Oh yeah. I have read that also about no tools. It is true you can just put the steps in the holes and step into your rig (without the bolts) but you don't ever want to drive without the bolts holding the things down.
Also, I have never noticed any noise with these.
Some jack butt (right in front of me) did open his door into one though, to bad for his door. I just rubbed his paint off with my hand.
