How do you stop it creaking?
I guess it's just stiction in the joints between the treads and rails.
Creaking Ali Extension Ladder
Apr 29, 2020
Last reply: 6 years ago
32 Replies
WD-40 of course!
Avoid climbing it! :-)
Fewer calories ?
Bang a conical wedge into the ends of the rungs to tighten them.
Bill
No ordinary two section sliding extension ladder.
Chap down the road put the ladder on its side, one section at a time, then gently peened out the end of the rungs to remove play. Silenced it and re-rigidified (Bushism) it.
Stop shovelling so much food into your mouth.
None of mine creak.
The rungs aren't round but a reuleaux triangle with rounded points. A conical wedge would tighten the centers of each side to the outside of the box section rail.
Tempted, it has to be useful for something.
If my aluminium ladder creaked I'd replace it pdq.
There used to be a kind of dry lubricant that used to work for ally, Not sure what it was called but very laborious to apply as I recall.
Brian
Why?
Personally, in case it unzips into a collection of short and a couple of long pieces of aluminium. Even one rung giving way could be embarrasing.
Its not going to do that just because its creaking.
Its not going to do that just because its creaking.
Ali ladders don't do that. Wooden ones can, but only in extremis. Creaking is normal with ali ladders. If you're worried just test it with some excess weight.
NT
That's exactly what I meant. I just used fewer words.
Bill
Yes they usually are, although sometimes with one face flat. Make a wedge the right shape. This does work. I've had to do it countless times in my half century of TV aerial installation!
Bill
No, waste of money. The test is to fully extend the ladder and assess how much it deflects when you climb it. Also is there significant sideways bending?
Bill
That doesn't happen. Ever.
Bill
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