From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

Bob La Londe <none@none.com99> writes:

On 10/29/2025 12:38 AM, Richard Smith wrote:

"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> writes:

"Richard Smith" wrote in message news:m1y0ovv17v.fsf@void.com...

Thanks for all suggestions.
The ladder with the "locking hinges" caught attention.

--------------------------------

My neighbor has a 16' z-fold ladder he left outdoors to be rained on
and the locking mechanism doesn't always automatically catch, as
indicated by the red slide snapping inward. Mine is stored folded
double upright inside a shed between the ceiling joists and operates
smoothly.

My feet greatly prefer the square rung version to the round rung one.

I use it to erect a temporary gantry track extension by balancing the
heavy channels on boards across the rungs. After the outer track end
is supported I lift the ladder over the track since it has no
interfering cross bracing like a stepladder. My 16' ladder isn't high
enough to erect horizontal shed beams but would be if I could back my
pickup truck into the intended floor space to raise it. I don't need
to because I have other heavy lifting gear.

With two such ladders (mine + his) supporting a scaffold plank (his)
between them the outside steps significantly extend the working
length, to both ends of a section of gutter. Construction skills and
equipment are common in this neighborhood.

Thanks for the realism on this.

Did you wind up with something like this?

https://www.vevor.com/telescoping-ladder-c_12026/vevor-telescoping-ladder-15-ft-aluminum-one-button-retraction-collapsible-extension-ladder-400-lbs-capacity-with-non-slip-feet-portable-multi-purpose-compact-ladder-for-home-rv-loft-ansi-liste-p_010592496506?emailCoupon=idiCbx0RouG3aYHQczfVNQ==&utm_source=email&utm_medium=emailpromo&utm_campaign=VEVOR_us_regular_9950_2025-10-29_23-00-00

The weight rating was surprisingly high, and with hooks it can hang
out of the way or hang onto a rafter when working making it safer.

HOWEVER, because I live in a place with some of if not the worst solar radiation in the world plastics break down. Even fiberglass ladders
break down if left outside. I have fiberglass ladders I hate to use,
because I itch for days afterwards.

I was suggesting an extension ladder or one half of an extension
ladder. A much more solid device.

--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff

Apologies didn't see this for a while. Been busy on the fence and
pointing the garden wall, in the remaining time before deep late autumn
and winter weather sets-in.

I got a "simple" single-section ladder of just the right length. Found
one available. Ordered mail-order because that had it delivered to the
door. No need to work out how to transport.

Leans at 1-to-4 angle against horizontal timbers,
yet is short enough to go upright against the end-wall to store.

Happy days :-)

I can spin it around about the vertical axis through 180deg at any gap
between the roof trusses, to face the opposite direction.

I am very pleased with the simplicity and light weight.
I am pleased with myself for seeing this simplicity.

Regards,
Rich Smith
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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

"Richard Smith" wrote in message news:m14ir9yh6d.fsf@void.com...
Apologies didn't see this for a while. Been busy on the fence and
pointing the garden wall, in the remaining time before deep late autumn
and winter weather sets-in.

I got a "simple" single-section ladder of just the right length. Found
one available. Ordered mail-order because that had it delivered to the
door. No need to work out how to transport.

Leans at 1-to-4 angle against horizontal timbers,
yet is short enough to go upright against the end-wall to store.

Happy days :-)

I can spin it around about the vertical axis through 180deg at any gap
between the roof trusses, to face the opposite direction.

I am very pleased with the simplicity and light weight.
I am pleased with myself for seeing this simplicity.

Regards,
Rich Smith
-----------------------------------

Despite having two extensions, two 8', two 6' and one 5' step ladders plus a 16' and 12' Z-folders the ones I use most are short ones like yours salvaged from the free damaged ladder.

That quantity is from opportunity rather than intent.

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

"Richard Smith" wrote in message news:m14ir9yh6d.fsf@void.com...

... Ordered mail-order because that had it delivered to the

door. No need to work out how to transport...
Rich Smith

-----------------------------------

My CRV, whose body is a close copy of the Land Rover Freelander 1, has roof rack mounting studs hidden under the roof trim strips above the doors. Other vehicles may also have them in those channels which hide the roof to side
weld seams.

It also has tapped attachment points for rear child seat upper straps hidden under the roof liner ahead of the rear hatch hinge. They aren't marked and have to be found by feel. I added the fittings for general purpose cargo tie-downs to secure weighty machinery I didn't expect to find, such as the
90+ Lb carbide grinder and Champion forge blower.

The only sign these exist is their inclusion in the accessories listing.

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