Ladder Facts for Kids

Old ladder inside a cave

A ladder is a simple tool that helps people climb up or down. Think of it as a portable staircase! Most ladders have two long, straight sides called supports. Between these supports are horizontal steps called rungs. You place your feet on the rungs to climb, and you can hold onto the rungs or the side supports for balance.

Ladders can be made from different materials like metal, wood, or even rope. There are many kinds of ladders, each designed for a special job.

What are the main types of ladders?
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What are the main types of ladders?

There are several common types of ladders you might see. Each one is built for a specific purpose, whether it's reaching high places or climbing in tricky spots.

Leaning Ladders

Some ladders are made in one long piece. You can carry them around and lean them against a wall or another sturdy surface. It's important to set them up safely, making sure the bottom is far enough from the wall so the ladder doesn't slip or fall.

Extension Ladders

An extension ladder is a special type of leaning ladder. It's made of two or more sections that slide past each other. This design allows the ladder to be much longer when you need it, but also fold up smaller for easier carrying and storage. To make it longer, you simply slide the sections up until they lock into place.

Step Ladders

Step ladders are very useful around the home or in the garden. They are great for reaching things that aren't too high, like a ceiling or the top of a hedge. A step ladder has two parts joined by a hinge at the top, forming an upside-down "V" shape. They often have a small platform at the very top where you can stand, but always be careful to make sure the ladder is steady and won't wobble.

Fixed Ladders

Some ladders are built to stay in one place. These are called fixed ladders because they are permanently attached to something. You might see them in a swimming pool to help people get in and out of the water. Small fixed ladders are also used to climb up to a top bunk bed. You can also find them on the side of a big boat or next to a canal lock, helping workers get up or down for repairs.

A fire engine with a turntable ladder in Tokyo.

Specialty Ladders

Some ladders are designed for very specific tasks. These can be quite different from the common types you see every day.

Turntable Ladders

Fire engines often have a very long and powerful ladder called a turntable ladder. This ladder is mounted on a rotating base, or "turntable," which means it can turn in any direction. Firefighters use these ladders to reach high windows in tall buildings during emergencies.

Rope Ladders

Rope ladders are flexible and can be folded away easily. They are often used for climbing trees, for rock climbing, or exploring caves. Because they are light and flexible, they can be used in places where a solid ladder wouldn't fit or would be too heavy to carry.