Do the stablizers, or whatever they’re called, that attach to the tops of extension ladders to span windows, also help to stablize the ladder in general, like when it’s resting against siding? If so, can you recommend one? Werner makes two, both I think will work on an aluminum ladder, which is what I have.
Also, do the rubber or vinyl sleeves or mittens that fit over the tops help at all to keep an extension ladder from sliding, or are they just to protect surfaces?
Just looking for any additional security available.
Thanks.
Replies
I think the difference in the two models is that one is quick-attach and the other takes a couple of minutes. I have the slow one and it works great for me cuz I'm slow anyway. But if you's a normal person, the quick attach will be the preferred model.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Edited 4/6/2004 11:56 pm ET by Ed Hilton
they also make a U shaped version ..
and a more "neo-angled" version ... the more angled one ... is to help ya when it's set up on a corner.
The corner one's help for that situation ...
the window versions are just stand off's ....
the pads are .. just pads .. so ya don't scuff anything.
The ladder should be stabilized at the feet ....
flat .. level ... solid.
Then set it so it's an arms length away from your shoulders when standing.
Good ladders are pretty much rock solid when set right.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Yeah, the rubber "booties" do help prevent slipping. Nothing magical, though -- always level the feet properly, and if it feels insecure tie off the top of the ladder somewhere.
I doubt the ladder standoffs or rubber mitts would make much difference.
What kind of "stability" are you looking for? What are you concerned about?
One thing to keep in mind - Tie the top of the ladder to something if it's windy. Many of the guys here (myself included) have been stranded on a roof when their ladder blew over.
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I recently saw a picture of a guy who had mounted a ladder on the back of his lawn mower. (In a newspaper, unfortunately) I thought that was an interesting idea. Just back the mower up to something and climb up.
Might not be so hot if you were driving around and hit a power line, though...
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. [Sir Winston Churchill]
Maybe it just a false sense of security but I think my ladders are a pretty good bit more steady with the standoff attached at the top. It can be attached to the bottom rung parallel to the ladder as a stabilizer also. The last use was while painting the rake boards on a house that had the 12" masonite clapboard gable siding. If nothing else the "longhorns" seemed to keep the ladder from slipping around as much as it normally would. I have the ladder boots but have not used them, surely they would be more slip resistant than the plastic/nylon ladder ends.
What's been said so far....
especially the part about a properly set ladder being very stable...
Still, I do think that the stabilizer does in fact give the set-up an even better feel. It won't fix a lousy set-up, but it adds to a good one.
I like the quick connect stabilizer. I'm slow, but I'm too lazy to spend time attaching the thing to the ladder.
The corner stabilizer is really great! Gets you right up to the corner of the roof if you need too.
But remember, you shouldn't climb up the ladder above the stabilizer.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
I forgot....
Regarding the "mittens". I have never seen or heard a claim that the mittens keep the ladder from moving around. The purpose of the mittens is to prevent the ladder from marking the side of the house which the ladder without the mittens will do when the end moves accross the siding.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
The main thing the standoff does is it gets the ladder farther away from the building. This is helpful when you're working near the top, because it gets the ladder out of your way. It also results in you hugging the ladder closer rather than leaning back to see what you're doing, probably also a safer condition. In any case, tie the ladder off.
-- J.S.
I like stabilizers because I can make a work bench right where I am working, if Iam hanging shutters i will put a board across the bars and build up the shutter height with blocks and shoot the shutter in place.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
Ahhhhhhhhh, isn't that why they are called "stabilizers"?
If they were just for a stand-off, I guess they'd call 'em that.
Although it is not their intended purpose, I do feel that the mittens help. Ever stand up a 40'er against Tyvek? Back up the bus, I think we hit something!
The "U" shaped stabilizers do make for a more comfy perch and better piece of mind. I think the piece of mind is the key. Nothing worse than working nervous....nothing more dangerous either. Personally I hate extension ladders and stay off 'em as much as possible. I'll try anything before just using a ladder over 24'. Pump jacks, ladder jacks, wall brackets, stick staging......