Abstract: Large contact areas braces for attachment to the siderails of a ladder maintain the top end of the ladder away from the work surface against which the siderails would ordinarily rest. Each brace provides a large surface area to contact the work surface to prevent defacing of the work surface by the side rails of the ladder. The large contact areas of the braces grip the work surface to prevent the ladder from slipping or sliding. The braces have contact pads that pivot horizontally so that the ladder can straddle corners.

Abstract: A stand-off brace for attachment to the top end of a ladder maintains the top end of the ladder away from the work surface against which it would ordinarily rest. The brace has a general U-shape wherein the legs are reversible to vary the distance between the ladder and the work surface. The distance between the legs is also adjustable so that the brace spans the work surface. The legs are fitted with resilient ads for contacting the work surface without damage. Corner adapters are connected to the legs and the pads are pivotally attached to the adapters to maintain flush contact with the walls of a corner or a curved surface. The corner adapters have an angular offset to maintain flush contact with the ladder positioned at the recommended working angle.

Abstract: A stand-off brace for attachment to the top end of a ladder maintains the top end of the ladder away from the work surface against which it would ordinarily rest. The brace has a general U-shape wherein the legs are adjustable to vary the distance between the ladder and the work surface. The distance between the legs is also adjustable so that the brace spans the work surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a knot hole in a piece of lumber includes a rod of compressible polyethylene material and an adhesive caulk. The caulk is applied to the knot hole. The rod is forcibly inserted into the knot hole being secured by a force fit and the adhesive caulk. The rod is cut flush with the surface of the wood being repaired. The surface can be stained or painted along with the remainder of the structure.

Abstract: An anti-slip attachment for each side rail of a ladder, designed to keep the ladder a predetermined distance away from a side wall of a building, has a bevelled end that allows a backing plate attached thereto and on which a resilient pad and a removable cover are mounted, to pivot at an angle of 0.degree.-25.degree. with respect to the axis of the ladder.