Ladders are not only made from various materials but they also come with a multitude of ladder accessories that further enhance its use, be it in safety and convenience. These ladder accessories are categorized into different types based on its specific purposes.
Common Ladder Accessories
Ladder hooks and trays, ladder stays and stand-offs, ladder stabilizer and feet, ladder belts and collars, and ladder storage and clamps, are some of the ladder accessories that are commonly used to further enhance a ladder’s use.
Ladder hook and trays are used to prevent tipping over of the buckets used during long hours of work and can save the use of both hands with tools and other work utensils needed while on the ladder which are always within reach without having to constantly root around pockets or climbing up and down. Examples of this kind of ladder accessories are the ladder bucket hook, hang-on tray and ladder paint tray.
Another type of ladder accessories are the ladder stays and stand-offs which are designed to keep the feet of the ladder from slipping out from underneath. It is usually built with rubber non-slip pad in the bottom which works best on surfaces such as hardwood floors, and smooth cement. Ladder stays and stand-offs help prevent sideways movement by not changing the angle of the ladder to the contact points creating amazing stability. Rubber suction feet, ladder stabilizers, and ladder mitts are some of the examples of this kind of accessory.
Somewhat similar but entirely different from the ladder accessories mentioned above, are the ladder stabilizers and feet. Although they share the same quality as that of ladder stays and stand-offs in providing stability, ladder stabilizers and feet have added features such that it is preferably used in soft or slippery grounds – such as wet grass, and even with multi-level surfaces – such as stairs. The adjustable safety foot prevents twisting and slipping. Examples of this kind of accessory are the ladder stopper, safety feet ground spike and the Telesteps safety foot.
Ladder belts and collars, on the other hand, are used to secure the top of the ladder to lighting columns, street furniture columns, traffic light columns and telegraph poles. These ladder accessories are simply looped over ladder stiles to secure unsafe distancing of ladders from anchor points. Examples of ladder belts and collars are lighting collar, ladder belt and belting pole hoop.
The last of many types of ladder accessories are the ladder storage and clamps. These type of accessories are ideal deterrents to unauthorized climbing of site ladders. Supplied with a DANGER – KEEP OFF warning sticker attached, they can be quickly secured to the ladder for locking into position with a padlock that is fitted with common keys. Other ladder clamps are made of galvanized buckles for securing ladders when in use or during transportation. Ladder storages are ideal for stepladder and workbench storage giving valuable space within a garage, shed, basement or attic. Ladder guards, tension strap and roof rack ladder clamps are the most common ladder storage and clamps used.
Other Ladder Accessories:
These ladder accessories are widely available in many local and online stores like AceHardware.com and Amazon.com.
Ladders have many uses, so to speak. Be even if it is used occasionally or as a part of work, these ladder accessories not only make work easier and convenient, but more importantly, it provides a safe working environment not only for the user but to those around them as well.