LADDER Work Stations – got ideas??
There I was, way up on an entension ladder, trying to get my end of a replacement faux barge rafter stuffed over the top plate and nailed off.
First, cut off a tad bit of the birdsmouth so the rafter can move up. Use my pull saw.
Now, where to put the pull saw when using the nailer? Where to put the caulk gun? And so it went.
As I maneuvered, using a rock climbing move (one foot on the battens of the side walk to caulk far nail holes, I was thinking – This sucks. I want a cherry picker.
There must be all sorts of ideaa and tools that will allow you to do efficient work up a ladder without dropping stuff. What are yours?
Ones I though of were:
@@ EMT straps for my gun’s rafter hook, caulk gun.
@@ 5g bucket with lanyard
@@ Large dia. vinyl food hose sections – same use.
@@ Lanyard and carabiner – could have held the pull saw.
For the stepladder I have Duluth’s ladder caddy, but I have not seen a thing for extension ladders.
The ToolBear
“Never met a man who couldn’t teach me something.” Anon.
Replies
I don't have a picture, but years ago I made a contraption that hooks to the side of a ladder. I made mine out of sheet metal, but plywood would probably work as well , if not better. Get a dowel (about 2' long) about the size of the inside of your ladder rung. You want it slightly smaller so it can slide inside. My ladders have flat top rungs, so I had to shave the top of it. Make a plywood or sheetmetal tray and screw it to the top of the dowel. Move it to which ever rung is most handy for you. Good for setting down nailguns, drills, etc. I also had a store bought contraption that hung on the inside of an extension ladder off the center of the rungs. Wasn't very handy. I only used it once or twice.
I invented the ladder rung tool tray.
My solution is less ingenious that Greencu's, but it works for me.
Go to the paint aisle and buy a 5 gal. paint can hook. An empty 5 gal. bucket can hold a lot of stuff . You could even take a bucket boss up there for all your hand tools.
Jon Blakemore
Jon, I don't know if my "systems" would help you...but here's what I've did in the past.
I've used several different types of "stand offs" on my ladders. The easiest to use is the manufactured kind...aluminum...ready to go. I modify that by cutting a piece of light plywood (the lighter the better) and screw it to the aluminum frame. This offers a real nice place to store parts and tools. Its so nice up there...you might find yourself taking your lunch bucket up there..or maybe your coffee!
I also have made my own simple version of a "stand off". I take a piece of plywood (1/2" cdx is great..but I've used 3/8 and osb too) and cut holes in it to the size of the ladder siderails. I slip this ply down over the top and if the holes are just right...the ply will bind itself and make a great shelf to work off.
The third type of stand off is exactly the same as number 2...but I cut a 90 degree chunk out of it and it then leans up against the corner perfectly.
We don't do much ladder work...if I did, I'd have an entire array of the above mentioned rigs. Even in the days prior to getting the Skytrak, I always figured out a way to finish everything by leaning over the top. You'd be amazed at how much you can do from above when you put your mind to it.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Guys,
Thanks for the great ideas. I have just loaded a bunch of lanyards for ladders and added one to each bucket for the fast fix. I carry a bunch of 5g buckets to consolidate tools and parts. (My current project is The Complete Caulk Bucket).
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.