Many feel that nondestructive types of climbers should be used to avoid damaging trees. Regulations often cover this as well depending on locale. Before you go in the field to actively use your tree stand, there are several things you need to address. Never attempt to use any tree stand and climbing mechanism without first being completely familiar with the related safety requirements. Never attempt to use any tree stand and climbing mechanism without first being completely familiar with their proper operation procedure.
All commercial manufactures provide complete operating instructions.
Some even include video tape operating guides. Always inspect all tree stands and climbing mechanisms for defects, missing parts, or damage prior to any use. If it's defective in any way, DON'T USE IT until properly repaired. That's the time and place to find out if anything is wrong, not alone in the dark, miles from help. Statistically, the most common accidents occurring during bowhunting are tree stand related, particularly during ascending, setting, and descending.