how come not many know what they are or use ladder spikes.?
matt has just got the point ( :
) with spikes. they always go between the gaps of slabs, cobbles, gap in the decking, gardens with big pebbles or slate pieces. block pave drives. grass..... i used to climb almost horizontal on some jobs, how about this. ICE ! bang the ladder down hard onto the ice and the spikes dig in. (extra care needed obviously)
work on the principle of PSI, like a stilletto i s'pose.
full spikes are about 2-3" points
half spikes or flat spikes are thin and wide taper like the ones in the dog muck thread