Fred Dibnah laddering a chimney (Part 2)

Fred showing us how he actually got those ladders up the chimney. Part Two.
FAQ:
This was filmed early - mid 1990s when Fred was in his 50s.
He died in 2004 (not from falling off).
The chimney is Ena Mill (Atherton England) and is still standing.
Footage has been taken from a DVD.
The crane was filming how Fred installed the ladders. They would have only been there for the day whereas Fred needed the ladders up after they’d gone, to do the work. That’s why he didn’t use it.
There is no further parts.
(All other questions/comments seem to mention how he got up there due to the weight of his balls)

[@matthewjames3855]

What a man. But I bet he had no idea people would be sitting on the toilet watching him work in 2020

[@nickw101381]

😃thought I was alone

[@slabbyrider8665]

Now THAT is a good comment lol

[@zakward7243]

Lmao! I’m currently taking a dump.

[@ricardocarneiro7797]

Spot on

[@octymocty132]

More like the hse on the bog they would soon be on his case if he was doing it today Could you imagine the youth today watching this

[@papist5436]

He’s sitting 300 feet in the air, one leg wrapped round a rickety old ladder, cracking jokes. Whilst I’m tucked up in bed, sweaty palms, heart racing….

[@ordinaryperson4168]

And you are probably screaming at your neighbour for not wearing a mask

[@Lisargarza]

My thoughts exactly! I can scarcely watch this!

[@slam44]

Don’t look down!

[@picnicsinspace198]

moms spaghetti?

[@jerromedrakejr9332]

@@ordinaryperson4168 Biology ... Since we are not free-flying, but we are free-falling living beings, we have certain inhibitors that prevent us from entering a situation that puts our life in danger by activating fear. For people who perform such tasks without any fear, these inhibitors are weak or completely excluded. Personally, the height scares me badly, but I have no problem going to the deepest mine, moving through very narrow canals or pipes or diving through a wreck in almost complete darkness.

[@geraldstarr9950]

Fred’s safety gear consisted of a flat cap and a thermos of tea.

[@uttaradit2]

plus his woodbines

[@Pauly421]

LOL

[@Keithbarber]

@@uttaradit2 and he often climbed after drinking several pints of beer I watched one video where as he climbed he was getting quite breathless but he kept going - somehow

[@trenttrevorrow5648]

And reading glasses

[@Keithbarber]

@@creamwobbly maybe so, but not in a Woodbine

[@craigcampbell3520]

In terms of sheer bravery, skill, calmness under pressure, knowledge, technique and time-served experience, this is without doubt the single most impressive thing I have ever seen. Total and utter respect.

[@bobv8219]

It’s hard to get a grip on his astonishing achievements yes !! Cheers mate !!

[@bobv8219]

You probably have stories of worthy tellings. Saying Hello from the USA. Friend. Wishing All and the best.

[@paultyrer2171]

Balls of steel Fred, long gone but not forgotten

[@yogibeer9319]

Ghosts sit around the campfire at night and scare each other with Fred Dibnah stories.

[@JB-qj6jh]

😂😂😂

[@leesmavicmoments5598]

Quality 😂😂😂👍

[@christopherglover4180]

Hes dangerous

[@johnthwaites5976]

Biggest balls in Bolton

[@alanrobinson7891]

@@johnthwaites5976 in Britain never mind bolton

[@marccarroll2803]

Chuck Norris has a picture of Fred on his bedroom wall.

[@Matteus733]

Marc Carroll that’s both funny and a great compliment lol

[@jjamo5]

lmao

[@carlobelmont5629]

Marc you got that right

[@vermo42]

Ha ha excellent comment

[@willfishing5605]

nope

[@gerardguitarist]

It's unbelievable how unaffected he is by his situation. 15 stories up hanging by his leg off of a ladder with no safety gear. And he is not a young man at this point in his career. A fearless legend I submit.

[@Engineer9736]

I think this man had a different interpretation of the value of life. Or had a missing link between his ears. The things he does in these films are just too dumb to have respect for. No chimney in the world is worth a life.

[@Matibeos]

Richard van Pukkem he was his own man who lived by his own means & values. He chose to do things the way he did. You may say it was selfish when he had a wife & children to provide for, but he was so skilled in his own craft he knew he wouldn’t fall. And guess what, he never did.

[@SyG21]

@@Engineer9736 but he never fell off, and died of bladder cancer in his mid 60's. Working class hero.

[@SyG21]

@Andy Peeps probably the late 80's.

[@vespasianlegx11]

A real man. The type you just don't see any more.

[@yerokaasregor]

This guy makes roofers look like they're sitting on curbs lol what a legend

[@Billy_Bob101]

this vid should have 100 000 000 views. i would not even attempt this and neither would 99.99 % of people

[@alcapone9487]

HAHAHA So true

[@omnipotentpumpkin9755]

This guy is a fine example of what an English moron is. Crazy how we conflate ignorance with intelligence... The guys a prick crying about politically correct subjects every two minutes...

[@BlueZirnitra]

Falling off a roof and off a 200 ft chimney have basically the same result. He was just smart enough to realise that being scared at 200 ft doesn't make much sense if people work at 50 ft without worrying about it. Either way, you don't want to fall off a building, but scaffolders don't become famous on TV.

