Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Ladder Repair (Read 598 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Ladder Repair

Yahoo Message Number: 74704
My rear ladder developed a crack in the bend where it's mounted on the roof. Crack goes around approximately 50% of the circumference. Has anyone repaired an aluminum tube with a "cold weld" or heliarc. I've used "J.B. Weld" on a bunch of stuff but never a thin wall aluminum tube. Going to try the "J.B. today and see how it works, next try will be a real weld. Any other suggestions. I have a list of possible but want to do it as inexpensively (and easy) as possible, but don't want to compromise the strength too much.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Ladder Repair

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74705
I would at least try to sleeve it, inside or outside, before using JB Weld (wonderful stuff by the way, but it, or any adhesive, needs some surface area to stick to). My ladder has an inside sleeve, about 4" each side of a cut, and secured with sheet metal screws on the back side. The strength to shear the stainless screws is massive, probably more than the strength of the tube itself. If your crack is on the curve of the tubing, your options are more difficult, but beefing up the thin tubing is the way to go. You might bend a piece of matching tubing in the same shape, and attach it to the rest of the ladder on a straight section so you can sleeve it.
If it broke on its own, not damaged by an impact, I would look at a new ladder, but that is just cautious old me. I do not heal as well or quickly from falls like I did as a kid. Or you can remove the ladder all together and use a stepladder like I have seen some do - I have an Army buddy that weights about 380#, and he does not trust the light ladder on his class C. I do not blame him.

Jack, 2003 Intrigue 11527, 200#, delicate old bones.

Re: Ladder Repair

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74709
My ladder top was damaged and I simply cut off the vertical shafts about 4 inches above the top step. Also cut the shafts about 3 inches from the top mounting plates. Went to a marine boat fabricator who built T tops from aluminum tube and had him duplicate the damaged cut out sections in a tubing size just large enough to sleeve it. Bolted thru the sections with stainless bolts and lock nuts. Unless you look very closely, you can't tell it's been repaired. Very inexpensive, under $100.
Good luck
 

Re: Ladder Repair

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74868
Finally had time to repair the ladder. The break was on the inside bend, the part that attaches to the roof. I used 1/2Wx1/16 aluminum strip on the inside and outside of the break. Riveted as close to each side of the break as practical. Filled the crack and surrounding area with JB Weld. Prior to installing the ladder the bend felt very rigid. Took pictures if anyone is interested.

Judy n Joe
98 Intrigue