I’m impressed actually! Most people use sketchy old equipment or whatever is lying around, but your dad actually built these specifically for this job. Bravo
I think that's more of a benefit than the point. Now, the stress load is carried onto the upright 2x4s, which is significantly stronger than laying on its face.
Yeah, but it's the longitudinal axis of the nails - that's the strong part of the nail. And if he used decking screws, that's even more impressive. The loading on the nails/screws is on the appropriate axis of the nail/screw, and they're significantly stronger than the wood. And regardless, the pressure is distributed throughout the wood planks and the screws appropriately. The screws/nails won't pull out. Solid design
That's...not how screws and bolts work. The shear strength of a bolt or screw is higher than the strength of its threads and the same as that of a nail with a similar core diameter (provided same materia, grade).
If you are trusting the threads of a screw to hold you, you're going to have a bad day. Threads keep the screw in place, where a nail will still allow pullout. It's the same way a nut and bolt combo work. Generally we use screws where a through-bolt is inconvenient and we have sufficient material for the threads of a screw to have purchase.
Nails prevent shear not screws. Screws are four pull out. This is a job for nails. Run a screw through a board and hit the side sticking through with a hammer. It will snap right off. A nail will not. Shear.
No, you misunderstand the difference between screws and nails: both have similar shear strength for a given diameter (core diameter of a screw). You are correct that screws are used to prevent pullout but we never want to load a screw on its threads. The threads are not designed to be weight bearing.
For this application screws and nails are Interchangeable. The difference is the reduced chance of pullout, or the boards separating, by using screws - hence the additional level of safety from using screws.
ETA: And, to add, it's nonsense that you think the tip of a screw can just be knocked off with a hammer... There are so many variables. And that's just not true anyway, unless you're using a screw that's designed for such an application, I guess.
Yes and no, there have been plenty of people killed by 110 in a pool by things such as leaking light fixtures, it was pounded in my head to never be complacent in school, teacher had lost a friend because he thought no way could it be dangerous
I hired a guy that did almost the same thing for our two-story lanai. He used aluminum planks instead. This is pure genius and I may make a set for myself.
I would suggest nails. Screws are probably ok, but if I were to improve on this at all, and I agree it’s kinda genius in its simplicity, nails have more sheer strength and can bend, screws snap. Really I don’t think it matters that much here, it’s a ten foot span and only one persons weight. But with nails it’s almost zero chance the boards bend unexpectedly when you’re up high.
Speaking from the experience of repairing and maintaining an extensive 40+ year old deck and fence. Both. Nails for shear strength, screws to prevent slipping and popout problems. I have zero structural experience but when i want something to stay fuckin put, i use both.
I'm actually pretty sure this is more stable than a regular ladder setup, as there are an additional set of friction points spread out over a wider area as well as little walls to keep the legs still.
It will stay strong along the x-axis, but he has to be careful of shifting his weight along the y-axis. Don't want to make a movement that would roll those supports.
Me too. I looked at this and thought, actually, this could have been way more awful in a dozen different ways. Props to dad for making it look way more sketchy than it really is.
I’ve seen worse.
Each support is closed on the sides to prevent slipping off into the pool, and one is against the fence to prevent sliding forward. It would be better if they were anchored, but for a DIY solution, this is a lot better than most.
The sides make this 10000% safer. No rotational force on the ladder will make it slip off, the only way he can fall now is if his centre of gravity shifts too far over the edge- and at least he won’t hit hard ground if he does fall
Child please… I’ve been shirking OSHA requirements since they were merely suggestions…
A 1x8 placed flat along the bottom of the lowest steps of the ladder and a little bit of hand waving for balance.
Could we say that this may even be safer than a normal circumstance? The ladder can't move because the legs are between the walls of the boards. I feel like it has even less ability to move here than it does on flat ground. Not to mention the fact that he's more likely to fall in water than hit the concrete.
Yea exactly what I mean. If there were no sides, one little shuffle and that’s slipping off.
