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Favorite scaffolding ?

JohnT8 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 19, 2005 12:57pm

BIL is probably going to be buying a few more sections of scaffolding.  I was just curious what everyone’s favorite brands/types were?

We’re talking about regular scaffolding, not pole systems or such.

 

jt8

Opportunity doesn’t knock. You knock, opportunity answers. — American Proverb

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  1. seeyou | Mar 19, 2005 01:23am | #1

    If you've already got some, stick with the same brand. I've got two different brands and the cross braces are different. I had to color code eveything to make it all work together with the least amount of problems. Also, I like 5x5 scaffolding with two intermediate steps. I tend to dump my tool bags when climbing the one step variety.

    You're almost as paranoid as the people that're trying to kill me.

    1. JohnT8 | Mar 19, 2005 06:30am | #2

      I think currently we have at least three types of scaffolding.  The least favorite of which you have to hammer the cross-brace pins in (some of which have been re-welded on).  Two types are the same size (5' I think), the third type is 6 or 7'.  And one of BIL neighbor's scaffolding gets mixed in (he does some kinda construction for a living). 

      We've bought all of it used.  I think the hammer-the-pins-in stuff was $60/section.  The easier to use yellow stuff was like $130.

      It would be nice to have enough sections to reach the second floor roof's edge down an entire side of the house. 

      I guess while I'm asking about everyone favorite standard scaffolding, I should ask where they're buying it.

       

      jt8

      Opportunity doesn't knock. You knock, opportunity answers. -- American Proverb

      Edited 3/18/2005 11:40 pm ET by JohnT8

      1. theslateman | Mar 19, 2005 12:50pm | #3

        Here in the East a lot of us use and swear by Vanguard staging a division of Lynn Ladder.I also prefer the 5' ladder stage but because you can set the ladders towards the house and have a choice of heights for setting up.I like having an access ladder to the working height to make climbing and material hauling easier.

      2. seeyou | Mar 19, 2005 03:02pm | #4

        Where are you - maybe we could do some trading and get both our stacks more consistant. I'm in KY.You're almost as paranoid as the people that're trying to kill me.

        1. JohnT8 | Mar 21, 2005 07:04am | #5

          We're your neighbor to the northwest (IL).  The only ones we're unhappy with are the hammer-the-pins in crap.  It is all in the BIL's garage, I'll see if I can get over there and take a pic of it.

          So did anyone have any good sources?  Online if they don't charge too much for s/h?  Otherwise its back to the rental place or the farm store to see who has the better stuff (at the better price).  Although the farm store doesn't always have 'standard' grade scaffolding.  Some times they sneak in cheaper stuff.

          jt8

          Opportunity doesn't knock. You knock, opportunity answers. -- American Proverb

          Edited 3/21/2005 12:19 am ET by JohnT8

          1. seeyou | Mar 21, 2005 01:49pm | #6

            I've bought all mine used. The last batch was bought from a homeowner who got it because it was abandoned by a contractor when he abandoned the job.You're almost as paranoid as the people that're trying to kill me.

          2. JohnT8 | Apr 21, 2005 10:11pm | #8

            OK, well it took me a month but I finally managed to: 1. remember to take my camera 2. remember to take a pic.   Just didn't have a tape measure with me.

            "bad1" shows the scaffolding we don't like with the hammer-in pins. 

            BIL's Neighbor#1 (who is in construction) currently had most of the scaffolding (and wasn't home).  BIL's neighbor #2 had a couple sections of the 'good' stuff, so I went over there and took a couple pics of it.  The pics show the connectors (MUCH better than the hammer-in pins).  The brand name is "granite".  And I think this is 5x5'.

            Sheeze, I couldn't even tell you how many sections belongs to BIL and myself.  But I'm sure going to mark and keep track of any more I buy in the future.

             jt8

            Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits. -- Mark Twain

          3. seeyou | Apr 22, 2005 12:51am | #9

            Never seen anything like the "bad" stuff. Looks like a bad idea to me. I've got a couple of pieces of Granite, which will match up with about anything else with the proper braces.STOP, DROP,  ..............ROCK 'N' ROLL

          4. donpapenburg | Apr 22, 2005 05:05am | #10

            I have some of that bad stuff, it sucks.  I like the other with the braces inside . some use little stops in a bridle cut on the end of the pin that drops down to hold the brace . some use a hair pin clip  . The repaired ones use a 1/2" bolt welded in place of the old pin. I don't have any that have the granite type latch.

          5. seeyou | Apr 22, 2005 01:59pm | #11

            I've got about eight pieces that have some sort of cam and lever on the braces. The braces are individual  pieces rather than "X" pieces. They have an 8' span and are a b!tch to set up solo. I've never seen any others quit like these either.STOP, DROP,  ..............ROCK 'N' ROLL

          6. User avater
            Sphere | Apr 22, 2005 04:52pm | #12

            I remember them, sell em for scrap to pay for the new pole stuff!

            They suck. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            " Do not add to the world's confusion, by speaking in unclear terms"

          7. JohnT8 | Apr 22, 2005 08:08pm | #13

            He can give me his granite scaffold.  I'm willing to risk it.  :)

             jt8

            Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits. -- Mark Twain

          8. RalphWicklund | Apr 23, 2005 06:01am | #14

            Build the rental price into your quote and let someone else set you up. And take it away when you'e done.

  2. User avater
    slimjim | Mar 21, 2005 02:03pm | #7

    Here in Philly, unions rule. Apparently, you cant put up used scaffolding on certain jobs, so there are several semi shady places where all the brand new (used on one job!) scaffold is sold. Just bought 4 sections for 60 each I believe.

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