How is the ladder attached?

[HarveyP]

Hi, my ladder is now loose at the point of attachment at the bottom and on one of the mid-point fasteners. How is is supposed to be attached? Any help will be appreciated, Thanks, HarveyP

[38 Special]

Do a search on "Star Fangled Nut".

Here is one result:

Park Tool Co. » ParkTool Blog » Star Fangled Nut Installation

[HarveyP]

Thanks 38Special. That tool appears to be one used in the bicycle world. I wonder if there are different diameter parts available. I'll start googling. Anyone else have experience or info? Thanks to all of you, HarveyP

[HR-TX]

You have probably long since fixed this, but in case anyone else is looking... under the ladder step is a model number plate and manufacturer. I called them directly and they sent me the star nuts. I bought replacement stainless screws from the local hardware.

I replaced all of them and it took about 2 hours total.

Good luck!

[Theberrys]

I'm guessing you’re talking about the attachment to the rear cap. I just replaced the rear cap on my coach so I got to see in detail how the ladder was attached. When the cap is made pieces of plywood are fibreglassed in at the ladder attach points then self tapping screws are driven into the plywood like a small lag bolt. I was able to access the back side of the cap and have installed these to insure against pull out. http://www.mcmaster.com/#tee-nuts/=bk1bo0 Over the years the plywood has deteriorated to the point the screws just don't hold any more. It's not bad enough to need replacing but a better fastener is sure in order.

If you don't have access to the rear side you can use one of these to secure it. http://www.mcmaster.com/#steel-rivet-nuts/=bk1h6d You'll need to determine the thickness of the material at the attach point. These go up to about 1/2 inch with a 1/4-20 thread and that should be plenty to secure the ladder. If worse comes to worse then a regular toggle bolt will hold it securely.
I'm guessing you’re talking about the attachment to the rear cap. I just replaced the rear cap on my coach so I got to see in detail how the ladder was attached. When the cap is made pieces of plywood are fibreglassed in at the ladder attach points then self tapping screws are driven into the plywood like a small lag bolt. I was able to access the back side of the cap and have installed these to insure against pull out. http://www.mcmaster.com/#tee-nuts/=bk1bo0 Over the years the plywood has deteriorated to the point the screws just don't hold any more. It's not bad enough to need replacing but a better fastener is sure in order.

If you don't have access to the rear side you can use one of these to secure it. http://www.mcmaster.com/#steel-rivet-nuts/=bk1h6d You'll need to determine the thickness of the material at the attach point. These go up to about 1/2 inch with a 1/4-20 thread and that should be plenty to secure the ladder. If worse comes to worse then a regular toggle bolt will hold it securely.
McMaster-Carr
Dick

Dick