Get someone to hold the bottom of the ladder, the larger the person, the better. Take the time to inspect your ladder for damage, check the ladder for the proper angle, feet securely in place, etc. Practicing ladder safety goes a long way. I use a 28-foot extension ladder without stabilizers.
I really like my Ladder Max. It is one of few (or maybe the only one), that is designed and rated to rest on the roof also. This lets you get up higher, or access the roof without leaning the ladder against the gutters. It is available online, I haven't seen it at any stores.
If a relatively short ladder like that is wobbly, then you might have a lightweight "homeowner's" ladder or you're a big guy. A ladder with a higher rating is much stiffer and less scary. Yes, it's heavier and more expensive, but there are always trade offs.
The ladder stabilizer helps with bridging windows, reaching onto a roof and giving a wider, more stable stance at the top. It won't help with wobbly/bouncy.
I too have a Werner ladder and never feel comfortable each time I use it. My main worry is the ladder mover sideways, if the ground is not even and even if the ground is even, it will move sideway if I try to out stretch on either side of the ladder. Last year as I watched my contractor repaired the roof, gutters and paints the exterior of the house, I am convinced so I bought a Werner's ladder stabilizes. There are two types available, one more expensive quick removable type and the cheaper one bolt on, which I paid about $21 at HD.
I believe the $21 was well spend and a cheap insurance against permanent disables.
: Wow, I know that this is an old discussion, but I found it today while searching for safety equipment, and figured I'd share what we use at our company. We're currently using stablebase stabilizers, and we've been very happy with them. Like the ladder-max, I don't think they sell them in stores, but we were able to order through the stablebase website or by calling the company. Their website is
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to all the daring people out there that use extension ladders. we make devices that take the daring out of ladder use and instill confidence enjoy frank
Hi, I used 32' extension pro quality Al. ladder painting 2 story house once without stabilizer. No matter what, if one is not safety conscious at all times that is accident in waiting. I retired from a career where safety engineer could fire one of us on the spot if we do not follow safety rules. There is no such thing as too much safety. Time to hang X-mas lights?
I think so. Yes, you still have to pay attention, and not lean far from center. And try not to break 2nd floor windows.
I borrowed an aluminum extension ladder and when I returned the ladder, I left the U-shaped thing on. My friend returned it to me. Didnt' want it. OTOH, he's the proper weight for his height, maybe 160, very nimble, in college used to run a 4:10 mile, and was in great shape at age 67. (Now he's 77 and starting to feel it a little, though he works just as hard.)
They work best with windows that are narrower than they are.
I don't know. I found mine in the trash, and I don't know what brand it is. This was when I found out that neither HD nor Lowes sells square U-bolts. But Ace Hardware has 16 sizes.
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