This site is currently running a ‘tip’ for making a drill holder for your ladder. I think my objections are serious enough to merit a thread here.
There’s no doubt that there is very real need for a place to put your ‘stuff’ while working from a ladder. IMO, ladder makers have been terribly slack in this matter.
Why? Well, I blame acertain mindset – one that freezes out initiative, using the one-two punch of regulation and lawsuits. In that climate, no one is evergoing to do anything the least bit different; I’ve even seen folks argue the ‘legality’ of different ladder colors!
Ever wonder why so many ladders lack the ‘pail shelf’ that was once standard?
Still, we must recognize the very bold steps taken by Werner to address the shortcomings of ladder tool handling.
That’s where the posted tip really falls flat- it ignores a much better solution.
Well, what’s wrong with the tip? My first issue is with the instruction to drill some holes in the ladder. I’m not sure I want to do that with something I stand on! OK, I’ve seen folks avoid drilling holes, attaching the pipe with hose clamps or zip ties. What else is lacking?
The attached pipe is limited to holding tools that are shaped like the drill. If your tool is a saws-it-all, a multimaster, or even a pair of pliers, you’re out of luck. The attached pipe also interferes with ladder transport and storage.
What does Werner do differently?
Werner has added a pair of round slots to their ladder tops. These slots can accept matgching pegs, like those mounted to their ‘job bucket.’ Most anything can go in that bucket. The tapered slots also accept the ‘tool lasso.’
The tool lasso was invented outside of Werner. It’s a ball on a looped string that you attach to your tool. Anything you can tie a string to, you can hang with the tool lasso.
Now, that’s truly a better way!