How to Fix a Bent Metal Ladder

Bent metal ladders can be repaired if the damage is not too great.

Metal and aluminum ladders are used for a wide variety of jobs around the house, ranging from changing light bulbs, to painting to accessing the roof of your home for minor repairs. These ladders are versatile but they can sometimes get bent during accidents. If the metal ladder is extremely damaged, you should dispose of it. However, if the ladder is only slightly bent, there is no need to toss it out. Instead, the bend can be repaired.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Rubber mallet
• Vise grips

Instructions

1. Wrap a towel around the rung of the ladder that is bent. Examine the direction of the bend.

2. Have an assistant hold the ladder in place and then strike the rung with the mallet. If the rung is bent downward, strike it from the bottom in an upward motion. Likewise, if the rung is bent upward, hammer it down with the hammer.

3. Wrap the towel around the side rail if this section, instead of a rung, is damaged.

4. Grasp the bent piece of the ladder with the vise grips and bend it into the position that will make the piece straight again.

References

• Family Handyman: Tips and Techniques for Safe Extension Ladder Setup and Use
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Ladders
• Davidson Folding Ladder Owner's Manual; Davidson Ladders; 2008