The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts The Stovebolt Volunteer Fire Department Old wood extension ladder

I just picked one up at lunch from of all places a bank in town that is closing and being gutted, they've had a walk in yard sale sort of thing the past few days, I only just ventured in...

I'm not sure the age of the ladder but I'd guess 50's or earlier. Very very sturdy construction with some nice steel and brass/bronze hardware, about 14-15' long collapsed. On it is a city of Lexington inventory tag (I'm sure newer than the ladder) and painted in gold close to one end is what I assume is a truck number.

I bought it because I need/can use an extension ladder, it is in good shape, very sturdy, and very reasonably priced compared to new.

Now I'm wondering if I should hang onto it and use it as originally planned, and because it's cool. Or if I ought to look for some sort of a trade for a modern ladder and let this one find a home on a vintage firetruck.

What are your thoughts?

Grigg

get it back on an old firetruck, aluminum extension ladders of the same lengths are much lighter and more manageable for ordinary use anyway

Bill

Grigg,

I agree with Bill...nice wooden ladders are getting hard to find. You won't have a hard time finding someone willing to trade a nice aluminum one for it or sell it outright and go buy what really works for you...maybe a Little Giant Folding Ladder, stores easy and versatile.

Mike B

I have a 10' step ladder and now this extension ladder is what I need to get on my roof. I set it up in the garage last night, no problem by myself, not all that heavy, it's more like 15' collapsed.

I'm inclined to keep it as it's neat, old, and very well made, (all things I like) and for my occasional use it'll work just fine. Dad has several modern ladders if I need to borrow one or take one somewhere, this wood one can stay inside at home.

Thanks for the input,

Grigg

Grigg,

The two biggest makers of fire ladders are Duo-Safety, and Alcolite. Most likely, you have a Duo-Safety. Further, there are two styles: solid beam, and truss. The truss-sided ladders are lighter yet stronger, and drew a premium. By far the most common size extension is a 24-foot, the minimum size extension specified for pumpers by NFPA for years. Retracted, measures at about 14 feet.

Take care of it - they don't make 'em anymore. (OK . . . in California, they do, but that's about it.)

-Michael

I vote get back on a fire truck. I saw a program on city of sanfrancisco fire department. They fix and make new fire truck ladders. They found it was more cost effective and wood latters don't colapse from heat. One of very few places that still use and maintain wood fire ladders.

Thanks guys,
That lead to some interesting reading.

Duo-Safety (and others) make a "folding attic ladder" of a design that I saw about 20 years ago in a then very old wood ladder and thought was really cool, neat to see they still make a similar modern version. Collapsed it's more like a pole than a ladder.

Also looked up the aluminum equivalent to what I have, and it'd cost $677. More than twice what I would have guessed, even for a fire ladder instead of a construction type.

Here's a link for new wood ladders http://www.alacoladder.com/fire-ladders.php

Story about San Francisco ladders
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/artic...ion-also-saves-2584568.php#photo-2694705

Learn something new everyday,

Grigg