How to Assemble Scaffoldng

Working with a ladder is difficult and can be dangerous. Climbing up and down a ladder may take more time than doing the actual repair the ladder was gotten out for to begin with. But there is a solution for the ladder problem: Use scaffolding. A simple 2 x 4 foot dry wall scaffold with four wheels has two steel steps that can double as work platforms and a tool shelf to keep a bucket of paint of handful of tools close. The steps are 10 inches wide and 4 feet long and beats standing on the rung of a ladder. With locking castors that swivel when unlocked make it easy to move. If you have work to do outside that is higher than 6 feet off the ground, consider renting scaffolding rather than struggling with a ladder. It's usually best to rent scaffolding as it can be expensive to buy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what scaffolding you need. Most exterior projects can be done by using 5-foot standard end frames and cross braces to make a 7-foot long scaffold. With these parts, you will also need base plates and a guardrail system. Get adjusting screws and casters if you plan to move the scaffolding often. Get a scaffold ladder built just for your scaffolding.

2. Start with a solid foundation. If the base plates or castors rest on dirt, grass, asphalt, put them on lengths of 2 x 10 lumber. Never set scaffolding down on loose fill or next to ditches or holes.

3. Rent adjusting screws to make leveling the scaffolding easy. Do not stack bricks, concrete blocks or scraps of wood under the frame to level it. If your ground slopes more than a foot over an 8-foot distance, rent leg extensions to use under the end of the scaffolding

4. Don't use ordinary wood planks for the work surface as they are not strong enough. Rent special scaffold planks, so you can cover the frames from side to side.

5. Put together the base and cross pieces, frames, guard rail post and rails. The guard rail only has to go on the side away from the house. Install the scaffold planks and ladder.

6. Make sure it is level and secure. If it rocks, adjust a leveling screw to stabilize it.

7. Use the built-in ladders to climb the scaffolding. Don't climb up on the cross braces.

Tips & Warnings

• Never roll the scaffolding with tools, materials or passengers on the planks.
• Lock the casters before climbing the scaffolding.
• Avoid overhead wires when moving the scaffolding.
• Don't roll the scaffolding on steep slopes or near ditches or holes.