Abstract: Improvements in plastic coated, steel core reinforced manhole steps; particular improvements in the drive-in or hammer-in ends of a U-configuration manhole step construction, which improvements involve the provision of uniform outer diameter retainer elements on a uniform outer diameter stem for use in either tapered or cylindrical manhole wall holes or openings; combinations of barb-like retainer elements and cylinder-like retainer elements on the drive-in ends of uniform diameter manhole leg ends adaptable for driving into and securing manhole step legs in either tapered or cylindrical manhole wall holes or openings.