How to Use Half an Extension Ladder

The bottom half of an extension ladder may be used safely.

Extension ladders are an incredible useful tool for home building and remodeling. However, once an extension ladder breaks, it is no longer safe to use. Depending on the nature of the damage, the lower half of an extension ladder may still be used safely, but under no circumstances may the upper half of an extension ladder be used, as it is not designed to support the load of a person independently and is prone to falling due to poor support feet.

Things You'll Need

• Extension ladder
• Metal shears
• Metal sandpaper
• Rubber caps

Instructions

1. Remove the top half of an extension ladder and throw it away. Some ladders may be recycled or re-purposed, but do not use it as a ladder, or you will be in violation of safety regulations for the home and workplace, as the feet of the top section of a ladder are smooth and provide no support and grip on a smooth surface.

2. Remove all metal protrusions from the bottom half of the ladder using metal shears. These metal objects originally were used to hold or guide the top half of the ladder in place, but can now pose a potential danger when climbing on the bottom half of the ladder, as they can catch on clothing or objects while climbing.

3. Sand any surfaces which are sharp from cutting the metal. This will help prevent any scratches or injuries.

4. Check the feet of the ladder to make sure that the rubber or metal grips are still in good shape and safe to use. Attach rubber caps to the ends of the top of the ladder to protect walls and painted surfaces from any damage caused when the ladder comes in contact with them. These rubber caps will also provide a better grip on the wall, resulting in a more safe ladder.

5. Position the correct and safest angle of the ladder by placing your feet against the base of the ladder and extending your arms directly out. Your palms should touch the rung directly in front of you. If they do not, adjust the angle so that it is not too steep or too low, as both conditions could cause the ladder to fall.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to cut or trim sections of the ladder off of the top, if the ends are capped with rubber, but it is not safe to trim the bottom of the ladder, as the feet are specially designed and an essential part of the safety of the ladder.

• Never attempt to adjust the ladder's position while climbing it, or attempt to "jump" the ladder over to another position. This is very dangerous and can result in serious injury.

References

• Tools of the Trade: Ladder Safety
• ELCOSH: Hazard Alert: Ladder Safety
• Chicago Tribune: Tips for Using Ladder at Home Start and End With Safety