[@fy4370]

people of roofs that do parcour are often more higher up or even with less safity but ok

[@chrisp4170]

"I've inspected the top of the chimney and you need about £10,000 work." "Do you want to come up and I'll show you the problem?" "No, its ok, I trust you..."

[@martinsmith8647]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@6brad9]

Seen one he only charged 3k to knock it down brick by brick

[@ranvirbharj2340]

@@6brad9 3k still would have been a decent amount then but he only did it cheap as he needed the parts for his steam engine he was building lol

[@KevinHallSurfing]

@@ranvirbharj2340 True, I recall that. He nicked some water from a council fire hydrant to continue his drive along in the steam engine he had finally finished. Needless to say they didn't bother fining him 😆👍

[@deanparton2973]

@@6brad9 i see you watched the life of fred dibnah and he charged 5 grand to knock it down brick by brick

[@Dokus360]

0:16 Love his explanation for the importance of having an older man on the floor 😆😆🤣 “Because a younger man has the tendency to wander off looking at lady’s skirts and things like that....”

[@EvilSean62]

i was on a 3 splice ladder on a slope ... had 2 bricks on top of tother evening up the downhill part ... foreman was sposed to be there footing it .. i was bouncing it off the wall to get to the windows on either side in the certain knowledge i was supported and backed up by the footer ... who had pissed off to gloss a door he gets to be the foreman ... for antone interested it was a 10 mtre 3 splice ... so 3 x 10 m minus 8 rungs

[@jaybatsford]

My old man made me foot the ladder while he was doing rendering work 60ft up the side of a building, im deathly afraid of heights and just watching him up there nonchalant holding onto nowt but the ladder while working scared the shit out of me.

[@TwistedSoul2002]

@@jaybatsford I’m exactly the same! Just looking up there unsteadies me no end. I’ve been to Dubai 3 times. I can tell you all about what the *bottom* of the Burj Khalifa looks like- but only the bottom! lol

[@AJ-qn6gd]

And old fellas need a piss every 30 minutes !

[@markpowell4601]

@@TwistedSoul2002 You might like this then.... No, it's not a fake.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4KrmYyIqsZ4qq8

[@jonlowe7815]

To anyone talking about using a cherry picker, when this was filmed there were very few machines with enough reach, the late and much lamented Fred was working in a run down area in the North of England, I remember the 70's well, I grew up then, there was industrial decline, no money about and much competition in the construction industry Fred did not have the resources of the BBC at his disposal, a small business owner like him could no more afford to buy such a machine than fly to the moon! The bank just wouldn't back him, hiring one of these machines would have made the job uneconomic, not to mention being tied to someone else's schedule. This was not staged for the camera's, Fred earned his living this way for years,even after his TV appearances, a genuine working man, a qualified Joiner, Blacksmith and self taught Engineer!, I have Total respect for him

[@jamieclarke5239]

Jon Lowe Even with the cherry picker I wouldn't have done it lol

[@tomkelly8427]

Jon Lowe here here..

[@bobtunbridge7996]

I did wonder why not use the picker

[@SCHRANZ3040]

Jamie Clarke what a wimp lol

[@sir-geopatsin4949]

Yeap they used a genie

[@Tommyspotlessprowash]

How fit you have to be to do that. I don’t think people realise how physically exhausting this type of work is. What a legend.

[@changethetimes]

Farmer strong.. Fred liked a pint and a pie, but just doing the job was enough to keep you buff

[@PM-zu3cz]

@@changethetimes Fun fact, they never drank water.

[@SamMC08]

He lived on pies, pints and cheese sarnies. Plus a shit-ton of hubris. It's a miracle he reached 66, before the cancer of all things took him.

[@LS-vl6zd]

When you have done it years and know your body it’s actually quite easy. Depends if you are lucky enough to work with someone that you don’t have to think for all the time. Also having a client that leaves you alone is less tiring too.

[@borntoclimb7116]

​@@LS-vl6zdjust look to the peoples in eastern countries who work under very bad conditiins today

[@mrmensa1096]

"Quite a recent invention - 1870s" - one of my favourite Fred quotes.

[@terrymckenna3382]

Was just laughing at that myself ! Thinking where's this guy from, what dimension ? A hero of mine

[@mrmensa1096]

@@terrymckenna3382 - yes - salt of the earth kinda man - as we say here. RIP Fred

[@CatatonicImperfect]

had the same impulse, but i think he meant recent in relation to the emergence of tall chimneys.

[@KeromorV2]

But it is recent...

[@jonesjeremiah]

The older you get the more you realise that a100 years aren't really that long.

[@kingkong5483]

When God sent his angels to fly Fred up to heaven, Fred said ‘It’s al’reet, I’ve got me ladders, thanks!’

[@coloradostrong]

How do you know he went to heaven?

[@DolganoFF]

@@coloradostrong cause he went up

[@johnbockelie3899]

Where the builders fearless or something?.

[@ifyoureadthisyourafag8025]

@@DolganoFF oh my, that comment caught me off guard... gave me a good chuckle this morning bud, have a great day

[@straight-narrow-path]

@@coloradostrong where do you think Fred is ?

[@thedog3823]

I’m a roofer and he frightens the shit out of me 😂

[@BryanBeast13]

Right! Same here. