- 1). Look for loose or worn rungs. Rungs should not be wobbly, bowed or cracked, and the middle of a rung should not be worn down. Check steps for rust and oxidation. Replace lower steps of a wooden ladder when one-fourth of a step is worn away.
- 2). Scrutinize rails for cracks or corrosion. Open the ladder and inspect it for wobble or bowing. If the ladder is warped, it probably needs to be replaced.
- 3). Check the hardware. See whether or not screws, nuts, bolts, rivets and nails are tightened, in good repair and not missing. Ensure that hinge spreaders and locks aren't bent or corroded.
- 4). Lubricate and clean moving parts and pulleys. Remove grease or other slippery substances.
- 5). Sand or repair sharp edges or splinters.
- 6). Replace ladder feet if they are missing or worn down.
- 7). Repair worn labels because they have important safety information. If a label starts to peel off, put clear packaging tape over it. Check labels to make sure the ladder can hold the weight of you and what you carry.
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