Simple question - are combination ladders safe when fully unfolded - e.g. when used for reaching windows or roof on the exterior of a building. My fear is always that the hinge mechanism will give-way and it will fold when I am standing at the top. Can this happen or is there some safety mechanism to prevent it? This is the type I mean :- https://www.screwfix.com/p/aluminium-ladder-w-platform-4-section-4-x-3-rungs-3-34m/5621p
Depends on the type, would never use the hinge type, seen two nasty accidents with them collapsing while in use. I have a 3 section glassfibre push up 4 way combination ladder, makes steps, stairs, extending stepladder & extension ladder. Similar to this. https://www.ladderstore.com/ladders...ders/youngman-trade-4-way-combination-ladders USA linky about accidents, worth reading. http://safetyengineeringresources.com/2009FC22.htm
If you buy from a decent source and if the ladders are certified for use extended and the instructions say you can, then you are pretty safe to assume they are OK. Just make sure you follow the correct safety instructions in the manual. No UK supplier is going to risk putting a ladder in to the market that might collapse when used as directed.
Never had a problem, I do check the hinge is working as it should and lubricate the hinge mechanism every now and then to ensure smooth operation.
The thing that freaks people out when using aluminium ladders, be they hinged or sectioned is the amount they flex and creak when using them ! Usually when you get half way up then they suddenly give a big flex and metallic shriek then you think they’re deffo gonna give way More so the lighter weight versions aimed at us diyers or price sensitive folk I’ve got a similiar set (not from SF) and once you get to grips with the differant combinations, you can get them into more positions than a Thai Lady Boy (Don’t ask me how I know)
Well lads....... many years ago..... me and my new wife went to Thailand for our honeymoon A strange choice of location maybe for such a romantic time in our lives and my dear brother pointed this out in his best mans speach, saying; ‘What an unusual thing to do on ones honeymoon - Ban Cock’ Anyway, that divided the hall with half in fits of laughter and the other half looking stoney faced and the new MIL looking like she could kill (not changed much in the last 20 years actually) Anyway ....... sorry guys, Mrs is calling me in for supper, must go
That's a lovely story Dave but you still got out of explaining how you're so well versed in the numerous kinetic motions of a Thai lady with a third leg, did she own the same set of ladders perhaps.........?
What happened in Thailand stays in Thailand .......... and it was a long time ago so the memory fades a little Now ....back to those combi ladders