Repairing an Attic Ladder

Tools:

work bench
drill
table saw and push stick
sandpaper
circular saw
flathead screwdriver
pencil
large and small clamps
straight edge
scrap wood
safety goggles
#1 select pine (free of knot holes, which weaken the wood)
2-1/2 inch wood screws with washers

1. Use the old step as a template. Place the old step on the table saw and line up the blade so the new bevel will match that of the old step (figure A). Disconnect the power from the saw while doing this.

2. When the blade is locked in place, cut both edges of the piece of #1 select pine so the bevels match those of the old steps and the new steps will fit in the ladder (figure B).

Once the bevels are cut, position the old step on top of the new pine and mark off the length. Cut the step (or steps) to the desired length using the table saw.

3. Next cut traction grooves using the circular saw, straight edge and clamps. Make sure the grooves match those of the old steps. Use some 80-grit sandpaper to take the sharp edges off the new steps.

4. Slide the step into place in the ladder and use the drill to make starter holes for the screws (figure C). Keep the drill level as you drill through the side of the ladder and into the edge of the new step.

5. Insert wood screws into the steps instead of nails for added holding power.