An extension ladder is a design that most DIYers have. It comes in very handy when carrying out repair, construction and garden work, however, the simplicity of the design significantly limits the range of its functional application. Therefore, more versatile and easy-to-use models have been developed, which include the transformer hinged ladder.
The hinge mechanism for ladders has made it possible to create a much more versatile ladder structure that can take on various forms, which is convenient for a number of construction and repair work. We will talk about the advantages and features of such products in this article.
Features of the articulated ladder
Hinged ladders transformers consist of sections. Most often there are three or four of them. A key design feature is the ability to freely change the position of each of the sections, which is ensured by the presence of strong hinge joints.
Thus, one structure can be transformed into a U- or L-shaped stepladder, an ordinary ladder, etc. Such multifunctionality is very convenient both in professional construction work and in everyday life. In addition, the range of applications is significantly expanded due to the possibility of using it on uneven surfaces.
Choosing a hinged staircase
Krause hinged ladders, like products from any renowned manufacturer, are samples of excellent quality, however, manufacturing defects can occur even among firms with the most impeccable reputation, so you should know what to look for when purchasing such designs.
A simple instruction will help you in choosing:
- Make sure the product has the correct geometry... At the same time, the evenness of the forms should be preserved both in the folded and unfolded state. To do this, it is enough to carefully examine the structure - all such shortcomings are visible "by eye".
Advice!
The steps should have a grooved surface in order to secure your stay on the stairs.
This is especially important for tall structures exceeding 7 meters in the unfolded state.
- Open the ladder by placing it on a level and smooth surface... The base should fit snugly to the floor without creating gaps. To check stability, it is necessary to easily swing the structure from side to side. However, it should not stagger.
- Pay attention to the base... For quality products, it is made of non-slip material, which allows you to securely and safely fix the ladder to the floor.
- The weakest point of the design is the connecting nodesbecause they are movable elements. The hinges must never dangle.
- Check the locking rivets on each of the nodes - they must be durable.
Articulated ladder material
A hinged aluminum transformer ladder is most often made of aluminum or duralumin. Considering that during operation such products are very often transferred from place to place, manufacturers have minimized the weight of structures as much as possible, choosing an aluminum alloy as the basis for production.
However, aluminum is a very soft and malleable metal, which in this situation cannot be counted among the advantages of this material. Therefore, it is subjected to chemical attack, which markedly improves the technical characteristics of aluminum.
In the process of such "hardening" oxide appears on the surface of the material, which is a thin protective film that prevents corrosion and improves technical characteristics.
Functions of transformer structures
Transforming ladders have the following functions:
- Ladder.
- Ladder.
- Two double-sided ladders.
Advice!
When using a building scaffold, you can create a stand or work table from such a ladder.
- Retractable design.
- Working platform.
The above functions are for professional products (4x4 and 4x5 sections). Household models may have incomplete functionality. (see also article Staircase-transformer 4х4 - convenient and versatile design)
In addition to universal models, there are those that have special fasteners that allow the product to be used as scaffolding, providing additional fixation.
The difference between a professional product and a household one
Of course, a professional tool is more durable, versatile and convenient to use. However, its price is often much higher than the cost of household models. This also applies to stairs.
Therefore, we will consider the differences between household and professional models:
- Maximum load. Most often, this parameter is calculated for each stage. For example, the maximum load per rung on a professional ladder is 150 kg. This is significantly higher than the performance of a conventional stepladder designed for the weight of an average person.
- Working height.
- Household structures do not differ in special height, unfolding on average up to three meters. Moreover, they are compact when folded, which greatly facilitates the storage and transportation of such structures.
- For professional equipment, the base is characterized by increased stability, which allows you to create structures 7-10 meters high. They are made from a more durable alloy. One section can have up to 10 steps.
- Wear. The durability of structures with moving parts directly depends on the rate of their wear.This parameter is very important if frequent use of the staircase is planned.
- Household models are designed for infrequent use and relatively light loads. These products should be purchased by gardeners or DIYers who plan to use the ladder exclusively for domestic purposes. Household models use cheaper materials than professional equipment. This is necessary in order to reduce the cost of such products, because a person who uses a ladder from time to time does not need to purchase a professional structure designed for everyday use. Connecting sectional elements in this case are stamped.
- Professional designs are designed for a large number of working cycles associated with frequent folding / unfolding and significant operational loads. They are designed for daily work during a full shift, as well as for frequent transport when folded, because both the aluminum alloy and the moving parts are very demanding. also tensile strength.
Additional elements
To expand the range of applications of such structures, various additional elements are used. They are used for the most part by professional builders, but they can also be useful in everyday life.
Let's consider some of them:
- Extension cords.They are used to lengthen uprights, being indispensable elements for working on uneven surfaces (staircases, building facades, etc.). They are fixed to the uprights by means of screw connections.
- Auxiliary supports. Used to increase the supporting surface of the base, which contributes to a more reliable installation of the structure. These mounts use two brackets and a screw.
- Auxiliaries used for the legs.There are several options:
- To move the structure without folding, supporting roller elements are used. At the same time, you save time, because the ladder can simply be rolled from place to place, moreover, this allows you to avoid using the folding mechanism once again.
- When working on soft ground, pointed tips can be used. They cut into the soil, securing the structure securely. They are fastened to the ladder frame using nuts and screws.
Advice!
When working on difficult terrain, use the balancing elements for the legs.
They are rubber pads attached to the base by means of hinges, allowing the structure to take any position, depending on the features of the relief.
Conclusion
If you decide to carry out repair work around the house with your own hands, then the hinged design will greatly facilitate your work. (see also the article on what is retractable ladder and how to construct it in the house) Such a ladder will be useful to have at hand for any home craftsman. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.
