Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [ladder]

64 questions
20
votes
10 answers

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 (h). So more generally what is an easy way to…
shufler
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4
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5 answers

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 Bilco door I'd have to build a platform about 3 feet…
jay613
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3
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1 answer

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 being "interior" or "exterior". I cannot find an…
Daniel
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3
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2 answers

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 (literally). I've got a nice extension ladder,…
Brian Knoblauch
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2
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4 answers

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 able to manipulate the fixture. The only way I can…
Tyler Durden
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4 answers

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 get on the roof, since it's a steep…
JoeBass
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2
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1 answer

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 standing the ladder up. There are other houses on…
painter48179
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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 be removable. My question is: How can I build…
Gruber
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1
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3 answers

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 original hope was there's be some manufactured solution…
g491
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1 answer

I’m 5,4 120 pounds and can’t pull rope up on extension ladder Why?

I am having trouble operating (pulling the rope) an extension ladder? I need to do this to get certified to work for Dish. Is there a better way too easily extend the rope ladder, without requiring much muscles to do so.
Small
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1 answer

How long an extension ladder do I need?

I'm planning to do some projects around my house. One is to change a light at the exterior peak of my garage, which is about 28' tall. The other is some painting on the side of my house, which is about 18' tall. I looked at a chart from a ladder…
user348514
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0 answers

How does this "Multi-Way Ladder" work?

I bought a used ladder a few days ago. It's an Eagle brand "Multi-Way Ladder" that can be used as a step ladder or a short straight extension ladder. The model number is LP-711E. Unfortunately I can't find a manual or manufacturers site for it even…
SSilk
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0 answers

How I fixed a broken spring in an extension ladder rung lock

I found many people have this issue with older ladders. The biggest issue is older ladders use quite a different rung lock, so there's no replacement parts. The spring on my ladder is a coil spring, kind of like ones found in clocks. The end of…
Adirondack Jim
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