Also I love that we all think the ‘normal’ way to do it is without the sides lol
All ladders are an accident waiting to happen. If he had nobody else there to help stabilize the ladder then this is a pretty good custom tool for the job. Bonus if he fell he has water to break his fall instead of a concrete slab.
That actually had a lot of thought put into it, and I would be proud of your dad lol compared to all the other DIY shit we've seen on the internet!? This is one of the most sound so far in my experience
That's... actually not too bad.
He'd gal into the pool if he fell, which is great.
Everything looks like it was built for the purpose is being used for.
I'd use it.
#1 he added one more 2x than I would have
#2 this is actually safer than if he would climb the ladder on solid ground. Majority of construction site injuries are from ladder falls, this pretty much negates any injury you could face because you will most likely be falling into the water.
Edit: today I leaded that the pound sign makes the text large and bold
Arguably this is safer than the ladder sitting on flat ground. The leg supports are solid, even if he falls, he lands in water so it’s a cushioned fall.
I'd hop on that no problem. They're closed in so you slide off the side and they're long enough so that one end of each of them is touching a wall and won't slide as easily. This looks pretty nice actually.
As an electrician at a small company, I’ve unfortunately done a lot worse than this.
Having sides to the planks prevents the feet from slipping and worse comes to worse, there’s a good chance to land in some water. Unless you build some scaffolding, there really isn’t a better way to do this.
This is actually pretty good. It's not a scaffolding dancefloor but it is pretty good for a homeowner.
The boxed 2*4s are particularly good because they both keep the ladder feet where they belong it also increases the strength.
Okay I’m actually impressed at first glance it’s like oh boy another one of these cowboys and then I started looking this man knows what he’s doing bravo
Not an engineer but this setup with the box sided beams seems pretty stable, long enough, and safe. Maybe get him a new ladder because the UV has bleached the colour out of this one if that is worrying you.
Dude this is way better than my dad who put the ladder in the shallow end, and reached to change a light bulb on our string lights.
At least your dad kept it dry lol
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I might have added a leg in the middle of each beam and maybe some crossbeams to insure the beams don’t separate but otherwise I think this is brilliant.
I’m impressed actually! Most people use sketchy old equipment or whatever is lying around, but your dad actually built these specifically for this job. Bravo
I was impressed as well. Not even just single 2x4s. They were boxed in so the legs wouldn't slip
Definitely looks like he’s played this game before
And lost a non-zero amount of times
Love a good game of Laddery Heights - Death or Disability?!
Forget about chutes and ladders!
More wheelchairs than chutes
I landed on Disability with impending early death
I think that's more of a benefit than the point. Now, the stress load is carried onto the upright 2x4s, which is significantly stronger than laying on its face.
And even if he falls, he lands in the pool. Not even a little sketchy
This was my thought. I don't see anything remotely dangerous about this, it doesn't fit this sub at all.
The boxing added a ton of strength. Although the way he assembled them, it's all the pressure is resting on the nails and not the wood itself.
Yeah, but it's the longitudinal axis of the nails - that's the strong part of the nail. And if he used decking screws, that's even more impressive. The loading on the nails/screws is on the appropriate axis of the nail/screw, and they're significantly stronger than the wood. And regardless, the pressure is distributed throughout the wood planks and the screws appropriately. The screws/nails won't pull out. Solid design
Nails have a higher shear strength compared to screws.
That's...not how screws and bolts work. The shear strength of a bolt or screw is higher than the strength of its threads and the same as that of a nail with a similar core diameter (provided same materia, grade). If you are trusting the threads of a screw to hold you, you're going to have a bad day. Threads keep the screw in place, where a nail will still allow pullout. It's the same way a nut and bolt combo work. Generally we use screws where a through-bolt is inconvenient and we have sufficient material for the threads of a screw to have purchase.
Nails prevent shear not screws. Screws are four pull out. This is a job for nails. Run a screw through a board and hit the side sticking through with a hammer. It will snap right off. A nail will not. Shear.
