In our previous post, we started looking at some of the accessories Midland Ladders offer to complement your existing ladders and transform them into the complete access kit.  Part two looks at safety feet and other add-ons for job-specific adaptations.

Ladder Accessories for Grip

The 'Supagrip' articulated safety feet feature large rubber pads that swivel forwards and backwards to achieve the perfect angle whilst offering non-slip surface contact that also prevents sinking into soft ground.  They are only available as a factory-fitted option on orders from Midland Ladders and come fitted to the Titan range of trade and light industrial ladders.  If you are purchasing one of these ladders, it's a great idea to get these feet fitted, but do bear in mind that other levelling products such as the Basemate stabiliser are not compatible with ladders that have these safety feet fitted. There are other safety feet available separately (but they can also be factory fitted to your new ladder) that do the same job.  Rubber feet with a good grippy tread pattern help stop the ladder slipping on normal surfaces and provide some stability on poor surfaces.  Of course, when using a ladder on very slippery surfaces it is best to use something like a ladder stop for better base grip and support. For superb grip on smooth and polished surfaces the swivel suction feet are the best bet.  Available on their own or factory fitted to your new ladder they provide excellent suction grip on shiny floors so are perfect for ladders used in schools, hospitals, sports centres and anywhere else with polished or smooth floors. For the top of your ladder you can purchase soft urethane mitts that stop marking on uPVC windowsills and other fittings while also offering traction at the top to reduce the risk of sideways slipping.  Because they are soft and pliable they will stretch to fit over almost any type of ladder and protect the professional against claims of marking or damage to exterior surfaces, so they are perfect for window cleaners and maintenance people.

DIY Ladder Accessories

If you do any sort of work involving painting or treating surfaces then you will know how tricky it can be to find somewhere to hang your paint tin up a ladder.  There are hooks and devices available, but they don’t keep the tin still and can unbalance the ladder if they are moved accidentally.  The ladder bucket fixes onto the rungs and provides four litres capacity for paint and other substances you might be using.  It can also be used to store tools and other equipment up the ladder while you are not using them.  It comes with a free insert designed to hold a standard 2.5 litre sized can of paint so you don't have to decant your paint into the bucket, thereby saving on cleaning the thing!  There is a place to hang a roller and somewhere to rest a paintbrush (if you are using the paint holder insert), leaving both hands free for working and holding on to the ladder, rather than delicately balancing all your equipment on one hand whilst clinging onto the ladder with your legs  an accident waiting to happen! The ladder platform is great for anyone who needs to be up the ladder for long periods of time, as it reduces the strain in your feet from standing on a narrow rung for extended time periods.  The platform gives you somewhere more comfortable to stand while on the ladder, offering the stability and large area of a work platform with the ease of using a ladder rather than a bulky work platform.  The ladder platform can also be used at any height on the ladder, which is much more versatile than a work platform. The unit fits over two rungs, and is adjustable for all types of ladder and distance between rungs.  It can be fitted and removed in seconds, so you can use this platform at all heights in your ladder.  Using this along with the ladder bucket described above will make painting and decorating so much easier, not to mention safer and less tiring.  Because the unit fits on the ladder towards the back of the rung, it does not interfere with climbing or descending the ladder.

From Ladder to a Roof Ladder

Finally, the universal roof hook is a great piece of kit for turning any standard straight ladder into a roof ladder.  The unit fits quickly and easily onto any standard ladder, clamping on to the top rung.  The hook at the top goes over the ridge, and the wheels on the other side help to roll the ladder up the roof and into position.  It is ideal for homeowners who only have an occasional need for a roof ladder, and professionals who don't quite have the need to invest in a roof ladder for odd jobs.  Because it fixes on with clamps there are no other tools needed, and no holes need to be drilled into your ladder. Of all the accessories that Midland Ladders offer, our top picks for upgrading your ladder are the paint bucket, platform, Basemate leg leveller or Maxistoppa, square wheel stand-off and wall mounted clamps.  Your needs might be different, so give our team a call and we can advise you on the best range of accessories for your new, or existing ladders.