Sometimes when I work on windows or exterior trim I find myself lacking the appropriate ladder. In accordance with Murphy’s law, an extension ladder is too long, and a stepladder propped against the wall ends up too close to the job to work comfortably. Under these conditions, I use a sturdy 2×12 standoff, 18 in. long.
I use a pair of short bar clamps to secure the 2×12 to the top shelf of the ladder, as shown in the drawing. The standoff transfers the force of the ladder to the wall, and gives me room to maneuver around the task. As a bonus, the standoff makes a handy shelf for tools and materials.
—David Nauman, Marlboro, VT
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #42
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View Comments
You can always hope no one from OSHA happens to drive by.
Can anyone explain to me why a stepladder leaned against a wall is more dangerous than a straight ladder, as long as you observe the 4:1 rule for angle?
Am wondering about the clamps slipping. Perhaps drilling two or three holes through the standoff and the top step, then dropping bolts with washers and nuts through the holes, would give a more secure standoff.