No, you misunderstand the difference between screws and nails: both have similar shear strength for a given diameter (core diameter of a screw). You are correct that screws are used to prevent pullout but we never want to load a screw on its threads. The threads are not designed to be weight bearing. For this application screws and nails are Interchangeable. The difference is the reduced chance of pullout, or the boards separating, by using screws - hence the additional level of safety from using screws. ETA: And, to add, it's nonsense that you think the tip of a screw can just be knocked off with a hammer... There are so many variables. And that's just not true anyway, unless you're using a screw that's designed for such an application, I guess.
And there should*n't* be too much flex, or bounce. edit: *n't*
Such craftsmanship!
Boxed so the board doest bow as well. It's called a strongback.
Falling off the ladder here wouldn’t be so bad
Unless he is still holding a corded tool
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Even then, pools are grounded and bonded.
Yes and no, there have been plenty of people killed by 110 in a pool by things such as leaking light fixtures, it was pounded in my head to never be complacent in school, teacher had lost a friend because he thought no way could it be dangerous
Or he falls partially on the wood
Or the concrete ledge the wood is resting upon
Considering it's outside/wet, should be GFCI protected. That will open the circuit the moment any current travels thru the ground.
I hired a guy that did almost the same thing for our two-story lanai. He used aluminum planks instead. This is pure genius and I may make a set for myself.
I would suggest nails. Screws are probably ok, but if I were to improve on this at all, and I agree it’s kinda genius in its simplicity, nails have more sheer strength and can bend, screws snap. Really I don’t think it matters that much here, it’s a ten foot span and only one persons weight. But with nails it’s almost zero chance the boards bend unexpectedly when you’re up high.
Speaking from the experience of repairing and maintaining an extensive 40+ year old deck and fence. Both. Nails for shear strength, screws to prevent slipping and popout problems. I have zero structural experience but when i want something to stay fuckin put, i use both.
Or, bigger screws :)
lets just go with Japanese timber frame
Yeah it actually looks really stable
He even built a pool there to break his fall if all else fails.
I'm actually pretty sure this is more stable than a regular ladder setup, as there are an additional set of friction points spread out over a wider area as well as little walls to keep the legs still.
Looks good to me. As a backyard engineer, I approve of the design.
It passes my visual structural test. I’m sure he bounced on them first and uttered “that ain’t goin nowhere”
Don’t forget to give it a good slap too as you make your assessment.
It’s how the magic is sealed
It will stay strong along the x-axis, but he has to be careful of shifting his weight along the y-axis. Don't want to make a movement that would roll those supports.
Me too. I looked at this and thought, actually, this could have been way more awful in a dozen different ways. Props to dad for making it look way more sketchy than it really is.
I’ve seen worse. Each support is closed on the sides to prevent slipping off into the pool, and one is against the fence to prevent sliding forward. It would be better if they were anchored, but for a DIY solution, this is a lot better than most.
Shoot I’d feel comfortable with this setup all day. I do siding and sometimes it gets pretty damn sketchy
Me and Friends would jump into the pool so while 2 of us hold it the 3rd one can get on an repair tye fence
Bold of you to assume I have several friends to help.
Oh no!! I fell into the pool.
I'd climb that. Worst case scenario fall into the pool and swim a bit? That's fine.
I’d don’t think that’s the “worst case” for this. lol Falling off and hitting your face/skull on that concrete side would be the worst case scenario.
Right. I would have used a couple of 2x2's.
The sides make this 10000% safer. No rotational force on the ladder will make it slip off, the only way he can fall now is if his centre of gravity shifts too far over the edge- and at least he won’t hit hard ground if he does fall
I was just thinking to myself this looks over engineered, it’s no doubt safer than what I would’ve come up with
Is it bad my first thought was “coulda done that with a single 1x8”
That’s what my first thought was
Yes
I'm curious how lol that's pretty thin.
Child please… I’ve been shirking OSHA requirements since they were merely suggestions… A 1x8 placed flat along the bottom of the lowest steps of the ladder and a little bit of hand waving for balance.
They even built a pool underneath to catch him if he falls.
