If it’s truly “rickety,” treat it as a scrap unless proven otherwise.
🪜 When to SCRAP it (most likely here)
- Any cracks in the side rails or steps
- Loose or wobbly joints (even after tightening)
- Rust on metal ladders that’s flaking or deep
- Warped or bent frame
- Unknown load rating / missing label
- Old wood ladder (they can fail suddenly)
Even a $5 ladder isn’t worth a fall injury.
🛠️ When it might be worth SAVING
Only consider it if:
- It’s structurally solid (no flex when loaded lightly)
- Joints are tight and repairable
- It’s a simple fix (tightening bolts, replacing a rung)
- You’ll use it for non-load tasks (garden support, light DIY, not climbing)
⚠️ Safety rule of thumb
If you have to ask whether a ladder is safe, it usually isn’t.
A ladder failure is one of the most common causes of household injuries—so replacement is almost always the smarter deal.
If you want, describe what’s wrong with it (or re-upload the pic), and I’ll give a more precise call on whether it’s salvageable.
