Is this a SAFE repair?

[ray66v]

I can't believe everyone is all for using a broken ladder! WTF?! :laughing:

Then you really should see what a lot of people out there have, and use, for ladders. This is nothing compared to what I see. :thumbsup:

 

[buck12]

Then you really should see what a lot of people out there have, and use, for ladders. This is nothing compared to what I see. :thumbsup:

My Dad used to spend quite a bit of China for business and had pictures of ladders and scaffolding of what appeared to be bamboo. Their ladders made the op's ladder look very safe. If it were me I would use the ladder.

 

[mjncad]

I would have drilled small holes at the end of each crack to stop them from spreading before adding the splint.

Whether you use it or not is up to you.

 

[Leroy Brown]

I'd use it too. It's in much better shape than my aluminum one.

 

[JDgreen227]

Test it with a load. Perhaps the crack is a symptom of general deterioration, indicating the ladder is ready to be junked.

I noted in the OP that the crack barely widened when I was on the ladder using it. Since I only go about two thirds of the way up, and the crack is higher than the distance I go up, it does not get much stress.

Others have noted that fiberglass ladders weather from exposure to the elements, I don't know where my father got this one from, but it appears it was one of those ladders you see mounted on the roof of a van or pickup top, you know, always in the weather. I have seen many ladders that appeared faded and weathered much worse than mine.

 

[ruren]

Our fire department ladders get tested every year.

Not trying to start an argument here but most Fire departments have the very Best Ladders and equipment as they should have and they use them way more the we would.But then remember they do not pay for them we do.
DevilDog

No, there is no comparison between a fire department ladder and the one we are discussing, the one I described was rated to carry three guys in full gear and a 2 1/2" hose full of water up 36 feet (and not just because taxes paid for it). The point I was trying to make is it was a very beefy ladder that looked perfectly sound except for a few dents and dings. Seeing it suddenly snap in half during testing made a strong point that minor damage (probably metal fatique or a small crack in that case) can make for a catastrophic failure in a ladder. Not something I would risk my butt over to save a few bucks. I still think the OP should retire dads ladder, hang it on the wall as someone mentioned if it has sentimental value, and get one that is safe. Especially if he is uncomfortable using it.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I'd use that ladder without a qualm... I have an aluminum one with a similar repair.
Google "bamboo scaffolding" for some nice pics and descriptions of this (to me) scary support method.

BOB

 

[LBrown59]

Go ahead and use, but I would be cautious about loaning it out or letting others on it. It is one thing to accept the risk and use something yourself, but for someone else (or a friend of someone else) that does not fully understand the risk could get hurt
* (especially if they have the trouble with gravity that I have).

the trouble with gravity is it's to easy to fall for it if you're not careful.

 

[two_bit_score]

Test it with a load. Perhaps the crack is a symptom of general deterioration, indicating the ladder is ready to be junked.

Best advice so far. :thumbsup:

 

[JDgreen227]

Best advice so far. :thumbsup:

Climbed it higher than I usually do today, and jumped up and down on the rungs, no wiggle at all...and just to be safe, I had THIS ladder shown in the attachments leaning against the same wall, next to me, just in case my repaired one failed and I needed a safe way to get down....

10 foot wood Industrial rated Holland, never been wet, no damage at all except for general dirt, no cracks....I am SURE it has to be safe....yeah, right....:laughing: