Questions tagged [ladder]
The ladder tag has no usage guidance.
62
questions
19
votes
10
answers
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How do I calculate the length of a ladder I need to reach a certain height?
My roof-line is 24' from the ground. What length ladder should I purchase to ensure I can reach the this height safely?
I'm guessing there is a "safe" angle (a) for a ladder, regardless of the height ...
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16
votes
2
answers
64k
views
How do I use an extension ladder to get onto my roof?
I have a two storey house and need to get onto the roof to apply some heat paint on my furnace exhaust pipe before winter.
It looks about 20-22' from the ground to the edge my eaves, so to be safe I ...
- 874
13
votes
6
answers
4k
views
Tips for keeping a ladder steady when it is leaning against a sloped roof
I cannot come up with a reliable way to keep the ladder steady when it's leaning against the shed roof. I need to paint the trim two storeys up. When the right side of the ladder touches the roof ...
- 1,142
10
votes
6
answers
8k
views
Can I lean a ladder against tempered glass without damaging the window?
We are building, and just now after the windows have been installed is that I realised they are really high up.
The window is made of tempered glass 8mm thick, 3.5 m wide, 2.5 m high and starts at 3....
- 2,315
10
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Suitable ladder for reaching stair well above corner stairs
I want to hang a picture in our stairwell above the stairs, but the stairs curve directly beneath the stairwell where I want to hang the picture. What is the best way to reach the wall above the ...
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9
votes
7
answers
5k
views
How do I safely place an extension ladder near windows so I can clean my gutters?
I am trying to get an extension ladder in position so I can finally clean these gutters. I have a stabilizer, but it's narrower than the span of 2 windows, and I'm very uncomfortable putting the ...
- 201
7
votes
1
answer
11k
views
Can I use two ladders to create a makeshift scaffold?
I have a really high stairwell to do walls around (cca 18 ft). Scaffolding is impractical. I had rigged a temporary platform that I used to hang drywall and it worked well but I had to remove it ...
- 7,357
7
votes
4
answers
18k
views
How to (safely) retract and lower a 40' extension ladder?
Last time I was using a 40' extension ladder, it was a major challenge to retract it back from being extended and up against a wall. There were two of us and it was seriously scary. Could have gone ...
- 7,357
6
votes
5
answers
53k
views
How can I work on eaves of my house, 30-feet high?
I have repair work and painting I want to do on the eaves and gutters of my house. In some places they are up to 30 feet off the ground and I would not feel safe being on ladder that high.
One option ...
- 6,789
6
votes
5
answers
952
views
How can I stabilize the footing of a ladder?
Whenever I saw a professional on a ladder, there was someone else at the foot of the ladder holding the sides of the ladder.
Now that my rain gutters are frozen solid, they are creaking, and I'm ...
- 633
5
votes
4
answers
16k
views
How can I safely replace a light fixture above a stairwell?
In my 1911 home, there is a stairwell that has a 180 degree turn with a landing, and there is a light fixture directly overhead (centered over the railing) that I would like to replace with a pendant ...
- 290
5
votes
3
answers
28k
views
Cutting ceiling joist for attic ladder install
Looking to take advantage of some open space in our attic and want to install an attic ladder. This would require cutting some of the ceiling joist. Before I do can anyone help me answer the following ...
- 167
4
votes
5
answers
204
views
How to reach outside light high above sloped cellar door?
I'm looking for suggestions on how to reach this outside light.
I have a pole to change the bulb but I need to get up there to repair the socket.
I have a 14 foot stepladder. To use it over the ...
- 34.3k
4
votes
3
answers
327
views
Need 12' ladder on second floor but staircase is too tight
I have a fan on a high ceiling (maybe 16 feet high) that I want to replace. I need at least 12 foot type A ladder but it needs to fold because I have to take it up some tight stairs and corners to get ...
- 259
3
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Spray can pole extender
I have a hornets' nest that I want to spray with insecticide.
The hive is approximately 20-25ft from ground level.
The insecticide that I have is in a aerosol spray can with a large actuator.
...
- 187
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Ladder fall protection options
Are there any good fall protection options when working on an extension ladder?
I need to fix some siding near the top of my 2 story house. I have thought about using something like a roof anchor, ...
3
votes
2
answers
515
views
Is it safe to use an extension ladder in the garage?
