The Legendary 'Ladder Ring Test'

The 'Ring Test' is a way of checking if there is any damage to the rungs of a leaning or extension ladder. You extend the ladder and lay it on it's side and then tap each rung with a light, stiff object like a pen or small hammer handle. Listen to the sound made - tight rungs will make a pronounced 'ring', whilst loose (and therefore dangerous) ones will rattle or thud (a distinctly different sound). The ring test works equally well on aluminium, timber and GRP ladders.