How To Fold A Step Ladder? – Guide and Tips

By Consumer Advise Team
Edited On

 A step ladder is a self-supporting A-shaped ladder that is also portable to use. You can use it for multiple purposes. Unlike many extension or telescopic ladders, a step ladder has a dual front-side rail. A step is usually elevated in the front side rails, and bracings are there for the rear side. 

For a step ladder, these are the following parts: A front side rail and a rear side rail. The spreaders help in folding the step ladder easily.

For utmost safety, you must get the best ladder for your home which will suit your purpose to fold, unfold and carry the ladder easily. For example, bring a light-duty ladder that will carry up to 90 Kg load for household purposes.  

Now, let’s have a look at the best way to fold a step ladder.

how to fold step ladder

How to fold a step ladder in the best way?

A step ladder is the most popular one among different types and uses of ladders based on the materials used for it. Mainly they are constructed with materials like wood, plastic, fiberglass, or aluminium. For electrical repairing purposes, you can use the wooden ladder. It is so because dry woods are the best insulator of electricity.

Here’s the complete guide to folding the step ladder. Follow this step-by-step instruction to fold your step ladder safely.

1. Ensure that the step ladder is standing position

Before folding the step ladder, ensure that the ladder is standing. Also, the ladder must be rigid with the help of its self-supporting feature in a plain area. For example, make it stand on the lawn area or if indoor, then on the room floor. In simple words, place the ladders on the stable ground that is not slippery and rough. 

2. Make sure that its spreaders work well

As shared earlier, a step ladder can be folded well with the support of the spreaders. The more flexible the spreaders are, the more easily the ladders are folded. Therefore, make sure that the spreaders work flexibly. Also, never miss checking before purchasing whether the spreaders are rust-free or not. You can barely fold frequently with spreaders that have rusted. Also, you should try to fold a step ladder after you unlock the spreaders. 

3. Now check for the safety latch of the ladder. 

Once ensured that the ladder stands properly with its self-supporting feature, then look for the safety latch. A safety latch is present in almost all types of foldable ladders. It prevents the ladder from suddenly opening, which can cause accidents. Therefore, always check the functioning of the safety latches when you buy a step ladder from the market. It’s only after you check the safety latches properly when you buy it. Otherwise, there will be no guarantee that it will not open accidentally after locking the step for usage. 

Now, find where the safety latches are located in the ladder. Generally, in cases of step ladders, they are situated at the back of the top step. You will find a black (or color may vary) tab, which is called the safety tab. However, the location of the black tab can vary with the models of the ladder. So, you can check manuals, where you will get to know where the safety latch is located. 

For precautions, remember that if there’s no safety latch in your ladder, then it’s best to replace it. 

4. Gently press the safety latch

As you have figured out where the safety latch is, it’s time to fold the step ladder. To fold the ladder, first, hold any of the front parts handle with one hand. Your other hand will help you to pull the ladder up. For that, you simply have to press the safety latch gently with your thumb. Then you should try to lift on the backside of the top step of the ladder. After that, laterally pull it right up. Now, you will notice that the step ladder is automatically folded. 

5. Reverse the locking process when work is done

In case you want to unfold the step ladder, just follow the reverse method. That is, simply pull out and close it down at the back step of the ladder. Continue to do so until the safety latch is completely ready to get engaged. Now, your ladder is again unfolded and ready to use. Once you finish your task, you can again fold the ladder by lifting the safety latch upward. 

However, always remember you should never use a folded step ladder like an extension ladder to maintain safety. These are the simple steps you should follow to fold a step ladder. However, you can skip one or two-step depending on the models of the step ladder. 

Also Read: Step Ladder Vs Extension Ladder


folding step ladder

Tips to fold a ladder properly

  1. A lightweight and portable ladder can folded easily

Once you have decided to have a step ladder, never buy a bulky ladder. It is so because you can’t easily carry such heavy-weight ladders. At the same time, folding is also quite difficult for a bulky ladder. That’s why bring a ladder which will be convenient for folding and is portable in use. For household usage, a ladder that carries up to 90 Kg of weight is perfect. Know more about how to use a step ladder at your home or commercial space.

  1. Ladders with a shorter height are effortless to fold

When the ladder’s height goes with your height, you will easily know how to fold a step ladder! So look for a step ladder that is shorter than your height. In that way, you can easily follow the later steps. 


Folding a step ladder: Conclusion

Thus, learning about how to fold a step ladder is not a big deal. Also, anytime you can take the assistance of the manuals or guidelines. And, knowing the proper folding procedure will help you save a lot of space in your house. Furthermore, while using a step ladder, always maintain your safety. You can do so by cross-checking whether the spreaders, latches work perfectly or not. And lastly, never overburden your ladder with extra weight as it can damage your ladder. 

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