I had a line of insulation decide it no longer wanted to stay attached to the garage rafters. Bought some fresh (and better) stuff. Went to put it up, but my standard stepladder is coming up short (...
- 1,087
3
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What's the difference between Interior and Exterior scaffolding?
I've been looking into getting some scaffolding for some jobs around the house. Honestly, I may need it for both inside and outside.
I see various products where they specifically list scaffolding as ...
- 133
2
votes
2
answers
13k
views
How to build a quick-and-easy wood ladder?
I have a pair of long 4x4 posts holding my chimney, and I'd like to build a ladder in to the posts for maintenance. In some ways this could be safer than using an extension ladder, as the posts are ...
- 11.7k
2
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Best Technique to Achieve Perfect Cut-Outs in a 2x4
I am building a ladder similar to the one pictured. I want to cut hand-hold holes like the ones in the image.
I am horrible with a jig-saw, and I don't think I could ever get them looking as nice as ...
- 599
2
votes
2
answers
194
views
Is ladder less safe at greater angles?
If I only go up to 3 ft from the leaning wall back for my ladder's feet, I start getting pretty steep on the angle it closes approaching 90 degrees. I feel (but I question my intuition) that I am ...
- 7,357
2
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How can I replace light bulbs in a fixture 20 feet high?
I have a light fixture in an entryway that is about 17 feet high and several of the bulbs in the fixture are burned out. It is a candelabra type fixture with a glass enclosure, so a person has to be ...
- 6,789
2
votes
1
answer
419
views
Determine the best placement for attic ladder installation
I have recently purchased an attic ladder from HD to install myself in my townhouse. I have determined 2 good installation points that will not interfere with future furniture placement. The options ...
- 157
2
votes
3
answers
384
views
Treehouse ladder - 12ft and corrosion resistant from pressure treated wood?
I'm designing an elevated deck/swingset combo and am trying to figure out how I'm going to build the ladder.
But I've got a couple of challenges. One is that the main posts will be ground-contact ...
- 141
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can I use screws for attaching a ladder to a bunk bed?
My wife and I have built bunk beds and the final step is attaching the ladder. The ladder is constructed out of 2x4s will be attached to the 2x6 rails of the bed. (The ladder rails are oriented "...
- 153
2
votes
3
answers
899
views
How can I repair an attic ladder that doesn't operate smoothly?
I have an attic ladder that is warped somewhere and is really hard to fold and unfold. Eventually that warp caused too much pressure on one side of the ladder and the bolt holding the elbow of the arm ...
2
votes
4
answers
267
views
How can I clean windows and gutters from a ladder in a narrow side yard?
I want to clean out my 2nd story gutters and wash windows, but my side yard is about 5 feet between house and fence. Considering the overhang, there's probably 4 feet of horizontal I'd prefer not to ...
- 121
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Can I install attic ladder perpendicular to joists?
I only have one area in old house on the 3rd floor where I can put a pull down attic ladder. That is a narrow hallway but the ladder would need to be installed perpendicular to joists. It is an old ...
- 35
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Install New Attic Access Ladder Perpendicular to Joists
I am trying to install a new access ladder to our attic, cutting a new hole etc. There's only one room in our 1038sq house (built in 1952) that will work, and after taking a closer look there is a ...
- 119
2
votes
4
answers
406
views
Accessing Upper Shelves of 8 feet high pantry
I am planning a kitchen pantry which will be 8 feet high and 24 inch deep.
I need a solution to reach upper shelves of pantry - without having to pull dining chairs or put a folding step stool in ...
- 165
2
votes
0
answers
181
views
House davit? Do they exist?
On boats there is a often a boom with a winch called a "davit". It is essentially a sort of crane that allows things to be loaded on and off the boat.
Houses do not seem to normally have davits, even ...
- 6,789
1
vote
2
answers
669
views
When considering a swing-down attic ladder, is landing space typically a maximum or minimum value?
I'm looking at installing an attic ladder in my garage. I'm just getting the fuzzy feelings of "I would like to do this project" so I don't have a whole lot of specifics, but in doing the ...
- 1,625
1
vote
3
answers
4k
views
Join two extension ladders together to make an a-frame ladder?
