How to Test the Strength of an Old Wooden Ladder

Any time you climb a ladder, it’s the strength of that ladder that stands between you and serious injury. With that in mind, it’s important to carefully inspect any unfamiliar ladder before you climb it, and to thoroughly inspect each of your own ladders from time to time. If you find, borrow or buy an older or used wooden ladder, make sure you test the strength of the rungs very thoroughly before climbing it. If the rungs are weak, it’s best to find out about it while you’re still on the ground.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old wooden ladder

1. Lay the ladder flat on the ground on an even outdoor surface like a lawn or driveway.

2. Stand and balance directly on top of one of the rungs at either end of the ladder. Stand in place with both feet for at least three full seconds.

3. Step to the next rung and, again, stand and balance in place with both feet for at least three seconds. As you move from rung to rung, particularly when you first put your foot down, listen carefully for sounds of creaking or cracking.

4. Continue walking along the ladder until you have tested each rung by standing in place. If you hear or feel cracking or if any rung breaks completely under your weight, the ladder is not safe to climb. Repair the ladder before using it or simply dispose of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Wooden ladders that have not been treated with any protective coatings or that have been left out in extreme temperatures can rot to the point of being unsafe in just a few years.
• Protect your wooden ladders by painting them with a coat of polyurethane finish if they’re completely untreated, and always store them out of the elements, preferably in a climate-controlled storage space.
• Even if you determine your old wooden ladder to be safe, use caution when climbing. If you heard creaking but nothing broke, don’t chance it – just get a new ladder.

Resources

• OSHA's standards for ladder safety