Actually, that’s not bad. The legs are well supported with additional 2x4s under the bottom of the legs. The zip ties are just there to hold the extension in place, not to support the ladder. I would rather see the extensions bolted on, but that looks pretty stable.
“Hey Pete!, I’ll hold the bottom if you’ll climb up and change the bulb. And would ya mind getting those cobwebs as long as you’re risking,… err up there?”
It would have been easier to put both legs on the landing and zip tie them from spreading open further. Or, close the ladder and lean it against the wall. Or, forget the ladder and just stand on the railing. Or, buy a wall sconce.
I’ve seen light fixtures on cable, generally chandelier over the dinning room table, entry hall, or similar high ceiling ap. , push button convenience, for big Money. It is a good idea to bring the light to the floor for maintainence.
Dono, yes. And the advertisements for the new amazing Splatter could feature Cher saying how much Sony Bono would have loved the product, were he still alive. Work it baby.
The problem here is that the wood is slowly being cut by the zip ties. If too much pressure is put on the ladder, or if the wood gets wet, or if this creative knucklehead used–of all the things–balsa wood, the ladder collapses and someone gets a broken neck.
I’m with a couple of the other commentators: why would any architect engineer a house such that there is this darned-near impossible to reach light fixture halfway out over a stairway? On a more inventive note, why not line the rim of a funnel with a strip of bicycle inner tube, then affix the funnel to a really long stick? Use that to change the light bulb. I’ll bet there’s a way to make that work.
@D Trust me. As one involved in the building/engineering industry for many decades, our highly paid and highly skilled (sic) architects do this sort of thing all the time. On the plan it looks natural to put the light in the middle of the area.
In practise, a good electrical contractor would fit it as the drawing and then ask for a Variation Order to re-fit it in an accessible place after consultation with the main contractor who in turn would chew out the architect.
@Cameron I’m with Cameron, very good solution. I’m impressed with the 2×4′s under the legs. I’ve see this done by just c-clamping 2×4′s to the outside of the ladder. This is much better!
I’m *ALMOST* with Cameron. Too bad they didn’t put the side of the ladder with climbable steps on the side you reach the bulb from. On the bright side (heh) maybe those not-steps won’t collapse if they get a young child to do the job.
Stairway to HEAVEN HELP US!
More like Jacob’s Ladder, really
Changing this light bulb is Serious Business.
When did zip ties become the new duct tape?
… but the bulb is working
I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription…is more zip ties!
Better solution:
Actually, that’s not bad. The legs are well supported with additional 2x4s under the bottom of the legs. The zip ties are just there to hold the extension in place, not to support the ladder. I would rather see the extensions bolted on, but that looks pretty stable.
No, that’s not bad at all. I’d climb that. But first I’d wrap the connections in duct tape. (smirk)
“Hey Pete!, I’ll hold the bottom if you’ll climb up and change the bulb. And would ya mind getting those cobwebs as long as you’re risking,… err up there?”
only problem i see is the first rung being at chest height.
Stick that to the Little Giant Ladder save what $400-$600
I’m with Cameron–that’s not too bad a kludge job. With someone to make sure it doesn’t wobble off the steps, I’d put the risk at moderate.
Sooo, Cameron, the zip ties are the back up “safety” feature?
Don’t tell me we’re going to start showing practical solutions around here! I would find that very disturbing.
Considering the work that went into customizing that ladder, this guy might want to take his act on the road. “Will fix light bulbs for food”.
this can only end well…
Zip ties, the new duct tape!
Watch your last step
BRAVO!! I know that in the future, I will use this technique. I smell a patent. Good job!!! However, OSHA would not approve as the ladder is metal.
It would have been easier to put both legs on the landing and zip tie them from spreading open further. Or, close the ladder and lean it against the wall. Or, forget the ladder and just stand on the railing. Or, buy a wall sconce.
Actually, not too bad. It’s well done.
And now we know how many zip ties it takes to change a light bulb.
Aussie bolts – is there anything they can’t do?
That is one very poorly placed light fitting! It makes a good argument for lamps and wall lights.
[...] Shared Just Changing The Bulb [...]
There’s a longer set of legs out in the garage for cleaning the chimney.
dear God! someone should invent this!
@Carol you should see the one we have. its impossible to reach unless your standing on the old crappy railing or 7 feet tall.
@wind- Good idea. And instead of calling it a ladder you could call it a Splatter.
@ nelson Good cheep solution.
I’ve seen light fixtures on cable, generally chandelier over the dinning room table, entry hall, or similar high ceiling ap. , push button convenience, for big Money. It is a good idea to bring the light to the floor for maintainence.
@Doug Miller
Talk to Dennis Franz about that one:
http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/idaho/stories/NW_072209IDN-dennis-franz-sues-LJ.66d185c1.html
If I were duck tape, I’d be jealous. Zip ties the new duck tape.
Dono, yes. And the advertisements for the new amazing Splatter could feature Cher saying how much Sony Bono would have loved the product, were he still alive. Work it baby.
If I were duct tape, I’d be jealous of duck tape.
can you say “O S H A”?
I believe this is what Darwin meant by “natural selection”…
Coming home to find Dad hanging from the light fixture?……priceless.
The problem here is that the wood is slowly being cut by the zip ties. If too much pressure is put on the ladder, or if the wood gets wet, or if this creative knucklehead used–of all the things–balsa wood, the ladder collapses and someone gets a broken neck.
Been there done that it very stable but man will it scare the *&^* out of you
I’m with a couple of the other commentators: why would any architect engineer a house such that there is this darned-near impossible to reach light fixture halfway out over a stairway? On a more inventive note, why not line the rim of a funnel with a strip of bicycle inner tube, then affix the funnel to a really long stick? Use that to change the light bulb. I’ll bet there’s a way to make that work.
@D Trust me. As one involved in the building/engineering industry for many decades, our highly paid and highly skilled (sic) architects do this sort of thing all the time. On the plan it looks natural to put the light in the middle of the area.
In practise, a good electrical contractor would fit it as the drawing and then ask for a Variation Order to re-fit it in an accessible place after consultation with the main contractor who in turn would chew out the architect.
@Cameron I’m with Cameron, very good solution. I’m impressed with the 2×4′s under the legs. I’ve see this done by just c-clamping 2×4′s to the outside of the ladder. This is much better!
I’m *ALMOST* with Cameron. Too bad they didn’t put the side of the ladder with climbable steps on the side you reach the bulb from. On the bright side (heh) maybe those not-steps won’t collapse if they get a young child to do the job.
Tio timigas! – That is scary!
Yo dawg, i herd u like climbin, so we put a stair on a stair so u can go upstairs while u step
wheres the duct tape?
f**k that light bulb!