Are Double Ladders The Wrong Way Round?

When descending a double extension ladder, the rung of the lower section is nearer the wall than the rung you are stepping from. This can seem strange, but this is the correct way for the ladder to be used. So, why do double ladders operate this way?

Using A Double Ladder

You lean an extending ladder against the supporting wall with the bottom of the ladder. This is the part that rests on the ground nearest the wall. You then raise the extending part of the ladder and secure it to the lower section with the brackets, so that it reaches to the height required.

Once in place, the extension now begins some way up the ladder. You will have to step out as you climb the ladder and your feet will touch both parts of the ladder at each rung. When coming back down, you will reach that point where you have to step towards the wall, back onto the single rung of the bottom part of the ladder.

Fundamentals

All double and triple extension ladders work this way round. The lowest part of the ladder is always closest to the wall. The reason ladders operate this way is simple if you visualise the process of putting the ladder against the wall.

Practical Design

Imagine standing facing the wall. Holding the ladder, you have the extension nearest to you. To extend the ladder to the required height, you must first take hold of one rung of the extension and slide it upwards. It should slide easily along the side rails. There are brackets attached to the extension piece which enable you to hook the two ladder pieces together securely at whatever height you need, simply by locating the brackets and attaching onto one of the rungs of the bottom part.

If you were standing with the extending part of the ladder nearer the wall, you would have to reach through the rungs and raise the part nearer the wall, and the bottom part of the ladder (nearest you) would get in the way. So that's why you have to step nearer the wall when descending a double extension ladder.

Joelle, Sterk Systems