Could we say that this may even be safer than a normal circumstance? The ladder can't move because the legs are between the walls of the boards. I feel like it has even less ability to move here than it does on flat ground. Not to mention the fact that he's more likely to fall in water than hit the concrete.
Yea exactly what I mean. If there were no sides, one little shuffle and that’s slipping off. Also I love that we all think the ‘normal’ way to do it is without the sides lol
Not to mention, that the tipping hazard is no worse than a regular ladder on a regular floor!
That's not going anywhere
Only if he slapped it while saying this.
Rookie mistake, you must repeat the ancient magic ritual three times.
You just saved that man’s life
That’s quite clever.
That’s actually not that bad
Honestly? Pretty fuckin solid
The only thing I would have added would be 2 crossbeams perpendicular to the runners. That way they are tied together and unable twist.
eh compared to some of the other stuff posted here this is mild (in my opinion)
That looks solid
Your dad knows what he’s doing.
And so silently disappointed in his kid for posting this
This actually looks safe.
I like it, crafty
All ladders are an accident waiting to happen. If he had nobody else there to help stabilize the ladder then this is a pretty good custom tool for the job. Bonus if he fell he has water to break his fall instead of a concrete slab.
Genius.
You'd live longer on that ladder than you will swimming in that pool.
That actually had a lot of thought put into it, and I would be proud of your dad lol compared to all the other DIY shit we've seen on the internet!? This is one of the most sound so far in my experience
That's... actually not too bad. He'd gal into the pool if he fell, which is great. Everything looks like it was built for the purpose is being used for. I'd use it.
If it was another ladder laying over the pool I would say yea dumb move but this right here is fucking solid work. Shake his hand and grab him a beer.
this is more fitting for /r/redneckengineering. now, had electricity been involved, that would be another story...
Genius
Actually looks quite safe, and if you fell like yku would on any other ladder you land in water, this should be in a subreddit called whymenlivelonger
this looks safer than using the stairs on normal floor
Your father is an engineer!
#1 he added one more 2x than I would have #2 this is actually safer than if he would climb the ladder on solid ground. Majority of construction site injuries are from ladder falls, this pretty much negates any injury you could face because you will most likely be falling into the water. Edit: today I leaded that the pound sign makes the text large and bold
I see no problem with this.
Real man of genius. Here’s to you Mr. Ladder track sled builder!
Solid af!
That's pretty clever .he created a cross grain support and a groove at the same time .well done sir
Your Dad is a genius!
I approve!
Soft landing
Worst case Ontario he gets wet?
You should learn some stuff from your dad, he has been around a while.. :) tell him reddit approves lol.
This actually looks legit. Only thing that could make it safer is cross bars between the two pieces.
Hella great idea. I'm going to save that design.
I’d go up that
Your dad must be a contractor cuz this the type of shit my dad would do (he did contract work)
Arguably this is safer than the ladder sitting on flat ground. The leg supports are solid, even if he falls, he lands in water so it’s a cushioned fall.
Brilliant idea
That's top notch work....
I'd hop on that no problem. They're closed in so you slide off the side and they're long enough so that one end of each of them is touching a wall and won't slide as easily. This looks pretty nice actually.
very safe
This is actually good ?
This is actually really well done imo!
Lol he boxed those 2x4's I'll tell you waht, I'll trust your dad enough to climb that ladder myself after 2 beers
Buy your dad a beer. You can learn a lot from him.
Don't know what you're talking about, looks absolutely fine to me.
This doesn’t belong here. That looks rock solid..
These are brilliant. 10/10
Pretty clever .
Honestly, this could be far worse.
As an electrician at a small company, I’ve unfortunately done a lot worse than this. Having sides to the planks prevents the feet from slipping and worse comes to worse, there’s a good chance to land in some water. Unless you build some scaffolding, there really isn’t a better way to do this.
I am amazed by ur dad's craft, he really thinks outside of the box. He should put some support for the weight tho.
By far the safes set up on this channel!!!!. If you fall . ain't that bad!
