Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Ian Mason on February 09, 2010, 02:27:28 pm
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Hi all,
I have been reading about ladder spikes on another forum, & there was mention that they are not meant to be used on extension ladders?
I want to use a 3.5 mtr double, for a maximium of 1st floor windows only, so what would be best, articulated feet, spikes, or Rojak stopper?
Many thanks,
Ian.
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My opinion is articulated feet. In reality the rubber feet the ladder comes with are enough, as the area of contact isn't what counts, its the coefficient of friction between the foot and whatever it's standing on that decides if it will slip or not.
Articulated feet are a very good compromise between no additional protection and the cumbersome problem of carrying around a separate platform (stopper).
It makes no difference that the stopper is not actually attached to the ladder feet, it is no more effective than a pair of rubber swivel feet, and possibly less so as a flat platform cannot sit comfortably on uneven ground, whereas two feet can accomodate some variation in level.
The important thing is how the ladder is set - if it's a 'proper' window cleaning ladder you can set it firmly in almost any situation - i.e. it cannot 'rock' as an open ended ladder will if all four ends are not in contact with the wall/ground.
Spikes I cannot comment on as I've never used them, but I imagine they could be very useful on slimy decking.
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I use articulated feet on all my ladders. I think they are very good. I don't have any experience with the Rojak stopper or spikes.
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i use the rojak and find it good on smooth surfaces like stone flags etc.but i would never use ladders on wet decking/gravel/imprinted concrete etc.i use an extension pole instead.better safe than sorry! ;D ;D
regards
dazmond
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Articulated rubber feet for me. As ian says the Rojak not as good on unevan surfaces.
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Hi,
Very many thanks for the replies!
I think I shall go for the articulated feet, & I have a Ettore pole for the dodgy hard to reach ones.
Ian.
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Articulated rubber feet for me. As ian says the Rojak not as good on unevan surfaces.
I don`t think I have ever been on a forum before where there are soooo many Ian`s :)
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spikes all the way tried the feet for 2 weeks but after sliding down a wall i took them off and put spikes on
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Spikes for me ON decking you put them is the gaps between timber you cannot beat them.In soil the dig in in drive ways you set them ina 1/2 inch and that ladder is going no wear. If you feel you dom not need them just set them back up the side of the ladder and they are not expensive.all round the besat safty dor ladder.I di not know were you cannot ust them ona double I also have them on a triple.The feel the trix is to set them correct for the surface.
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Hi Stan & Wizard,
Thanks for replying as users of spikes.
I have found 2 types of spikes made by Hailo, & I am wondering if this has caused confusion on the other forum, because posters have questioned whether to fit the spikes on the side you climb, or the opposite side?
Which are the types that you refer to?
http://www.ladderstore.com/ladder-spikes-p-627.html
or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/-Hailo-Safety-Stability-Ladder-Spikes-%2f-Spike--_W0QQitemZ220526213600QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=b41f44ac1260a0aad3066cb6ff14df3a
Many thanks,
Ian.
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spikes for me 2 iv had my ladder move on me when im at the top and its been on 1 spike and not slipped scary but i wouldnt want that happen with any other foot
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this is what i use they are great nice and sharp
http://www.gcdewey.co.uk/modules/shop/products.asp?rangeid=43&pageNo=2
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i trust spikes
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Hi again,
I`ve changed my mind, so spikes it is then, & thanks for link to the website selling the side cw spikes.
Thanks again for your help
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seems to be different spikes, all the boys around here use blunt spikes which dont move but can be used on all surfaces,you can buy them in 3 lenghs,mine were made many years ago in a local factory and i swop them to every new ladder
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Hi Stan,
Thanks for the pics, it makes understanding so much more easier!
Your version look like an even better idea, being more more heavy duty, & covering a wider area compared to the side spikes.
Do you know if they are available commercialy like this?
Ian.
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they sell similar at Browns in Briefield which is near Burnley,they have a web site e mail them and see if they post, if i was buying i would get the short ones
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they sell similar at Browns in Briefield which is near Burnley,they have a web site e mail them and see if they post, if i was buying i would get the short ones
Great stuff,
I have found their website, & I shall get on to them now.
Many thanks.
Ian.
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A friend of mine highly recommends using the Ladder M8rix Pro
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i
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I have articulated feet fitted to all our ladders and we also use these stabilsers for extra safety.
http://www.laddertwins.com/gallery.php
I have even use them on an icy deck cleaning gutters.