Fiberglass ladder repair

[KMdef9]

If the fiberglass is cracked, is this possible?

Really good deal on CL for a Werner extension ladder, only problem is there's a crack in it.

I don't have pictures of the severity, just curious if it could be repaired. I know I need this information before a specific repair can be formulated. Just trying to see if I should waste the gas to go out there.

Can I just buy some flat metal stock and make a plate, drill several holes, and mount the plate? Obviously depending on location.

Automotive fiberglass repair isn't as strong as what the ladder is made out of, correct?




Thanks in advance.

 

[CoogarXR]

I wouldn't buy it. Not trying to be a ****, but why take a chance?

 

[Fcvapor05]

If the fiberglass is cracked, is this possible?

Really good deal on CL for a Werner extension ladder, only problem is there's a crack in it.

I don't have pictures of the severity, just curious if it could be repaired. I know I need this information before a specific repair can be formulated. Just trying to see if I should waste the gas to go out there.

Can I just buy some flat metal stock and make a plate, drill several holes, and mount the plate? Obviously depending on location.

Automotive fiberglass repair isn't as strong as what the ladder is made out of, correct?




Thanks in advance.

I'd go with no.

Any crack in a structural fiberglass part is going to grow no matter how you try and repair it.

 

[Git]

Hmmmm

Cracked ladder = possibly cracked bones = pass

 

[dadsEH]

It's on CL for a very good reason.

 

[creativecars]

I have repaired a lot of fiberglass and I am sure I can make it look as good as new.
But do I want to be 20 feet up trying trim a limb off, standing on a repaired ladder... NO.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Run dude...

 

[jallyn]

Cracked ladder must be destroyed by OSHA regulations. This was policy at foundries I've managed maintenance for. Would do the same at home.

 

[rlitman]

Cracked ladder must be destroyed by OSHA regulations. This was policy at foundries I've managed maintenance for. Would do the same at home.

He may not be an OSHA shop, but yeah, repairs on ladders by anyone are a bad idea.

 

[mattblast]

When we get a ladder with any damage on the rail we sent it right back. Do not use or repair this ladder. It should be cut up into pieces and discarded.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

If it was mine I'd try and fix it, depending on the damage and what I used it for.
I wouldn't acquire one with the intention of repairing it unless someone paid me to haul it away.

 

[Thumper68]

Yes you can repair it, would I? No unless the damage is at the bottom or top, then you can cut off the damaged section and re rivet the hardware.

Not just blowing that last part out my ***, we had our ladder inspected and repaired by a company that does this and I saw them trim a few inches off the bottom to remove small cracks. I have seen the same guy down check and send for destruction a ladder that had a slight twist from a fall.

 

[Milton Shaw]

I have re-nailed attic ladders but would never think about repairing a fiberglass that would possibly kill me if it failed. What is your life worth compared cost of a ladder. Bad idea cut it up to keep anyone else from using and throw it away. If just the bottom part of a folding step ladder was broken you might be able to cut it down to make a shorty and reuse the feet of the other one. One think I will tell you they don't survive falling out of a pickup on the interstate in rush hour traffic. They really can cover a lot of pavement before they are completely flat and destroyed.

 

[MoonRise]

Cracked ladder = scrap

Don't fix or try to fix a ladder. It's not 'allowed', and not a good idea either.

Any 'damaged' ladder is supposed to be cut up or otherwise 'destroyed' so that someone doesn't even try and get the idea to 'fix' it.

Replace the rope on an extension ladder? Sure. Replace the feet or such? Sure.

Attempt to repair the actual ladder structure (frame or rungs)? Nope.

(note that there are ladder repair companies that are 'allowed' to maybe repair a damaged ladder. They have the 'know how', and more importantly the insurance to cover the liability of repairing a ladder. And technically, a damaged ladder must be marked and/or tagged and taken out of service for repair or destruction. Most places just skip the entire 'repair' part and just mark/tag and destroy any damaged ladder to avoid any possible liability.)

Even a 'good' ladder costs less brand new than one trip to the ER.

Need a ladder? Go buy a brand new one. Of the appropriate size, type, and material for your needs.

 

[KMdef9]

Might low ball them, bad, and see if I can find another damaged ladder and swap parts.

Thanks guys.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Why risk it... how often are you buying a ladder?

 

[danski0224]

It can't be any more difficult than welding up a hole on an air compressor tank connected to PVC air lines, so why not?

 

[rlitman]

It can't be any more difficult than welding up a hole on an air compressor tank connected to PVC air lines, so why not?

Don't you need some sort of ARGH stamp to do fiberglass welding though?

 

[mbatarga]

well - depending on the price, maybe the extension ladder section that is damaged can be removed so you then have a ladder for half the height?

 

[egnorant]

I had thoughts of repairing a ladder but my loving brother took it into the yard and ran over it several times with the tractor. He works every day on ladders and just said NO!!
He just caught the look in my eye that hinted at me repairing it so he took the option away.

Ladders are scary enough! Plus my next door neighbor is in a wheelchair from a good ladder so I kick in all my paranoia.

Bruce

 

[ddawg16]

I too agree....skip it.

The main problem....once fiberglass starts to crack, you can have cracks you don't see....until if gives way.......usually when you are on top....

I've fallen off a 4' ladder....it hurt a LOT. Bruised ribs.

 

[countryroad82]

Repaired ladder= bad! Don't do it! I've cut up a many of 'good' ladders that probably could have been fixed for small uses, but why take the chance? Run dude. Just run.