I’ve got a 36 foot aluminum Type II ladder which I would like to swap for a 32 footer or a 28 footer. A contractor working on my house recommended the length which I can understand as it is really sturdy and nice to work off of. But it is tough to move around by myself. A shorter ladder would work just as well for what I use it for.
Any ideas where I might be able to do a straight swap for a shorter ladder? I’ve tried Craig’s List but no luck so far.
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Replies
Unfortunately, not too many tradesman want a Type II ladder.
You could donate it to HFH and get a tax write off. Obviously not optimal, but it may help defray the cost if you are forced to purchase the new ladder.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
If you didn't live 3000 miles away I'd offer to buy one section of the ladder. I need an 18 or 20' section to use as a roof ladder.
Cut 3' off of each section...
Edited 11/24/2008 8:03 pm ET by BUIC
Nailed it. Snort.
Have you ever done that?
Yes, I've cut down damaged ladders. In your situation I'd cut both sections.
You'll have two rungs at each step in the closed position, the frame will be doubled for the full length, and it'll be easier to move around and store... buic
PS - A little common sense as to where and how to cut is needed!
Thank You. Any tips on capping the cut ends of the lower section? I use those rubber end caps on the extension part.
There are usually feet on that section, either fixed or swiveling.
I'd remove and re-attach them. A good machine screw and lock nut should do the trick...buic
Sorry to confuse...I mean't the plastic caps at the top of the bottom section. Did you cut the bottoms off? I was planning on cutting the tops off.
If the caps at the top can't be re-used?
I'd try to add a rubber or plastic strip on the edge at the top to keep the alum. from marring up the wall it'll be leaning against.
Or some liquid vinyl, the type you dip tool handles in to give them a soft grip?...buic
I would think twice about cutting it down.
That type of modification is against OSHA regs.
The ladder repair parts (feet and caps) are not to be used to modify a ladder.
Just something to consider.
Along that line I contacted the manufacturer and of course they could not condone any type of modification to their ladder. Other than butchering the groves that interlock the 2 sections what else could I do that would cause a safety issue? It's a type II rated for 225 lbs. I weigh about 150 so it'll just be me and my tool belt.
*if* something was to happen, and you were on a user modified ladder... that is what you have to think about sometimes.
FYI- HD is clearancing Louisville ladders in stock because they are swithching (again) to Werner.
Thanks you for the info on HD...I'll check it out.
Good luck trading. That's kind of an unusual size. Most people I know use 28', 32', or ugh 40'. If you can't trade it but want a slightly smaller size that's easier to handle, I'd defifitely keep checking Craig's List. After becoming a regular lurker there, I've noticed that ladders are one of the most commonly listed items. If I needed another ladder, which I don't, I'd get from there.
You might want to call some local painting companies and tell them your idea. Most of the painters I know have at least one "too big to carry" ladder back at the shop or garage somewhere they have to drag out every now and then. Vic
I'd swap with you but I'm in CO.
I second the cutting off sugestion.
My 24' extension is missing about 4' due to part of a cottonwood falling on it.
I just took the bent part off.
Now I have a tree that is a bit beyond it's reach.
Edited 11/25/2008 12:00 am ET by popawheelie
Think the tree knew that?
Forrest
Different tree in a different state. Maybe the one tree called the other.
Would it work out the same if I cut down just the extension section rather than some off of each section?
A lot depends on how the two pieces lock together. Some have tracks that fit all the length, but with others, the fit is only a couple J hooks at the top of the bottom section, and the dogs.
With this latter, you could not cut only one section
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Try going where the painters hang out top post a note on the bulletin board. Roofers want heavy duty ladders, but painters move theirs around all day long so they want lighter ones often, of all sizes.
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The roofer was the one that recommended the 36 footer. When his partner came back to do some finish up work he was using a 32 footer that he told me to pick up...light as a feather...probably brought out the heavy duty one for moving the shingles from the ground to the roof.
Thank You, I'll try the painters hangout.
I just cut the top section but you should take a good look before you cut.
Mine works fine but the top section is shorter.
A friend mentioned that his ladders are either too short or too long. He had a 20' and a 40' given to him that were his father in laws. I'm going to trade my 24' for his 20' because the 24' is too tall for the lower parts of my house, but I had to buy a 28 foot ladder to reach the top of the gables. The 20' and the 28' will work better for me. And he will be able to use the 24' for his needs. The 40' goes on craigs list.
Those 40 foot ladders are a real challenge to move around by yourself. I think in some situations it's really a 2-man job.
haha, in MOST situations it's a two person job :)
m/ (>.<) m/http://www.cocobloboy.co.nr
The last time I had to deal with a 40 footer, it was 30 yrs ago. We were painting the Odd-fellows lodge down in Oak Ridge Oregon, a big box of a bulding set in the middle of a bare, flat lot. It was two or three stories with a gable roof. It was WAAAY up there. At the time, I had two tall sawhorses made of 2x4s, abt 36" tall, and we put a thick piece of plywood across them and set the bottom of the ladder up on that. Then I climbed up to the very top and was using the airless sprayer to mist the paint onto the top of the gable end and under the eaves, reaching out and up as far as I could.Probably on the short list of "things I've done to finish a job that could have killed or maimed me." I was in my 20's back then. Not quite so bold these days.Anyway, I remember me and my buddy wrestling with that ladder, it was a beast.