Is this a SAFE repair?

[jonyyuma]

If you are refering to the huge wooden ladder that slides a center section up thru the middle.We called it an A frame ladder..weighs over 200 lbs. and the center section flops to either side with your weight. they were used to reach some street or parking lot lights, if you had no hyd.lift?

 

[ray66v]

I agree that I would accept the risk and use it, but would not let others take the risk.

What worries me most about fiberglass ladders, is deterioration from sunlight. You don't know when it is too far gone for safe use, until it fails.

I don't expect to see 175# again soon, either.

 

[ray66v]

If you are refering to the huge wooden ladder that slides a center section up thru the middle.We called it an A frame ladder..weighs over 200 lbs. and the center section flops to either side with your weight. they were used to reach some street or parking lot lights, if you had no hyd.lift?

I believe that is a trestle ladder.

 

[PapaPerk]

I'd hang it high on the barn wall for old time sake and go buy a new one. Isn't worth worrying over.

 

[ruren]

I'll vote no for a few reasons.

One, you asked the question, which means it worries you and for that reason alone I would replace it with a nice 16 foot extension ladder for cleaning the gutters.

Our fire department ladders get tested every year. I never though much of it until I saw one fail during the test with a little over half it's rated load on it. It looked fine to me before the test and seeing it fail left an impression that a damaged ladder isn't something to mess with (that's why we test them every year).

Finally, your fix is really neatly done, but it hides the crack. If it gets worse between the plates you would never know it until it pops through to the other side of the beam. It might last 100 years but I wouldn't want you to be on it if it doesn't.

 

[devildog1]

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

 

[mjw357]

That ladder will never, ever break where you repaired it. As others pointed out, I would be more worried about the deterioration of the fiberglass as it ages and takes the abuse of the elements. But to answer your question, yes I would use it to clean gutters, no worries.

 

[digger2]

Nice job fixing it.I myself would use it.No problem.

digger2

 

[BobRip]

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

 

[PapaPerk]

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