[simbag]

Hello all,

I have just quoted for a job that has a sloping front pathway, so am looking to you all for advice on successful methods for levelling the ladder so I don't go sliding across the front of the house!
I know there is specific equipment out there, just wondering what the best, and most cost effective method was.
This question is only to those who use ladders currently, as I know exactly what the WFPer's are going to suggest!

Thanks

Simon

[rosskesava]

Yup, the WFP's will post .................

But ......

Ladder mats.

They are black rubber about 8 ins by 4 or 5 ins wide with bobbly bits all over them and they come in 4's and you can use 1, 2, 3 or 4 together and all 4 are about 2 ins thick. So each one is maybe adds half an inch.

They are the dogs wotsits for leveling ladders and ours cost about £25 and we use them day in and day out.

I really recommend them. (or how ever that word is spelt - rather like the word 'commitee'' or however that's pselt)

Almost all cleaning suppliers sell them.

[windows_chepstow]

Yup, laddermats.  They come in a pack of four, held together by a D ring.

I've separated them and always carry two of them in my bucket!

I've seen other window cleaners (and I've done this myself) use bits of wood to level a ladder.  But it doesn't/can't be that safe.

[littlejack]

Did one this morning, it was on a sloping drive way so used the van. Couldn't do that on a front lawn thou.  Then see above posts.

[Stuart Webster]

can anyone recommend a web-site for them?

[rosskesava]

http://www.scrimcity.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=265

[Stuart Webster]

Found one cheaper!

http://cleantech.co.uk/catalogue/product_info.php?products_id=392

[Justin H]

Use an "A" Frame ladder.Surely that's what it's made for.Safest piece of equipment you'll ever buy.
I would never go back to dangerous open topped ladders.
You can use an "A"frame at any angle.well, I do anyway.

[Stuart Webster]

Here's a web site for A frame double ladder.

http://cleantech.co.uk/catalogue/index.php?cPath=29&osCsid=9cbc692bc85509741b86eb9a99729ca1

[simbag]

Thanks all!

Time to go shopping again!

Use an "A" Frame ladder.Surely that's what it's made for.Safest piece of equipment you'll ever buy.
I would never go back to dangerous open topped ladders.
You can use an "A"frame at any angle.well, I do anyway.

Surely, you still lean to one side no matter if its open, or A frame??

[Justin H]

An A Frame doesn't lean to one side because it only has one contact point at the top.
You lean the ladder against part of the frame & the rubber bung at the point has a groove which helps to hold the ladder to the frame.
Easy once you get the hang of it & no chance of the metal ladder on plastic window sill making you slide off.
The feel of the wide feet make you feel safer also.No chance of the ladder buckling.

[rosskesava]

Hi Justin

I usually do all the ground floor stuff (there's 3 of us) and I use a 7' 6" A frame and swear by it.

On the odd times I use an ordinary ladder for higher work I really notice the lack of 'solidness'.

Do you use an A frame for 1st floor work as I've seen a 14' one in our local suppliers?

I know you can get an attatchment that turns an ordinary ladder into an A frame at the top (but not at the bottom) but I've never heard of any one who uses one as on the first floor you can't get the same reach from the side as you can from the middle.

Any ideas or thoughts on that?

Cheers

Ross

[Justin H]

I wouldn't want to use one without having the splayed feet.That's what gives it that secure feeling.
I've never heard of a frame add ons?.
I use two different sized A frames.One is a metre longer and about double the weight.
I've just loaded it up for tomorrow as I have a pretty awkward couple of windows which this ladder can reach nice & safely no probs.