Use a stepladder at home
For a light job such as adjusting a curtain hook, make room to open the ladder fully and bring the task within easy reach.
Open full-size diagram ↗Three points of contact
- First hand. Grip the ladder and face the steps.
- Second hand. Keep it on the ladder as you lift a foot. Carry small tools in a pouch.
- Supporting foot. Keep this foot on the tread until the other has landed. When moving a hand, keep both feet and the other hand in contact.
Place it where you can face the job
Clear the floor around the curtain rail. Keep children and other people away. Choose a position clear of doors that could swing into you. Open the frame fully, engage the spreaders and check that all four feet bear on the floor.
Choose your standing step
Find the highest permitted standing level on your model’s label. Include your clothes, tools and materials when checking the load rating. Keep off the top cap and tool tray. Use only steps or decks identified as standing surfaces.
Climb and come back down
Face the steps in both directions. Keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact as you move. A tool pouch leaves your hands free. Keep your waist between the rails.
Reposition for the next hook
Once the next hook is beyond comfortable reach, climb down, move the ladder and check the feet and spreaders again. Choose a different work platform if the task requires sustained two-handed effort.