How do I replace an old ladder's anti-scratch strip?

Question

An acquaintance of mine an old aluminum ladder, sort of like this one:

The ladder used to have some kind of rubbery strip at the forward edge of its top platform, to prevent it from scratching the wall when it's leaning against it. But - that strip is all worn out.

My question: What should I replace it with? I mean, obviously, some other kind of rubbery strip which adheres to aluminum, but - there's lots of kind of rubbers and adhesive strips. Is there some combination of materials, or category of these things which I should look for?

Also - should I look for something which comes with adhesive, or should I use use my own glue/bonding agent to attach the strip to the ladder?

Answer 1

I would use a strip of UHMW plastic it won’t wear out and can be held in with counter sunk screws I have 2 strips of this plastic on the bunks for my boat and over 25 years of use they still look great, no marking on the boat hull.

I would not use a self adhesive strip as with pressure they can move and that would not be good in this case.

Answer 2

I use a scrap of unbound carpet like the marine carpet found at big box stores

Cut a strip to size needed and use a contact type adhesive like

Follow directions that say apply to both the rug scrap and the ladder with a cheap paint brush. Allow it to dry until it is not sticky to touch. Now align carefully and press the glued surfaces together. The bond is instant and not movable so get it positioned right before allowing contact.

Answer 3

Any scrap felt or carpet should work as a cushion for when you are storing your folding step ladder.

You don't need anything for when you are using it because YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAN A FOLDED STEP LADDER AGAINST SOMETHING THEN CLIMB IT: