Point was, the lawsuit doesn’t make the product.
All it takes is an “ambitious” person to create havoc on a company.
So, I’m really bummed there is only 1 option (metallic) on the market. Today I stacked 4 sections and used ALL my strength to pry the F**ing top middle and top sections off the base. I was furious and have been lamenting the Alaco stackable ladder lines passing. I want to know who sues these companies? Are they window cleaners like you and me? If so, that’s bullsht. Is it your average everyday consumer? If so, I highly doubt they would invest in a set of ladder that costs $1000+ for a full set. I’ve been thinking about doing exactly what you are discouraging and finding somebody who can build these things again but beyond the liability, what are the patent issues that we would be facing? If I could, I would spend $2000 just to get a set again and I would love for window cleaners ONLY to have these things. People like you and me who can appreciate this ladder system. But things get into the wrong hands sometimes via selling the ladder, employees using the ladder, I get that. I’d have employees sign a waiver. It’s just so frustrating that these assholes have to ruin it for everyone. This ladder system isn’t for everybody but it literally saves me SO MUCH TIME on the job to have Alaco’s.
Rant over, sorry. It just pisses me off that I haven’t found a set on Craigslist in almost a year (in 4 surrounding states!) while my friend got a call locally asking if he wanted a set from a guy selling his equipment (go figure).
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It is frustrating. Unfortunately, I believe that a lot of the litigation over accidental injuries is completely out of the control of the victims. Many times it is the victim’s insurance that is looking for a scapegoat. Your insurance company may be nice and easy to deal with when you have a small claim, but throw a 100k+ accident their way, and they’ll do almost anything to make sure someone else pays the bill.
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I never had a set of Alaco stack ladders but I have a training video and got to see a set up close being set up and taken down. That’s when I knew the metallic ladders I owned needed some “modifications”. No problem. Now they slide apart easily, like Alacos, and are a pure pleasure to use.
On a side note: i think a monkey could handle the modification project of turning a six foot base into four foot middle section as long as you didn’t expect him to read the instructions.
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Are you calling my friend Alex a monkey 
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No. Just trying to build confidence in people who don’t think they could modify a base section. I’m not talking about a regular monkey here it would have to be a really smart monkey. 
Like this monkey. He works for a competitor
I think that was a dig on my overly complex tutorial, lol…
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Didn’t know there was a tutorial.
Hey Mike,
What adjustments did you make to your metallic ladder set to make them easier to slide on and off?
The ladder company does not recommended modifications on their ladders because technically the ladder would no longer be safe for EVERYONE to use. They are extremely snug so they won’t pull apart by accident.
My method of creating less pressure between the ladder rails is not the best option in my opinion. I wouldn’t recommend it. Other people thought of better ways to create less pressure in a brainstorming session on this forum. My idea of fileing down the rivet heads was thought of before the discussion took place. On a side note: my ladder is no longer safe for EVERYONE to use.
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This is like having a dull knife so you don’t cut yourself. Makes no sense. A dull knife is more dangerous because it requires more effort. Same goes for a snug ladder.
The locking pins are meant to keep the ladder from pulling apart. The over-snugness is a design flaw, plain and simple.
And for the record, I’m not trying to debate you, Mike. I have a pretty good feeling these are already your personal thoughts on the matter. I’m just taking issue with the views of Metallic Ladder Co. and the safety orgs in general.
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Yes it makes no sense. The ladder company did what they had to do. If you get sued because the ladders spontaneously come apart, snugging them up and adding pins solves the getting sued problem. Now the ladder company won’t get sued. The “design problem” has been solved.
My ladders have been modified therefore they are no longer safe for EVERYONE to use BUT they function perfectly as far as I am concerned. No pins either by the way. For me they are a safer ladder but that’s only because I’m not an idiot. Only a complete dolt would have problems with the ladders coming apart. OK I said it!
Back to the OP. The modification you have in mind sounds like a good idea even for $400. I’d rather clean windows to earn the money to have you do the job perfectly than screw around modifying the ladder myself. Remember that smart monkey I was talking about earlier. I’m not sure if he’d get it right on the very first attempt. lol
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Hey Alex,
Came accost this thread. I am in desperate need of another half piece. In my opinion, the stack ladders are useless without them. Would you still be willing to make one for a fellow owner operator? I’ll literally write you a blank check lol.
Or, if you know of a tutorial on making one somewhere, that would be fantastic.
Thanks!
Here’s my build thread. How to build a half section for Metallic ladder and other stuff about what you're doing with a rained out day. :D - #25 by Infinity
It’s a little discombobulated and stream of consciousness, but it should get you on the right track. Unfortunately I haven’t got the time to make one right now, and Chris’ comments about liability have sort of discouraged me from this endeavor, as well. Let me know if you need any help with the project, though.
And I’ll mention it here again: this is a definite “at your own risk” project. I’m not advising anyone to try this at home 
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Just don’t forget the old carpenter slogan. “Measure twice and cut once.” Haha
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Oh. I cut twice and then remeasure. And after I cut the piece it’s still too short.
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