How to Install a Rope on an Extension Ladder

Properly roped, an extension ladder makes a homeowner's work a little easier; you can reach gutters that are beyond the reach of a simple stepladder and even reach your roof. Extension ladders require little maintenance, except for an occasional re-roping when the rope that raises the extension wears out or is broken. Re-roping an extension ladder may seem uncomplicated at first glance, but unless the rope is installed on the ladder properly, the extension -- which you pull up by pulling down on the rope -- might slip, fall and cause serious injury.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Set the ladder on its side so that you can work on it easily. Untie the knot from the rung the rope is tied to.

2. Pull the rope out of the pulley, then pull the rope back through the thimbled loop it passes through, until the rope is free from the ladder.

3. Bend the rope around the bottom rung and push the bitter end (the end of the rope without the loop) through the loop. Pull the bitter end to snug the loop around the rung. Thread the bitter end through the pulley.

4. Line up the bottom rungs of the two sections of the ladder. Pull the bitter end down to the bottom rung opposite the rung that has the loop around it. Pull the slack out of the rope and tie it in place on the bottom rung that's unroped -- any secure knot will do.

5. Cut the excess rope with a knife and wrap the end with a small piece of duct tape. Pull the rope to test the operation of the ladder.

Resources

• Extension Ladder Safety and Setup