what are we all using to attach ladders to roof racks

[BrokenBiker]

I have a 7 rung step ladder that fit in the van easily, but also have a triple extension that was a nightmare to fit in, so put it on the roof racks, but was just using ratchet tie downs to secure it. obviously this is fairly easy to nick the ladders and I don't really feel it is the safest option.

so what are we all using to secure a ladder to the roof, and how do we lock it down to stop people taking it for a walk.

looking for ideas for when I finally get a new van together

 

[Cyberprog]

Ladder clamps with padlocks.

 

[Robotstar5]

Keep using the ratchet straps and add a bike lock to secure it.

 

[sparkysy]

Easy Bb
We use ladder clamps with padlocks same as cyberprog I have the screw down metal ones and my business partner has the hard plastic quick grip type, they can be locked too! I prefer the metal ones myself seem to hold down better. One thing I though while locking them on was that my roof bars aren't that wel secured to the van! Ended up putting security bolts on that as well just in case!

 

[brightspark]

Ladder clamps with padlocks.

same here just dont forget going in to carparks with height bars or archways and bend them back

 

[sparkysy]

Lol been there done that had to cut the front one off in the end bent it just behind the clamp and mullered it properly nearly had the rack off the roof too, it pushed it down the rails!

 

[BrokenBiker]

cheers. just noticed screwfix sell a set of lockable ladder clamps for £25.

 

[Windy Miller]

Ladder clamps with padlocks.

Same again. A 3 piece ex BT pole ladder, and a 2 piece step/normal one.

I have to be careful where I position the small one as the ladder clamps only just hook 'round the roof bars, so the ratchet strap and bike lock would be much less faffing.

With just the one ladder, the clamps would be easiest, but with 2 I think the ranches strap would be much quicker. Also less likely to get caught up in the height restrictions!

 

[BrokenBiker]

cheers. only have the one ladder that needs to be roof mounted and there is no real need for me to go into the multi story in a van, there are thousands of car parks in Newport.

think I will buy the ladder clamps, thanks all

 

[rich r]

Yep - screw ladder clamps for me too. I also use them for hanging my extension ladder from the roof joists in my garage as I can lock them in place there too.

You can get them with different length threaded sections and different sized hooks to suit your roof bars and thickness of ladder (eg a triple extension needs a longer thread than a double)

 

[Shedendman]

Ladder clamps all the way.
They're easy enough to make up yourself if you fancy it,oh and a little tip,grease up the thread now and again as they do rust up and its easier to spin the arms

 

[Cyberprog]

Mine hang on the Dog Guard when I'm not using them.

 

[Rickt]

I'm a painter and use these ladder clamps to secure my ladders on the roof rack . I bought 3 lots from Wickes and only use 2 ,so I have a brand new spare set you can have for a tenner plus postage .Just thought I'd mention .

 

[BrokenBiker]

cheers for the offer but think I'm going to make some. I have quite a bit of m8 threaded bar lying around and some 20mm box. Bit of flat bar with an m8 tapped hole and bent a bit at the ends should do it

 

[Wendelspanswick]

In Somerset with the narrow lanes and high un trimmed hedges I got fed up with ladders/roof bars being ripped off the roof by branches. In the end I mounted brackets on the inside of the van to mount the steps up against the ceiling of the van and invested in a 3.9m collapsible ladder that is 750 high when collapsed. Means I can walk on site with my toolbag over one shoulder and the ladder under my arm. It's been used for over 2 years now and has stood up well.
Plus it means my ladders are always dry and don't have a film of diesel over them anymore.

 

[brightspark]

i forgot to fasten my 3 way ladder on and it took off down the road at 70mph some git in a 4x4 ran it over and knacked it i picked it up and took it home cut it up in bits and gave to me bruvver who melted it down and now its a cast name plate on his house

 

[the snooper]

fawlty ladders

 

[pedrobedro]

No it's "Dunclimbing"