I just got my metallic sectional ladder I intend on going up four and a half sections when I need to also anything in between that and the ground. It was my first time installing the levelers and I got the Louisville ones. ANYWAY I think I may have overtightened them because the inner frame of my ladder where the bolts are tightened very very slightly I mean so slight you can’t almost tell …bent. I stood on it and it seemed fine. Anyone think this is a safety concern or is it cool to use. I have to use it tomorrow for a big job so I might not see this unless you reply in the morning early. I mean its like if you push on a coke can with your thumb and barely barely see an indentation. Will this damage the structural integrity when I go up high?
Can you upload a pic so we can have a look?
Nobody is going to say they’re fine without actually seeing them, but sectionals can take a pretty good beating.
I’ve never climbed stack ladders w/o leg levels on them.
I have never used sectionals but I do know that Aluminum does not have a memory like steel so if you try and bend it back it will not reposition in the same location which could be an issue depending on the severity. I would send a few pictures so that those who have more experience with these types of ladders can help you to make an informed decision as to the potential safety issue of your ladder.
Randy hit the nail on the head. Aluminum is weakened when it’s deformed in any way. Take an aluminum can and stack books on it till it crushes. Now take another can and put a little dent in one side and repeat. You’ll be surprised how many fewer books you can stack on it.
This has less to do with the material and more to do with the structure. As I understand, a circle (or can) is the most structurally sound shape as it disperses the weight load evenly. When you bend the side, you are compromising the structural integrity, not the material integrity. I could be wrong. I encountered the same issue with my sectionals as I over tightened and forced some dimpling. I have been using them for 2 years and without issue, but I would upload a picture to get more input before taking my word on it.
thanks a lot rick this answers my question perfectly i put “dimpling in them” i have used them so far no issues. Thank you so much if i took a picture i doubt you could even see the “dimpling” because it is only visible to the naked eye because it is so very slight. Thank you thank you.
Hey buddy I have 3 stack ladders all 5 and a half pieces I don’t think there will be an issue trust I have been using these ladders for years and they are way stronger then you think by any chance do you have any pics of them, maybe it will help paint a picture for us, but in all honesty I don’t think you should be worried
I have used stack ladders with levelers just fine… Was looking at some today and come across a leveling system called “Guardian Basemate Ladder Stabilizer” look it up. theres a video on youtube … to me the new and improved looks safer and passed it over to my boss wanting him to buy it. He asked me today if I could have one ladder what would it be??? I said a STACK LADDER they can be used in so many ways.
cool.
I have a basemate unfortunately it does not fit on the stack ladders. I do use the basemate on our extention ladders and I like it, but don’t buy it thinking you can use it on the stacks.
I agree that these ladders are very strong and can handle a lot of abuse. I have a denver sectional that i have been working with for over 15 years almost on a daily basis. it is just now starting to wear out. i have had 3 or 4 different levelers on it and never had a problem.
Alaco stop manufacturing the denver sectional so now i will need to buy a erect a set. but i am confident that is just as durable as the denver sectional. all though i have to say i am going to miss the foot increments that the denver sectional allows.
my new ladder will have levelers on it they are a must if you are concerned about saftey
