Folding Ladder !

Intro: Folding Ladder !

Hi Everybody!

The goal behind this instructable or project was. Making a simple fold up ladder. Here in the Netherlands aluminium ladder cost about 100 euro's that is quite a tall price.
So making a ladder is a praktical choice, the weight is higher but that provides some stability when using the ladder.

If you are interested I sell plans and dimensions for this project via my website:

www.seamm.nl

STEP 1: Material

The material I used were four spruce boards of 18x150 mm (3/4x6") and two 44x94 (2x4"). The ladder was going to have 5 steps. So all four boards could be around 2 meters (7').

STEP 2: Measuring and Cutting Sides

First real step was cutting the sides from the 18x150 mm (3/4x6"). The important step was to cut the angle of the A-frame on the top and the bottom in the same direction.
I cut two boards at the same time, saving some time. Cutting four at the same time would also be quick ofcourse.

STEP 3: Cutting Steps

With cutting the steps you can deside how wide you would like the ladder. In my case I made them a bit side So I could climb easily and with some practice without hands :p

Cutting here the two boards at the same time made measuring quicker.

STEP 4: Layout the Steps

The next thing to do was making a layout where the steps were attached on the sides. I used a large protractor to make this easy.

STEP 5: Attaching Steps

The first step was a bit awkward when attaching. But after that the side were hold in position and pre drilling and then screwing the steps were easy.
Per step I used four screws. For my weight two screw loaded in the shear direction is more than enough strength.

STEP 6: Attaching Hinges

To keep the two ladder halves together I used two large hinges. These were attached from below on the top-step. Useing two large hinges were very important because they give stability and strength to the connection between the ladders.

The last step were attaching chains to the bottom steps. This prevents them sliding away from each other on a smooth surface.

STEP 7: Testing!

And now of cource testing the ladder!
The ladder feels sturdy and i am happy how it functions! At first the hinges were a bit stiff but that went away.

I hope you could enjoy this little instructable and it inspires you!

Comments

[obillo]

That's a nice-looking ladder, Sebastiaan, but I am concerned that it may not be safe in long-term use. First, since you have nice, thick pieces for the top, I think you'd be better off fastening the hinges with through-bolts (carriage bolts or similar) rather than wood screws. Second, your steps seem suspect--at least, I wouldn't trust them long term. All you've got to secure them are four skinny wood screws run into end grain. My experience is that screws don't hold well in end grain. And they appear to be drywall screws, which are untrustworthy in structural uses. Since you have already installed the steps I propose that you strengthen them: screw and glue cleats underneath the ends of each step, then screw the steps to the cleats. That shouldn't take you much more than an hour. Third, you have steps on both sides. I suggest replacing one set of steps with X-bracing for rigidity and stability.

[Sebastiaan Mollema]

Hi Obillo, Thanks for the comment and suggestions! Those are very helpfull!