DIY: Hang My Climbing Sticks Faster By Ditching the Cam Buckle Straps for Amsteel

Warning: climbing a tree is a dangerous activity. This post is to give insight into how I climb, but be sure to consult an expert prior attempting on your own. Full Disclaimer

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The stock cam buckle straps that come with most climbing sticks are awkward and noisy. Learn how to modify your straps using a length of Amsteel and a knitting needle.

Materials Needed

• Hawk Helium Climbing Stick (or other stick with “versa button”
• 1/4″ Amsteel
• #13 Knitting Needle
• #10 Knitting Needle

Step 1: Make an Amsteel Splicing Tool

Using a band saw or hacksaw, cut off the size 13 knitting needle at a 45deg angle to create a splicing tool. This isn’t mandatory, but it sure does simplify the process.

Step 2: Measure and Cut A Length of Amsteel

Measure the desired length of rope for creating on of your climbing stick straps. Be sure to leave extra room for the splice. I like the option of attaching my sticks to a larger tree than a typical cam buckle allows so I cut a 9ft length of rope.

Step 3: Measure and Mark the Versa Button Loop

Form a loop with an 8in tag end. Loosen the Amsteel at the the bottom of the loop on the main line side of the rope. This will be the point where you begin splicing.

Using the splicing tool, pass through the center of the Amsteel being careful not to separate any threads. Place the tag end into the splicing tool and push through the Amsteel forming a loop.

You can use the size 9 knitting tool to push the end of the splicing tool to ensure the tag end doesn’t fall out.

Step 5: Lock in the Splice

Pull the loop slightly smaller than the desired size and push your splicing tool through the tag end. Load the end of the main line into the splicing tool and pull through. This will form a figure eight and lock in the splice.

Step 6: Measure the Distance the Tag Should Pass Into the Main Line

Lay the tag end against the main line and loosen the main line 2inches past the length of the tag end. This will ensure when you pass the tag into the mainline it is completely concealed.

Step 7: Constrict the Tag End

Pass the splicing tool into the core of the main line at the base of the loop. Place the tag end into the splicing tool and using the size 9 knitting needle, push the splicing tool and tag end through the core of the main line. Pull tight to constrict and conceal the main line.

Step 8: Weight the End of the Main Line

To add some weight to th end of the main line, bend over 3inches of the tail end. Pass the splicing tool through the core of the main line at the bend and feed the three inch tag into the splicing tool. Push through with the size 9 knitting needle and then pull tight to form a “weighted tail”.