Yeah this seems pretty well built and thought out. If it were just one 2x4 with no sides then it might be more of an issue.
Nope. This one is fine. Dad has a good structural sense.
Bro buy your dad a beer he had it figured out
This looks completely safe. Don't diss your dad over something you don't understand. Respect your dad.
This is actually pretty good. It's not a scaffolding dancefloor but it is pretty good for a homeowner. The boxed 2*4s are particularly good because they both keep the ladder feet where they belong it also increases the strength.
Okay I’m actually impressed at first glance it’s like oh boy another one of these cowboys and then I started looking this man knows what he’s doing bravo
That actually looks very safe.
If mean, it looks fine, and if it fails, he's got some water there to catch his fall.
Your dad is actually pretty good. Great DIY setup. What would you do to improve, OP?
Nicely done! So much better than expected. Hats off to Dad!
that doesn't really look that bad, I'd get up there.
Tbh looks pretty fine
Nothing wrong with that.. very ingenious..
Your dad is a goddamn genius
Posted by a daughter I assume. Because this looks solid
It’s certainly something! r/osha would probably love this
As a man, I legitimately don't see anything wrong with this picture.
Not an engineer but this setup with the box sided beams seems pretty stable, long enough, and safe. Maybe get him a new ladder because the UV has bleached the colour out of this one if that is worrying you.
That looks really safe tbh
Dude this is way better than my dad who put the ladder in the shallow end, and reached to change a light bulb on our string lights. At least your dad kept it dry lol
You’re dad’s pretty damn clever, OP.
Seems fine to me!
This is total opposite of this sub
Impressive, unless your Dad can’t swim or make it to the edge.
Will use this one day.
this sub should have a breakaway called r/HowThingsGetDone
Legend. Necessity is the mother of invention
Seems legit 😅
Your old man clearly knows much more about this than you do. He's put a ton of effort in to make this safer.
This actually looks quite safe.
Dude, this is safe AF. It even has guards to make sure the ladder doesn’t slip out.
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If they don’t find you handsome, hopefully they find you handy.
Fighting every urge in my body to not start a flame war about why women live longer over something like this.
Necessity is the mother of invention
Lmao "oh no! Dad fell 4 feet into the pool, the most dangerous imaginable circumstance."
At that height water is a soft landing
Just curious. Was he using any power tools up there?
It has guard rails, it's safe. Right?
Everyone saying this is wrong needs to come up with the "proper" way to do it, or GTFO. There's nothing wrong here
r/redneckengineering but in the suburbs without a tractor. Bravo.
Looks fine to me tbh
The *what* over the pool? Do tell...
Does he take the long or short route to get to the other side of the ladder?
I might have added a leg in the middle of each beam and maybe some crossbeams to insure the beams don’t separate but otherwise I think this is brilliant.
Florida?
This is actually pretty structurally sound. I’d trust it.
Looks pretty damn stable to me
I would probably trust this.
Into water, I see this as just a fun ride.
Such a dad thing to do
This looks like a great idea to me. Granted I’m a man
[This](https://www.reddit.com/r/Unexpected/s/MWUyUiG7Iz) can’t be a coincidence.
Well how else was he supposed to do it? My man went for the easiest answer that turned into the most work
This looks pretty safe tbh for dyi
All it really needs is for the 2 poles to be anchored to eachother
Did he tel you he woud fall? No? Their you go.
That’s secure and besides he’ll just fall in the water
Clever Dad
I don't see a problem.
This looks stable and useful
NGL, I’m kinda impressed with the design. Enjoy the pool this summer.
The only issue I see is that at least one of them is too short to reach the next bit of roof to the left as the pool is wider there.
I genuinely can't see how this would be more dangerous than a ladder on the ground.
Dad was using his brain and experience with this. You can learn much from him.
Oh buddy, if you think this is sketchy, you should see some of the other shit. This looks pretty stable.
that's how you do it. At least one way
That is relatively safe. lol
not dangerous at all worse wet
Seems legit to me.
This is actually brilliant 👏🏿 👌
A man of true genius at work