Could it work as an emergency escape ladder from an attic room? -As in.. could you throw it down from above? Would gravity cause it to extend?
627341
No. This ladder takes a considerate amount of time to set up and lock into position.
627342
Not by gravity, so it might be tricky in an emergency. I've extended it from attic to come down. It can be done. But it was rather laborious to tilt it down, lean down, extend it a bit, latch it, extend more, latch it again.
627343
Sorry to say, no. It has spring clips (for want of a better term) that have to be set for each section on both sides, as the ladder is being extended. Think that's why it failed for that one guy. In a pinch you might be able to do this, but it would mean being able to reach down two feet and that doesn't take into account being able to open the hatch door which is designed to be locked from below.
627344
No... You need something more flexible for that. This must be pulled from the bottom and each section locked in one by one in order to be serviceable. We had a narrow opening and the existing surround makes it work for us. If I were pre planning in construction, no way would I purchase it. Unwieldy.
1030437
Without a doubt. I used the ladder in a stairwell and had almost the same height ratio. The ladder was very stable and I felt completely safe 10 feet in the air.
982124
While not intended for climbing use, I and others have successfully used it to rappel to show that it could be used in emergency situations. However, there are several issues with it; just because it is rated at 550 lb. break strength doesn't mean it always holds that amount; Google "rope strength" and check out "working load," which is much less than breaking strength (most climbers ropes are rated at several thousand pounds breaking strength/tensile strength), also that knots weaken the tensile strength of rope (some knots worse than others, and can reduce the strength by as much as 50%), and people don't count in the "shock" factor which happens when you slip a little or put "sudden" weight on a cord, which greatly increases the weight over the normal weight and can snap it, or consider what might happen if you have the cord wrapped around a sharp or abrasive object, further increasing the risk of failure. In other words, I would advise doing lots of research and being in a situation where ALL you have is 550 cord and you MUST escape by rappelling before you should ever even attempt it. There are a few YouTube vids of people rappelling on a single strand of 550 cord, but it's a huge risk and is NOT recommended. Having tested it myself and knowing how careful I am, I personally am comfortable with the notion of using it in an emergency, but I will try to double/triple (or more) the cord if possible before rappelling. (On a recently aired survival show, two guys used a single strand of paracord to rappel down a sheet of ice, and they were big; I am 6'5/230lbs.). If I had to guess, an inexperienced person rappelling from over 50 ft. over a hard surface on a single strand would have about a 60% chance of survival; decide if that sounds good enough to you.
588130
I think the problem would be that the ladder is not really secured only the hooks are holding over the gunwale. I think the ladder can support the weight, it's a question of it being stable at the weight. Hope that helps a little
1762654
I would think you might be able to use it in an absolute emergency to get down from somewhere. I would never use it as a mountain climbing rope though. It's about a quarter inch thick
1874578
I kind of doubt it. It looks to me like the top sides of the ladder would have to lay ON the ridge vent. A metal or plastic vent would be damaged. That would also shorten the distance to the end of the hook, meaning you might be hooked only to the vent, not very secure. If the seller cared they would have replied by now with dimensions and photos of it in use with a ridge vent.
588131
This ladder is well built, but difficult to get up and down unless it fits perfect to the angle of the side of the boat. The best fit would be a boat with stright down sides. It would be OK for emergency use.
861111
Although I'm very happy with this ladder, it sounds like it would be a bit too short for your intended purpose.
301142
No, it is meant to be installed in the ceiling. The panel folds down, revealing the ladder, and has pnuematic assist struts. Would not work from any position but horizontal.
2011485
No. It must slide over the side rails of an extension ladder. Any other modification could be potentially dangerous.
85052
Yes, child and swivel and raise and collapse the ladder manually. It actually has a pretty decent range!
29098
I didnt put mine in the attic but, in order to safely get it on my roof I "folded" it up. If you loosen the screws you can collapse it fairly flat and it will fit through most attic stairways. R//Joe
1396204
Well, first of all, you wouldn't want it "level to the ground" or you won't be able to flex the trampoline. I think it goes without saying that you could dig a big hole and put it in that if you want, knock yourself out.
453978
The ladder is quality, but not for anyone over 250 pounds. It is narrower than the standard wooden attic ladder, but it gets the job done. You need at least 29" of clearance in the attic to allow it to retract. Make sure there are no roof braces on the way.
558696
Hi Joe. Yes, it works great for that and the main reason I purchased it. We were working on a second story eave from a first story roof. Just follow all safety precautions and tie of your ladder while you work.
1447176
I also was curious about that. It is too dangerous to just hook around or on top of a beam. It still needs a ledge or molding to secure it from falling down. However, it does extend to reach about 8-10'.
2193771
Uuuuugly! This question appears to have come from one that doesn't want to get into a wall or attic. Will it work, I guess, will it do what it was intended right out of the dryer no, or not as well if manufacturers instructions were obeyed.