ladders

[freonjoe]

In the next month or so I have 100+ fiberglass ladders to destroy because they are out of date. Half of them are 24-32' extension ladders and the rest of them are 10-16' step ladders. Does anyone know of a fast way to remove all the aluminum steps? They have to be done on site and I don't want to get the customers stuck with a bunch of extra time while I salvage the aluminum.

[devo]

A skill saw will cut through aluminum nicely. If you need a deep blade, see if you can rent a timber framers saw, they have 16" blades. Might be kind of dangerous though.

Sawzall with a aggressive blade would work too, not sure if that's fast enough for you.

[Mick]

I used a Sawzall. I think I used a fine-tooth (higher TPI) blade, though.

[BurlyGuys]

I know you said these have to be destroyed, but, having a stockpile of ladders myself, they don't seem to be moving on CL. In your experience (asking any members who care to reply!) am I better off scrapping the aluminum?

[Mick]

I tried selling several on CL (Step, Extension and Straight) off and on for two years. Never sold a one. Traded a couple for scrap metal.

[freonjoe]

I am leaning towards a sawzall, waiting to find out how much I can bill back for tools. Would be nice to get a new one out of the deal!

[KzScrapper]

I've used a circular saw to cut a crap load of aluminum. Works great and quick too... but I would suggest earplugs.

[poundigity24]

If the steps are held on with rivets, you may be able to drill right through them. Just set the drill to the fastest speed and off you go. Hope this helps.

[PartTimeScrapper]

GEtting rid of ladders is best done at auction. They always seem to sell real well. I was at an auction a couple weeks ago of a fire suppresion company and they must have had 200 ladders they all sold pretty well.

[Bear]

i did some aluminum trim on a job once and used a 12" miter saw, that might work on most parts of the ladder too, might not be too slow either, if you had it set it up on a long workbench. Cutting AL with a carbide tipped blade works fairly well, just go slow and steady(and wear eye protection)

[Mechanic688]

GEtting rid of ladders is best done at auction. They always seem to sell real well. I was at an auction a couple weeks ago of a fire suppresion company and they must have had 200 ladders they all sold pretty well.

Reread his post, he has to destroy them cause their outdated, kinda like old food.

[BurlyGuys]

Reread his post, he has to destroy them cause their outdated, kinda like old food.

Yep, I understood that part. My question had to do with the ladders I have now and am likely to come across in the future.

[IdahoScrapper]

New one on me. I didn't know ladders had expiration dates.

[newattitude]

Me either Idaho, I was just going to ask the same thing - how can ladders have expiration dates or better yet why do they?

[freonjoe]

Werner fiberglass ladders that are stored outside have a 5 year lifespan. Something to do with oxidation.

At least for rental applications.

[IdahoScrapper]

I guess that makes sense.

[Mechanic688]

Werner fiberglass ladders that are stored outside have a 5 year lifespan. Something to do with oxidation.
At least for rental applications.

And that all comes back to insurance companies.

[corycouch]

if you had a helper to hold and move the ladder id go with a chop saw cut down one side then turn it around and go the other way, or if your by yourself a 7inch or 9 inch grinder with a cutoff wheel, if you decide to go with the sawsall believe it or not on aluminum a wood blade works really well and lasts longer

[injunjoe]

If you take a look here there are not many rules or regulations about ladders at all.

http://www.osha-safety-training.net/...-191025-191027

Hey folks I have returned!

If the glass is brittle maybe smashing the rungs out with a well placed blow may set them free.

[injunjoe]

How about a hunk of pipe with the edge ground to a nice edge to be used as like a die to cut around each rung? One shot with sledge on each side and done. For each rung that is!