Hinges on folding ladder not locking

Lauras Law · 18-01-2020 8:45pm #1

I have a folding ladder, one like this:

So it has these locking hinges:

The issue is that the hinges aren't locking for me on it. I have the locks in the open position and I fold the ladder open. However doesnt lock again. I have tried locking it myself and can't.

I'm not overly familiar with these ladders. I'm wondering if I didnt have the locks in the open position previously and pulled the ladder open, could I possibly have broken the locks? Is it possible they are just jammed? Or is there anything I can possibly do to fix it?

Sorry I know this question is a bit vague, let me know if I can provide any more details!

colm_mcm · 18-01-2020 10:19pm

Is this happening on multiple joints on the ladder?

Lauras Law · 19-01-2020 9:21am

colm_mcm wrote: »

Is this happening on multiple joints on the ladder?

Yeah, its happening on these 4 joints:

muffler · 19-01-2020 10:16am

If it's new return it. If you've had it for a long time try spraying a bit of graphite or oil. If the locking tabs won't move you may need to force them a little

milehip · 19-01-2020 10:30am

+1. 0n what muffler's post, have had one of these ladder for years, never had a problem with the hinges locking, can be a bit stiff to operate the release tabs from time to time.

If you've be extended those 2 hinges to their fullest, they should lock instantly.

CJhaughey · 20-01-2020 8:48am

You might need to wiggle the ladder so the locking pin can engage the slot in the opposite side, or open it and give it a tap with a screwdriver handle to allow it to run freely.

GreeBo · 20-01-2020 9:51am

did it get wet by any chance?

Cerco · 20-01-2020 11:39am

Spray them with WD40.

Lauras Law · 20-01-2020 7:14pm

GreeBo wrote: »

did it get wet by any chance?

It actually did. Its been left outside for the past 2 weeks. What does that mean for the locks if they were damaged by the rain?

colm_mcm · 21-01-2020 10:52pm

I’d say it’s unlikely to be faulty if it’s multiple joints.

Lubricate then see. Compare with the hinge in the middle. It’s a simple mechanism.

GreeBo · 22-01-2020 2:23pm

Lauras Law wrote: »

It actually did. Its been left outside for the past 2 weeks. What does that mean for the locks if they were damaged by the rain?

its probably just means they are "stuck" and you should be able to work them loose with a bit of force and some WD-40/3-in-one/grease

but it could mean that parts of it have rusted and the ladder is now toast

Cerco · 22-01-2020 4:20pm

Lauras Law wrote: »

It actually did. Its been left outside for the past 2 weeks. What does that mean for the locks if they were damaged by the rain?

I doubt two weeks in the rain would damage the hinges. As before, dose them with WD40 and when it dries out pack with Vaseline.

Hinges on folding ladder not locking

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