Aluminium Gang Plank

[David Schweizer]

I am planning to replace the wooden board on our aluminium ladder gang plank with a long sheet of aluminium chequer plate, the only thing is that the plate comes in thicknesses between 1.5mm and 5mm, and I do not know what thickness I should order

 

I have seen quite a few aluminium chequer plate/ladder gang planks around over the years, and wondered if anyone with one could measure theirs to give an idea of the thickness, I understand that the stock thickness is based upon the flat cross section and not the raised chequers.

[Ally]

The aluminium plank/ladder that Miracle leisure do has 2mm thick chequer plate. Any help?

[blackrose]

Aluminium checker plate (chequer plate) isn't actually that grippy in the wet. Is it the ideal material for a boarding plank?

 

I guess it depends what sort of sole your shoes have.

Edited December 1, 2011 by blackrose

[Taslim]

I am planning to replace the wooden board on our aluminium ladder gang plank with a long sheet of aluminium chequer plate, the only thing is that the plate comes in thicknesses between 1.5mm and 5mm, and I do not know what thickness I should order

 

I have seen quite a few aluminium chequer plate/ladder gang planks around over the years, and wondered if anyone with one could measure theirs to give an idea of the thickness, I understand that the stock thickness is based upon the flat cross section and not the raised chequers.

 

Yes, thickness measured on the plate. Assuming you have rung supports at about 30cm (12") intervals I would go for 3mm especially if you need to put motorbikes or guests over 12 stone on board on a regular basis.

[cereal tiller]

Aluminium checker plate (chequer plate) isn't actually that grippy in the wet. Is it the ideal material for a boarding plank?

 

I guess it depends what sort of sole your shoes have.

Agreed,chequer plate is slippery when wet.

 

easiest way to make a gangplank is to use an aluminium ladder with timber "decking" planks screwed to it.

[David Schweizer]

Agreed,chequer plate is slippery when wet.

 

easiest way to make a gangplank is to use an aluminium ladder with timber "decking" planks screwed to it.

That is what we have got at the moment! It is so heavy, I cannot get it off the roof without straining myself, it is 8ft long and the timber is 7/8" thick pine coated with non slip paint.

 

As it happens, I find that brown decking board with little hexagons on it is also slippery when wet, and it is very heavy.

Edited December 1, 2011 by David Schweizer

[cereal tiller]

That is what we have got at the moment! It is so heavy, I cannot get it off the roof without straining myself, it is 8ft long and the timber is 7/8" thick pine coated with non slip paint.

 

As it happens, I find that brown decking board with little hexagons on it is also slippery when wet, and it is very heavy.

The decking is a fair bit lighter than the 7/8 pine.

 

i suppose you could spend a spare hour or two drilling 3/4 holes in the boards,i fully intend to modify my plank using that method.

 

Asoon as i get one of those round tuit thingys!

[WotEver]

Asoon as i get one of those round tuit thingys!

If you find a supplier, would you drop me a PM please.

[Rebotco]

If you find a supplier, would you drop me a PM please.

 

 

I had one of those - but I lost it about 20 years ago !!

 

Brian

[David Schweizer]

The decking is a fair bit lighter than the 7/8 pine.

 

i suppose you could spend a spare hour or two drilling 3/4 holes in the boards,i fully intend to modify my plank using that method.

 

Asoon as i get one of those round tuit thingys!

I would urge caution with that approach, as too many holes will compromise the board's integrity. The last thing you want is to loose Granny by putting her foot through it!

Edited December 1, 2011 by David Schweizer

[14skipper]

When l made mine l used 3mm sheet,that l got from a caravan/mobile home step manufacturer.

 

14skipper

[ditchcrawler]

Agreed,chequer plate is slippery when wet.

 

easiest way to make a gangplank is to use an aluminium ladder with timber "decking" planks screwed to it.

Maybe you should also consider this tape from Screwfix

[WJM]

Put a very short loop of rope on one end and you have a dual purpose device - an very effective man-over-board ladder to hook onto the mooring stud.

[Rebotco]

Maybe you should also consider this tape from Screwfix

 

Had A look at this. The sales blurb doesn't say anything, but the "review" says its no good for outdoor use.

 

Brian

[smileypete]

I am planning to replace the wooden board on our aluminium ladder gang plank with a long sheet of aluminium chequer plate, the only thing is that the plate comes in thicknesses between 1.5mm and 5mm, and I do not know what thickness I should order

 

I have seen quite a few aluminium chequer plate/ladder gang planks around over the years, and wondered if anyone with one could measure theirs to give an idea of the thickness, I understand that the stock thickness is based upon the flat cross section and not the raised chequers.

Try this Ebay seller, might be able to supply something suitable.

 

Or if you can use the above, do a search for 'waffle boards' on Ebay/online.

 

cheers,

Pete.

Edited December 1, 2011 by smileypete

[ditchcrawler]

Had A look at this. The sales blurb doesn't say anything, but the "review" says its no good for outdoor use.

 

Brian

I bought a reel of similar stuff from Betterware about 2 years ago. I put a piece about an inch long on top of our wheelie bin that stands out in all weathers and there is still no way I can peel it off. I still have not used the rest and can't remember what I bought it for. True I have never tested Screwfix tape but I was assuming (bad thing to do) it would be the same.

[Rebotco]

I bought a reel of similar stuff from Betterware about 2 years ago. I put a piece about an inch long on top of our wheelie bin that stands out in all weathers and there is still no way I can peel it off. I still have not used the rest and can't remember what I bought it for. True I have never tested Screwfix tape but I was assuming (bad thing to do) it would be the same.

 

Depends on the type of adhesive I expect. Must say Betterware stuff usually is pretty good.

 

Brian

[The Pipe]

Or you could use expanded metal mesh.

http://www.perforated-wire-mesh.com/expanded-metal-products.asp?sub=1

[Biggles]

Try this Ebay seller, might be able to supply something suitable.

 

Or if you can use the above, do a search for 'waffle boards' on Ebay/online.

 

cheers,

Pete.

 

 

These people are quite near to me and I have been there to see the stuff. It is very grippy, all their stuff is.