personally, I would enjoy it as it is - for what it is.

 

All I see is shabby chic project?
Sand the high spots, spray on some pink Rustoleum, and some one's wife will love it as xmas present for reaching the upper cabinets in kitchen.
YMMV

 

Even the crappy paint removers from HD and Lowes will remove most types of paint. Personally I would not bother either.. If you just do not like way it looks. Sand it down and paint it a solid color.

 

I see where you guys are coming from. But let me explain a bit. Due to my beer belly, I find it tough to tie my shoe laces like I used to when I was young. This step ladder is just the right height for that necessity. Also, when I have to clip my toe nails, that's another tough job due to the same belly. I normally step on the toilet bowl which isn't that convenient. Again, this ladder would be handy for that. Finally, since I'd like to keep it inside, I'd prefer that it look nicer than it is right now. And I'd like to stick something onto to it to prevent it from scratching my hardwood floors but also not slide when I'm stepping on it!

If I sanded it, should I use my electric sanders or just do it by hand?

 

If I was to restore this, I would take pictures first. Then dismantle it. Be a lot easier to Sand it down. Check all the holes from the screw or nail holes for possible damages for a sturdy reconstruction. Repair as needed. Apply stain and finish to the wood top cap that has the metal brackets before reassembly. Assemble and apply stain and finish. Wallah, a new step ladder.

 

You can buy a new tubular metal three step ladder that is much stronger than a 100 year old wooden set, for about the price it will cost you in materials to restore this thing safely. Think what would happen to you if it collapsed as you had one foot up there, leaning forwards.

Rubbermaid RMS-2 2-Step Steel Step Stool with Hand Grip, 225 lb Capacity, White - Amazon.com

Rubbermaid RMS-2 2-Step Steel Step Stool with Hand Grip, 225 lb Capacity, White - Amazon.com

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Sometimes, junk is just junk.

 

sunnybob,

Boy, you are brutal but very convincing. I'll trash this ladder.

Thanks to everyone who tried to help.

 

ohhhhhh, I would still hang on to it. (but, that's just how my DNA rolls).
Yes, there are certainly other options available. ACE Hardware used to have those for cheap. So did "hardware stores". But, I think now, everyone is going to plastic and tubular more for the price than ambiance.
Use it as it is for awhile and see how the style and height fits your needs. If we were close, I would offer you $35.00 for it.

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At this point in it's life it is a plant stand; especially if you paint it up "pretty".
One thing that some newer tubular step ladders offer is a raised hand rail extension you can hang on for stability.

 

Just get after it- scrapers, sanding blocks, steel wool on the metal, something to clean out the grooves. Also tighten the tension rods, which sometimes break but new ones can be made. Disassembling isn't worth the trouble as some parts are riveted. Personally, I would use an oil finish so It's less slippery, and probably nail rubber strips to the feet so it doesn't slide around on the floor.

 

You can get that cleaned up easily using a product called "Goof Off" from Home Depot. It is used to remove drops and drips from painting your walls and I used it on a ladder just like your. You don't really need to strip it. Personally, i wouldn't stain it or even put polurethane on it, as that will probably make it look worse than it's natural patina. If you want it to look like a new ladder, then just buy a new one. If you want it look like an old ladder, then don't over think it too much. You can put felt or rubber strips on the bottom of the legs, but your hardwood floors are probably mad of tougher stuff than this ladder.

 

looks like a perfect shelf for the patio, add a little width to steps and throw a pot or two on it, recycle baby, recycle
good luck with idea of use or ....................
rj in az

 

At my age I buy step ladders that have a handrail I can hang onto.

 

If I understand correctly, you intend to put on it only one foot at a time, not to use it as a ladder. So no heavy use.
I put one foot on the rim of the bathtub to trim my toe nails.
To tie my shoelaces, I sit on a stool and bring one foot on the other knee.
I should kneel as a kind of exercise because it is important to be able to stand up when one has fallen. (old age)