Is this a SAFE repair?

[me0418840987]

If I had 2 AA batteries at the moment, I would go out and take some pics of my ladders. I only buy Werner, 1A 300 lb, because they seem to be the best built for the money, and last long. I have 2 20' ladders with truck rack damage from riding up there permanently for the last 12 years. havent repaired them yet, and they still stand up to having a 24' scaffold plank and 2/3 guys standing on it to tear off roofing. Both of my 32' ladders are slightly twisted, and one needs to be cut down into a 24'. My older 6' 2 sided stepladder was cracked on the edge of the channel like your extension, and the spreader had pulled thru the channel. plated it and riveted the spreader back on. Still use the old 50' wooden ladders when I have to, but when they are all the way out, it is like climbing STRAIGHT up near the top, takes some getting used to, now that I usually use the fiberglass, bottom rung on one is repaired with angle iron and duct tape. I am a roofing/home repair contractor by trade, and would have no problem using your ladder, mine are uglier than yours.

 

[mjncad]

My wife is broke - get rid of her.

:thumbsup::laughing:

 

[Cat_Driver]

Just fix it. use some Kelvar and epoxy and it will be stronger than new. If Kelvar is good enough for the wings of a B2 bomber then you should be good to go.

 

[workinallthetime]

put it between 2 saw horses and you and a friend sit on it, if it breaks you will know what to do with it, if it doesnt you will know what to do with it

 

[CBW1999]

Although I would probably use it myself, the repair job may add more danger.
All ladders are designed to have some flexibility to absorb shock and remain stable. Otherwise, there would be a fairly high failure rate.

The repair is too sturdy IMHO. By placing the angle iron as it is, there is no longer a flexing point along the rails. This has stiffened the ladder too much and will likely lead to a secondary failure- probably at the end of the iron where all the flex load is transferred to.

I would agree that, hanging it on the wall to remember Dad would be your best bet.

In Re: JJ's comment- I used the 2x4 in the tree technique as a kid. Didn't take us long to realize we needed 2 nails. Nothing like being 20 feet up a tree, stepping on a 2x4 rung and having it spin faster than a propeller!

 

[jonyyuma]

The repair is too sturdy IMHO. By placing the angle iron as it is, there is no longer a flexing point along the rails. This has stiffened the ladder too much and will likely lead to a secondary failure- probably at the end of the iron where all the flex load is transferred to.

n Re: JJ's comment- I used the 2x4 in the tree technique as a kid. Didn't take us long to realize we needed 2 nails. Nothing like being 20 feet up a tree, stepping on a 2x4 rung and having it spin faster than a propeller![/QUOTE]It is amazing what you can use at you own home. Any damaged ladder on the job site is replaced promptly and the damaged one destroyed, to prevent repair and possible re-use and lawsuits...Nothing is stranger than seeing a homemade ladder of 2x4's nailled up together for a substitute... yeah, I climb trees with spikes sticking out when i want to go deer hunting too..But NEVER a broken extension ladder, here it is Illegal to use 1/2 of one on the job.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Looks like a good repair to me. I would use it.

Chris

 

[JDgreen227]

The repair is too sturdy IMHO. By placing the angle iron as it is, there is no longer a flexing point along the rails. This has stiffened the ladder too much and will likely lead to a secondary failure- probably at the end of the iron where all the flex load is transferred to.

n Re: JJ's comment- I used the 2x4 in the tree technique as a kid. Didn't take us long to realize we needed 2 nails. Nothing like being 20 feet up a tree, stepping on a 2x4 rung and having it spin faster than a propeller!

It is amazing what you can use at you own home. Any damaged ladder on the job site is replaced promptly and the damaged one destroyed, to prevent repair and possible re-use and lawsuits...Nothing is stranger than seeing a homemade ladder of 2x4's nailled up together for a substitute... yeah, I climb trees with spikes sticking out when i want to go deer hunting too..But NEVER a broken extension ladder, here it is Illegal to use 1/2 of one on the job.[/QUOTE]

When you say it is illegal to use part of an extension ladder on the job, do you refer to state law, local ordinance, or the rules that your employer sets forth? BTW, I set my repaired ladder atop two waist high sawhorses about ten feet apart, had my neighbor come over, our combined weight sitting on the middle area was over 400 pounds, and the ladder barely flexed. I feel safe using it now, but will not loan it out to anyone.

 

[jonyyuma]

Well you most likely have a safe ladder, it should not fail your use. But if you loaned it out it could cost you a law-suit, in reality. Unlawful by company and most likely TOSHA to use the top half of a extension ladder with out the lower-footed half.The whole assembly does flex and re-inforce each other for a tremendious safety factor.Next time you climb up your extension ladder, be sure to look down at how much it deflects.Or watch your tool buddy climb it? I did agree with JJ's statement to which was at the first of my posting. I took a lot of chances on ladders in the past, I won't call the wisest decisions I have made. THX.

 

[hawkeye08]

perhaps putting a warning on it that it is broken, use at your risk...