Vent: My 20-foot extension ladder slipped on some wet leaves yesterday

Kelly Grant · 2026-03-12T12:25:05.566926+00:00

I was setting up for a cleanout in Portland and the base just slid out. Anyone have a good trick for securing ladders on damp ground?

riley8606mo ago

Screw through the feet" is a total game changer, I learned that the hard way too.

9

patricia_hayes4mo ago

Honestly, is screwing a ladder down really needed every single time? That seems like overkill for a quick job. A good solid base on clear ground usually does the trick. Maybe just take an extra minute to really kick the feet in and check for wobble. Adding screws feels like a whole production for something simple.

6

paulp456mo ago

Man, that's scary stuff. I used to think just setting the feet was enough, but a close call on some mud changed my mind for good. Now I always screw a couple of long wood screws into the ground through the ladder's feet if I'm on anything soft or wet. It takes two minutes and basically pins it in place. For leaves, I'll also sweep a clear spot first so the feet have solid contact.

3