ladder/ scaffold question

[dshop]

I have several aluminum Warner 12' extension ladders. Would these be safe to use as a low scaffold on top of some sawhorses...planked with plywood as a surface?
I am thinking to use this when setting some brackets and some paint work in the shop.

 

[Dirtydan69]

I wouldn’t. They are not designed for that type of load.

 

[lukedwag]

I have several aluminum Warner 12' extension ladders. Would these be safe to use as a low scaffold on top of some sawhorses...planked with plywood as a surface?
I am thinking to use this when setting some brackets and some paint work in the shop.

If you took 3 of them and had your horses at 10' oc with some 1/2 inch plywoood you will probably be ok. It's not really what a lader was designed for but would probably be ok.

 

[JRC3]

I think you mean Werner and I'm guessing 12' as in a unextended 24' ladder, so it's doubled up. I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Even though ladders are tested by being placed on saw horses and a weight put in the middle of it for a timed test, I wouldn't do it.


On the other hand, I have a nice 2x12 that I use for a plank. Some would probably say not to use that either.

 

[bad_idea]

I suggest getting a couple 2x12s from the lumber yard. If the bounce in the 2x12 bothers you, screw a 2x4 on edge to the underside of the 2x12.

 

[manwithtools]

I know I'll get flamed for this, but none the less. While I was a few pounds lighter then, I used that exact solution many times. I weighed around 150 then. I screwed 4 two by fours side by side to the rungs to make a walk surface. Plywood would work just as well. I only used one section of an extension ladder.

 

[benjamintmiller]

You could make some nice planks out of 2x4s on edge with plywood covering them. I've used 2x12's before and they have a lot of bounce and really aren't wide enough to stand on.

 

[maxpat82]

3 or 4 2x4 for a 4x8 piece of plywood would be way better.

 

[bad_idea]

I was working off a 2x12x12 ran across a couple ladder jacks this afternoon. Worked just fine. I am TERRIFIED of heights and I felt comfortable on the 2x12.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Just go to a local building supply and get a few scaffold planks. That’s what they are for. No knots, good wood and safe for the job.

 

[rharman]

I trust my scaffold plank from Little Giant but I sure wouldn't trust an extension ladder for a scaffold.

 

[Boilerhouse]

I also have the 2 x 12 x 12 plank with two 2 x 4 x 12 side rails to strengthen it. I have used it several times. It is certainly strong enough for me, just not the lightest thing to maneuver around.