will help. Any ideas please let me know.

[@CoveringGround]

Yeah a smaller fid should help if you can find one - another option is the fid Earnie made - here’s a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4jVpoWJfb9ridU

[@mihunter2343]

Did you end up splicing in a pull up loop? If so do you have any instructions for that?

[@CoveringGround]

Hi Brandon, I did not, that was something Sam (the amsteel guy) wanted to add for himself. I haven’t really found the need personally but I could see pull loops behind helpful on a cold day!

[@mickygtimes5293]

I have been trying to feed this #10 through the line and just can't get it to expand enough to get the needle more than 5 to 6 inches. What a beotch

[@CoveringGround]

It is really tight but the next size down isn’t an option since they’re solid. The only other advice I could give is to check out the diy FID Earnie’s FID as explained in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4jVpoWJfb9ridU

[@jdyansick]

I can't find the bolts anywhere in Western New York. Any suggestions for alternatives?

[@CoveringGround]

All the hardware/tubing/amsteel is available as a kit on eastern woods outdoors: doublesteps.com/product/cg-skeletor-retractable-aider-diy/

[@jdyansick]

@@CoveringGround I already had amsteel and tubing from a previous project. I just needed the cap bolts.

[@CoveringGround]

Gotcha, I found the bolts I used on rockler’s website: www.rockler.com/connector-bolts-black-oxide-connector-bolts

[@tankleo4897]

what are the climbing sticks and where do you get them? Thanks

[@CoveringGround]

These are Skeletor climbing sticks from tethrd! You can get them at their website 👍🏻

[@bigred4202006]

Where did you get the Amsteel having a hard time finding that size in small amounts

[@CoveringGround]

Yeah it can be tough to find! I picked mine up on Amazon. You pay more per foot, but didn’t really need a big spool!

[@douglasrobertson4974]

Maybe I missed it but how long was the rubber hose you used for your step?

[@CoveringGround]

I cut them at 7” 👍🏻

[@douglasrobertson4974]

@@CoveringGround Thanks. Great channel!

[@rablakli]

Hi I live in Norway and the amsteel guy doesn’t sell to Europe. Can you help me with the parts I need to do this dyi build…?

[@CoveringGround]

Hi there, sorry for the late reply! You should be able to find the proper amsteel on Amazon, then it’s just a matter of finding a store with cap nuts you can use for the keepers. I got mine at Rockler, a woodworking store here in the US, but I’m not sure if they ship internationally.

[@andylong3316]

How high up were you able to get doing this?

[@CoveringGround]

I can get up to around 19’ pretty comfortably, but it’s going to differ a lot from person to person.

[@jdmaris7250]

do you have the link for the amdteel i can not find small spools that i whould need for this mod

[@CoveringGround]

Hi JD, you can find a complete kit for this mod including amsteel at the amsteel guy’s Etsy shop or on doublesteps.com. I just got mine from Amazon 👍🏻

[@HuntsT]

How much weight did it add per stick?

[@CoveringGround]

Hey sorry it’s taken me so long to respond mainly because I don’t have a good answer! I didn’t do a before and after weigh in but I would imagine a couple of OZ. The rubber tubing is really the main added weight and that’s minimal.

[@XxPackerManxX]

Just use a versa aider. Done.

[@CoveringGround]

Sure, that would work too 👍🏻

[@XxPackerManxX]

How did these end up working for you though?

[@CoveringGround]

I like them a lot! They’re there when I need them, out of the way when I don’t.

[@jasonnester9514]

What is it

[@CoveringGround]

An aider so you can get an extra step out of each of your climbing sticks without adding much weight.

[@justinryan1488]

Can I pay you to do these to my skeletors lol

[@CoveringGround]

Haha no, but let us know if you have any questions if you decide to try it for yourself!

[@ICU2B4UDO]

Dude, what will you charge to do that for me??!! Lol 😁 😆 🤣 😂... 👍

[@CoveringGround]

Hahaha you’ll like them more if you make em yourself 😉 but seriously, hit us up if you give this a try and run into any questions! Not sure if you’ve seen, but the amsteel guy actually made a package specifically for this mod: www.etsy.com/listing/1168002204/cg-skeletor-retractable-aider

[@martyschultz1800]

I'm pretty sure he means 58 not 68 what is extremely upsetting because amsteel is very expensive so this is a very informational video however the length of the am still is absolutely incorrect

[@troyt5301]

??????? ?

[@CoveringGround]

?