***IMPORTANT EDIT - in reviewing the answers / comments, none felt safe, so if you come across this post, I'd definitely recommend reading the notes people have made advising against this. The ...
- 730
1
vote
3
answers
6k
views
How to install springs on werner loft/attic ladders?
I've just purchased the this loft/attic ladder.
The installation instructions show that the springs must be installed while the ladder is closed (less tension in springs). Problem is even when closed ...
- 187
1
vote
1
answer
268
views
Small folding loft/attic ladder [closed]
I'm wanting to install a loft ladder. I would prefer one of those nice folding wooden ladders, however upon researching the various types, it seems that these are quite a bit longer than my current ...
- 440
1
vote
3
answers
89
views
How do I replace an old ladder's anti-scratch strip?
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 ...
- 2,657
1
vote
3
answers
900
views
What kind of ladder on slope?
I want to be able reach the eaves for cleaning. The ground is on a slope. What would be a good way to get up there? What it to be safe, not cost a fortune. I don't need to go up very often. ...
- 51
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Standing up extension ladder in narrow space
I am painting a tall house using a 40-foot extension ladder that is composed of two 20-foot sections. So, in its shortest, unextended form, the ladder is 20 feet high.
The problem I'm running into is ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
3k
views
What size hole do I need in masonry for an anchor that takes a 1/2" thread?
I bought these ladder hangers from Home Depot today. I have used anchors before, but I tend to not make the right size hole. What is the ideal size hole for an anchor that takes a 1/2" thread? How ...
- 3,285
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Removing Pool Stairs From In Ground Pool
I just purchased a home (well back in Feb) and this is the first year of having a pool, and I am attempting to remove the side stairs so I can cover the pool for winter.
My stairs look exactly like ...
- 145
1
vote
2
answers
3k
views
Ladder is warped; how much is too much?
I recently bought a 28' fiberglass extension ladder (big-name brand from the blue box store), but I found that it's a bit warped. When I lean it against the house, with both feet firmly planted and ...
- 113
1
vote
3
answers
445
views
Supporting sliding ladder rail from sides of small closet?
I'd like to build a rolling ladder for my tall office closet using a kit. However, the shelving is metal ClosetMaid/Elfa-style and can't support a rod for the ladder to slide along.
My thought is ...
- 1,440
1
vote
1
answer
290
views
Weight distribution on library ladder?
I have a very tall galkey kitchen, with cabinets run to the ceiling. A library ladder would be an ideal way to utilize this space. I have the skills necessary to fabrcate what I need, but I don't know ...
- 494
1
vote
0
answers
74
views
DIY Attic ladder or hire someone?
This is what my attic access looks like. Is it feasible to install ladder access myself or should I hire someone?
- 11
1
vote
0
answers
764
views
Proper way to reframe joists to install attic ladder?
I'm looking to replace the attic ladder with 25.5 x 55 opening ( Century Elite AL2511R5 ). After removing my old ladder, the opening looks like the following :
I'm looking to change joists as follows ...
- 135
1
vote
0
answers
179
views
Strengthening a Bamboo Ladder (After a Mistake)
I am a newbie to this so please be gentle. I had some dried out bamboo lying around and for some reason, I decided to make a ladder out of it.
I got one of my measurements wrong and cut out a notch ...
- 23
1
vote
0
answers
591
views
How can I build a ladder that runs on rails?
I have a kitchen with a high ceiling and want to install an extra level of shelves to make use of the space. To reach the top shelves, a ladder is required. Ideally, it would be attached to a rail and ...
- 111
0
votes
5
answers
6k
views
How to safely place ladder over porch overhang to get to Gable Peak?
I am looking to do some work at the peak of the gable shown in the picture. It's about 25ft to the peak from the walk way. I don't have an assistant, so I am looking for advice on how to safely place ...
- 1,075
0
votes
1
answer
697
views
Attic Ladder Spring Lift Issue
The left-hand side spring on my attic ladder now pops off the retaining thing when it is put back up. It then will come down, but will not go back up unless I manually lift the spring up-n-over. ...
- 379
0
votes
2
answers
380
views
Will a fully collapsed extension ladder safely support twice its duty rating?
My grandfather has a Werner 24' aluminum 200-lb type III extension ladder. I want to know if, in its fully collapsed state, it will safely support ~300 lbs. By my reasoning, if it will safely support ...
- 319