How to Make Sand Ladders
Sand ladders are devices designed to help get a vehicle stuck in sand back in motion. They can be ordered, though they are not popular in the United States. However, you can make your own set of sand ladders that you can keep with you in your vehicle.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- 1-1/8-inch-thick plywood
- Saw
- Corrugated metal mesh
- Pen or pencil
- Heavy-duty nuts, washers and bolts
- Drill and drill bit for holes the size of the bolts
- Adjustable wrench
Instructions
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1
Measure the circumference and width of your vehicle's tire.
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2
Cut two strips of plywood that are as wide as your tire and at least as long as your tire's circumference. When you purchase the metal mesh, have two strips of it cut to 1/2 inch less in length and width than the plywood strips.
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3
Lay one metal mesh strip on top of the plywood, centering it. Mark holes with the pen or pencil on the plywood where you will drill the bolt holes. Use enough holes that you will secure the mesh to the plywood, but remember that every bolt you add to the plywood will increase the weight of the sand ladders, making them more difficult to maneuver. Err on the side of too few holes in the beginning as you can easily add more.
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4
Set the metal mesh aside. Drill the holes with the drill and appropriate bit size.
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5
Place the metal mesh back on the drilled plywood. Secure the metal mesh to the plywood with the bolts, washers and nuts. Tighten them by hand first and then with the adjustable wrench. Alternate between bolts at opposite sides and opposite ends so that you don't pull the mesh too far in one direction.
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6
Repeat the process for a second sand ladder.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use bolts that are slightly longer than necessary so that you provide some traction for the sand ladder to "grab" the sand.
References
- Photo Credit quad bike image by FotoWorx from Fotolia.com
