I finally saved for and ordered a set of sectional ladders and a pair of levelers. I’m looking forward to using them.
My question is this: the directions for installing the levelers say to install them over the bottom rung and to aim for 8.5” of extension beyond the ladder leg.
If I install it over the rung I’ll have less than 8.5” of extension. Probably 7” or less.
Is it safe to install it below the ladder rung, closer to the base of the ladder?
If you must put a ladder leveler on your sectional ladders it’s best to use a middle section. They used to set them up and sell them at a window cleaning supply house in California. They used this style ladder leveler. More robust.
They stopped selling them. Liability and insurance issues.
Sectional ladders were designed to be used without levelers or standoffs. I was told by an experienced guy to take my levelers off. He was correct. They work much better without them.
Put the levelers on an extension ladder.
Bought my first set of sectional ladders back in 1975. Designed for window cleaning by window cleaners. Great tool once you understand how to use it.
IT IS NOT AN EXTENSION LADDER.
I’m going to do a test run on a small resi job tomorrow without the levelers and we’ll see how it goes.
And you’re correct, they’re not extension ladders. I’ve been using an extension for the last 4 years. I’ve run into multiple situations where I see the value of the sectionals. That with watching enough YouTube videos on their use I understand their use as a tool.
I don’t know of any window cleaner out here that ever put levelers on there sectionals. First tine I ever saw it is on these forums.
You won’t need them, especially if you have a wfp . Only time you’ll need them inside a house is in a stairway. I’ve turn my sectionals upside down on stairways were I felt it was ok to do. Nothing crazy , an I had someone spot it for me .
One thing to remember when using sectional ladders is that they usually go against the window frame at an angle not under the window perpendicular to the wall like an extension ladder. Because the base of the latter is almost never parallel with the wall you don’t need a ladder levelers The tip is usually placed in the top half of the window on the frame at an angle, on one ladder rail, so the feet can be moved around more to accommodate the uneven landscape…hope that helps.
Exactly , but I’m always so weary of leaning a ladder like that against the wall. With my luck I’ll find the weak spot. So I always want to be on that molding if possible.
I’ve done a similar thing on a couple of jobs. Except I take off the bonnet (there’s grippy rubber on the endcaps), and lean the ladder at a more traditional 4:1 angle, and put a bonnet on the top of each leg.
It’s sorta sketchy, you should never be relying solely on your perfect balance to avoid a fall. But it’s the best way I’ve found to get to those types of windows without dragging along a little junker.
Another quick pointer if you are just starting to use Sectionals. We always have ladder bonnets designated for inside or outside. Designate a couple for inside use only. We wash them in the regular wash cycle. But it’s a very professional touch to always have clean white for indoors.
I haven’t needed it outside, but it would work. I happened to see a painter at a remodel with one and picked it up earlier this year. Really liking it.
I have always used leg levelers on a stack ladder. In fact, until this thread, I’ve never heard of anyone NOT using them on a stack. I couldn’t image not having them, to me they are essential and even though I’ve read the responses here I’m uncertain why anyone would be against them.
Not good !!!
