Extension Ladder Stuck: 5 Reasons With Solutions

Extension ladders are very helpful for reaching higher places. And for the retractable function, it is easy to store. However, sometimes the extension ladder can get stuck and you won’t be able to extend or retract it. 

So, why is the extension ladder stuck? 

The extension ladder can be stuck if you forget to disengage the rung lock or if the rung lock gets stuck itself. Obstruction or excessive friction on the rail can cause the extension ladder to be stuck as well. To fix this problem, disengage the rung lock, or clean the rail. You can also lubricate the moving parts with wax or lithium grease. 

If severe damage to the extension ladder causes the issue, you may have to stop using the ladder. Keep reading to know more.

5 Reasons For Extension Ladder To Stuck & Solutions

There can be several reasons behind the extension ladder being stuck, including an engaged lock or obstruction on the sliding part. The following table will give you a sneak peek at all the reasons and their solutions. 

Reason 1: The Rung Lock Is Engaged

When you think, “my extension ladder is stuck” the first thing you have to notice is if the lock is engaged. 

Extension ladders have rung locks that keep the fly section in place. If the lock is engaged you can’t extend or retract the ladder.

Solution:

Make sure to release the rung lock from the hook when you are trying to extend or retract the extension ladder.

Reason 2: The Lock Is Stuck

Sometimes the rung lock can be stuck in the engaged position. It restrains the ladder from extending or retracting. 

Solution: 

Use a grinder to carefully smoothen the surface underneath the lock so that the lock slides back down. Grinding 2-3 times should be enough to smoothen the surface. Make sure not to grind the surface too much. Otherwise, the lock won’t be kept in place the next time you use it. 

You can also use 2-3 drops of lubricant on the pivot part of the lock to make it smoother. For an aluminum ladder, you can use paraffin wax or candle wax. And for the fiberglass ladder, using white lithium grease lubricant will be a suitable option. 

If the lock is damaged beyond repair, you should replace the lock with a new one. Using damaged locks on the extension ladder is dangerous. 

Reason 3: Obstructions On The Rail

If any dirt or debris is stuck on the moving part or the rail of the ladder, it will restrain the ladder from extending or retracting. 

Solution:

If the extension ladder is closed all the way and not extending, the obstruction might be in the top section. Check the top section for obstruction, and if any debris is found, take it out. 

And if the extension ladder not retracting, check the bottom part of the fly section. If any foreign object is stuck on the rail, take it out. Now, your ladder should keep moving. 

Sometimes, the ladder may not be stuck all the way, but you might face obstruction while extending or retracting the ladder. In this case, you should clean the ladder, following the tips mentioned below. 

• Place your ladder horizontally on the floor and extend it all the way to clean the rail. 
• For cleaning the aluminum extension ladder, spray enough aluminum cleaner to cover the rail and wait for 1 minute. When the cleaner starts to foam up, wipe the ladder using a washcloth. 
• To clean the fiberglass extension ladder, spray enough general-purpose thinner to cover the rail and wipe it out with a washcloth.

This will help smoothen out the extension and retraction of your extension ladder. 

Reason 4: Frequent Use 

Due to frequent extension and retraction, the rails of the fly and base section of your ladder get exposed to excess friction. For this reason, the ladder can sometimes get stuck. 

Both Louisville and Werner extension ladders are of very good quality. However,  you can face this problem even with these ladders. 

Solution:

You have to lubricate the rails of the extension ladder properly. Here’s how to lubricate the extension ladder.  

Step 1: Extend the ladder all the way and clean the ladder with a dry washcloth to get rid of all the dirt and debris. 

Step 2: Take 2-3 pump lubricants on a clean rug and rub them on the sliding parts of the extension ladder. Don’t forget to apply to lubricate on the ring lock. 

Step 3: Use a washcloth to wipe off the extra lubricate that might drip through the rails. Make sure there is no lubrication on the rungs. 

Now, the extension ladder should slide smoothly. If not, you may have a bent or broken rail. 

Reason 5: Bent Or Broken Rail

If there is any bent or breakage on the rail, it might cause the ladder to be stuck. Even a small dent can affect the smooth retraction and extension of the ladder. 

Solution:

Inspect the rail of the ladder carefully for any dent or breakage. If the rail of your ladder is only slightly bent, straighten it out with a hammer. Use the claw side of the hammer to hold the rain and pull it until the rail straightens. 

If the rail has breakage or dents that are not possible to repair, dispose of the ladder. It is very risky to use an extension ladder with serious dent or breakage in the rails or other parts. So, even though ladders are costly, put your safety first. 

Tips For Using An Extension Ladder

While using an extension ladder, keep the following things in mind. This will ensure your own safety and the longevity of the ladder. 

• Occasionally lubricate the extension ladder’s moving parts and locks. Make sure there is no lubrication on the rungs. 
• Before every usage inspect the ladder for any damage on the rails, rungs, and the rung lock. Don’t use the ladder with any faulty parts. 
• Make sure to position the ladder on a level and stable surface. 
• Don’t step on the three topmost steps of the ladder. 
• Always keep a three-point connection with the ladder. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can You Fully Extend An Extension Ladder?

Yes, you can fully extend an extension ladder. If you do so, use a bungee cord to secure the ladder in place. However, extending the extension ladder fully is not recommended and can be dangerous. manufacturers usually mark certain points up to which the ladder should be extended.

What Is The 4-1 Rule For Extension Ladders?

The 4-1 rule for extension ladder implies that, for every 4 feet of a rise of the ladder, you must move the ladder 1 foot away from the wall. This will provide the ladder with maximum stability. 

Do Extension Ladders Come Apart?

No, the extension ladder is not designed to come apart. The fly section of the extension ladder is fixed to the base section. If the extension part of your ladder has come apart, the ladder is broken and you should not use it. 

Conclusion

If your extension ladder is stuck, this article should help you with it. Using the ladder with any kind of damage can be very dangerous. 

It is important to identify and resolve the problem immediately. And if the damage is beyond repair, don’t think twice about disposing of the ladder for your safety. 

It’s time for me to say goodbye. All the best.