Potential ladder failure

[DRM901]

Recently had the bottom half of our ladder fail at the point where the hooks attach to the top half of the ladder. (Luckily, only on the 2nd step at the time. )

Turns out the only thing holding that bolt on the hook is a jam washer inside the ladder. It seems the steel is somewhat brittle. Mine simply broke the jam tabs.

I fixed this by inserting a 7/8"x4" solid aluminum rod to the ladder and bolted it though. Threaded a hole down the middle for the hooks. I also threaded the smaller through hole so I could put loctite on that bolt as well as the large bolt on the end.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by DRM901

Recently had the bottom half of our ladder fail at the point where the hooks attach to the top half of the ladder. (Luckily, only on the 2nd step at the time. )

Turns out the only thing holding that bolt on the hook is a jam washer inside the ladder. It seems the steel is somewhat brittle. Mine simply broke the jam tabs.

I fixed this by inserting a 7/8"x4" solid aluminum rod to the ladder and bolted it though. Threaded a hole down the middle for the hooks. I also threaded the smaller through hole so I could put loctite on that bolt as well as the large bolt on the end. Attachment 324296Attachment 324297

These guys have parts.

[DRM901]

I didn't think that was a well engineered solution.