Which component is designed to keep the beams from separating from the rungs on a wood ladder?

Which component is designed to keep the beams from separating from the rungs on a wood ladder?

• A. Spikes on base
• B. Rungs
• C. Halyard
• D. Tie rod

Answer: (D)

This question tests how wooden ladders stay rigid under load. When someone steps on a rung, the force tends to push the two side beams outward. A tie rod runs between those beams and holds them together, preventing the rails from spreading and keeping the rungs securely in place. That’s why the tie rod is the component designed to keep the beams from separating from the rungs. Spikes on the base anchor the ladder to the ground, rungs are the steps themselves, and a halyard is used on rope ladders, not wood ladders.