Ladder leveller - ABC Inventor's Winner - 1978.

Noyade

I purchased this from the Salvos Store yesterday.

Wonderful flashback - I remember the ABC TV show. 😁

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Inventors_(Australian_TV_program)

Don't remember this product though.

Original packaging.

Everything there - no missing parts.

Just one issue with the "Ladder Leveller" - it's only designed for straight ladder legs - not splayed.

Thoughts/ideas on overcoming this?

Cheers.

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Comments

EricL

Hi @Noyade

A very interesting invention, I don't think this will pose a problem for you. The ladder clasp will need to be modified so that it is at an angle or make it movable like a door hinge so that it can accommodate any splayed ladder. Other mounting points will need to be drilled on the main body to take in ladders with different widths.

Excellent buy on that device!

Eric

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/53433#Comment_53433

Thanks @EricL

"movable like a door hinge so that it can accommodate any splayed ladder"

Are there large rectangular hinges, around 100 mm width - at Bunnings?

Cheers.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88926#Comment_88926

On second thoughts. 80 mm would be enough for the base and I could expand on the vertical member.

And look, my brand new Stanley TradeLift makes its first appearance. 😉

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110198#Comment_110198

Hi @Noyade,

I couldn't find anything in 80mm, but these Pinnacle 100mm Satin Stainless Steel Wide Throw Hinges fit the description. It could be worth a look.

Also, it's great to see your new Stanley Fatmax Tradelift make an appearance.

Jacob

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122458#Comment_122458

Thanks for the link @JacobZ. In the end a modified hinge is/was the best solution in my opinion. I'm still working on it, but at the end of the day - I have no idea why this won the award back in 1978.

The progress so far. It's so cold the paint is not drying - so it must be time for lunch.

Note also it comes with an inbuilt level.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130385#Comment_130385

How it works is quite simple - but clever. The triangular steel frame has a threaded block 'halved' and welded into place on the underside.

On the tubular frame, there is a matching threaded rod, bent and welded in place. The main nut can travel in the arched section so that by lifting - you disengage the threads - and then 'drop' into position at whatever angle you want, which then reengages the threads - and 'locks' in position.

Proof again that this device was never intended for rectangular shaped leg frames (only tubular) is a large 'dimple' in the clamps designed to keep tubular legs in one area only.

These have to be removed for my ladders.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135291#Comment_135291

And now ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, without further ado - the ABC inventors award winner for 1978...

The Automatic Ladder Leveler (with 2025 modifications).

Cheers!

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138568#Comment_138568

Used today for the first time.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140756#Comment_140756

Hi @Noyade,

It looks like it's working as intended, but I would still be very cautious with it and have someone foot the ladder.

Having fallen off a ladder when I was younger, it is not a pleasant experience, to say the least.

Does it feel stable?

Jacob

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142364#Comment_142364

Hi @JacobZ

Does it feel stable?

It doesn't look good - does it?! 😁

It's not bad, but I wouldn't try it with a 3 metre ladder. As you appreciate, the tube component must be 'free' from the triangular metal plate so you can change angles - hence there is some inherent movement forwards and backwards, if that makes sense.

In the end it was nostalgia and a desire to see this work that drove me - plus, I'm supporting the Salvation Army charity.

Interestingly, even for an 'Australian Invention' in 1978 - it was manufactured in Taiwan.

Cheers and thanks for watching.

Child Item