Easy, 50 Cent Extension Ladder Stand-Offs

[timothymanzella]

Strange feedback for this video once again.

[OK55OK55OK]

Man you could drill a dozen holes in that channel, and you will never have a problem with it's strength. Not from drilling a few holes in it. BUT, a small C- Clamp would solve that problem, and be easier too. No screws to mess with, no drill bit, no comments saying you're destroying the strength of the ladder. Problem solved.

[OK55OK55OK]

There's many ways to attach the stand off to the ladder, but, it seems to me that the easiest way is simply a very small 2" C-Clamp. what could be simpler? It won't be in the way of anything at all, if you place the screw end to the outside of the ladder. It's a good idea, but, you have a VERY small amount of space to set at the top of the facia board. And you said you were changing out the facia? and gutter? How ya gonna to that when your ladder is leaning on it?...

[iceman62011]

Drilling a small hole reduces the moment of ineria by less than 0.0023 in^4. Concerned about penetration, consider the holes for the rungs. They are huge by comparison. Epoxy a bushing in the hole to beef it up; use a 3/8-inch hex bolt with a smooth shank. The majority of the load on the ladder is in compression thru the legs with less than 10% of the load applied to the standoffs, my 220 lbs in the legs leaves 10 lbs on each of the standoffs with 1 sq in contact is 10 psi. Do the math.

[OK55OK55OK]

just c-clamp it.

[bdad3]

Any modifications to ladder channels, i.e. hole drilling, even the smallest of holes, would probably cause great concern to your insurance company in the event of a fall. Attaching the extensions permanently would also affect how your ladder would be able to fully retract. I like your idea, however, I think modifications, such as an all-thread, or bungee cord, on either side of the rail which would allow removal and/or adjustments on-the-fly should be tested.

[G58]

@bdad3 I totally agree with you. You should never drill extruded aluminium section & expect it to maintain the same strength. Why? Because it simply can't. To add to your very valid insurance related concerns, in the event of any sideways pressure on the stand-offs, the likelihood is that the SINGLE wood-screw will work lose & tear out. Whilst I still think this is a dangerous solution, 2 screws and a 2 thick washers would at least add strength to the job. But you still have holes in a ladder

[blueskies4now]

great idea, thanks for sharing. would like to see the 2x4's meet the house. that would help decide if me, a home diy'er, would think it would be safe for me.

[geordyo]

A very useful tip.Thank you