3 ways to create a rope ladder

A rope ladder is a necessary tool in the arsenal of every master. Being light and compact, it may be useful for the work in the most difficult places where the bulky wooden or metal ladders will be powerless. Whether it be a roof repair or well cleaning, rope ladder will always come in handy! Rescue teams and firemen use rope ladders to conduct the evacuation of people. Even the professional climbers can’t conquer the peaks without a rope ladder. Let’s consider the options for the manufacture of such a staircase (there are three of them). Anyone can make them.

Option № 1: tie the knots

What will you need? First of all, you should stock up on the materials. You will need 40 m of polypropylene rope. Polypropylene material is characterized by high moisture resistance and elasticity.

Pay attention to the rope diameter. It must be no less than 10 mm, otherwise, you can cut your hands!

Material for the manufacture of steps can be cuttings of rakes or spade, depending on the estimated weight load. You will require the following tools:

• fine-grained sandpaper;
• shoe tread;
• fine-toothed hacksaw.

Technology

Let’s move straight to the process of manufacturing. To attach the steps to the rope, you should use the knot called “constructor” (pictured above), as it is more reliable and allows you to get along without making holes in the steps. To prevent the knot from slipping and fidgeting, you should create the barriers on the sides of the knot. These are so-called “grooves”. Step back 1.5 cm from the edge and make a slot (4 mm deep and 2 cm wide). Complete this procedure with sandpapering the step.

So, you’ve built the steps and can proceed to the assembly of the staircase! To prevent the rope from untying, you need to singe its ends. Then, after tying the knot, form the node with a diameter of 6 cm. Do the same with the ends of both lengths of rope. Using the “constructor”, attach the steps. The distance between the steps must be no less than 45 cm.

Strictly perpendicular arrangement of the rope ends with respect to the step axis is an indication that the knot has been tied correctly. Make sure of it before tying the knot, as you won’t be able to untie it. So, after connecting all the steps, the result of your work must be an 11-m rope ladder!

Option № 2: drill the holes

This option of the staircase is somewhat different from the previous model. You won’t have to tie the knots. However, you will need to make it through openings.

So, wooden studs (40 cm long) and synthetic rope will serve as materials.

1. Using the drill, make through openings in every rail by stepping back 4 cm from every edge (the hole diameter is 2 cm).
2. After that, carefully polish the rails and treat it with an antiseptic (to extend the service life).
3. Then divide the 10-m rope into two equal parts. Singe the ends of every part, as indicated in the previous method.
4. When assembling the construction, use the method of fixing the crossbeam between the bars, nailed to the board.

Option № 3: tie the rope

This option is popular among the rescue services, fans of camping or parents who want to diversify the leisure of your children with profit to your health, when, due to certain conditions, you don’t have time and money to make a normal rope ladder. Main difference of this staircase from all the above-mentioned models is the lack of wooden steps. Their role is performed by the rope, pre-formed in the knot. So, let’s get to the needlework!

We will build the steps in the form of a “burlat” loop. It has universal properties. You can hold it with your hands and easily stand on it without the risk of untying.

It is very easy to tie such knot: twist the rope twice, pull the lower part of “eight” to the side and stretch the upper part of “eight” inside the circle received.

So, keep forming the necessary number of steps. Voila! Now you can go camping!

Protect yourself

In conclusion, we would like to mention the existing safety requirements placed on any staircases. The surface of every step must not be pointed out. The length of the hanging ladder must not exceed 20 m, while its width must not be less than 30 cm. The distance between the steps must be 35-40 cm. Staircases used by adult people must withstand the weight load of 350 kg. Rope ladder must be equipped with the steps with a convenient configuration to avoid traumatic effects.

We have shown you three methods for making a rope ladder. Perhaps you know more ways to do it? Tell us about them! And if you like tinkering, try to build a ladder with your own hands, and you will always have a very useful and functional item at hand.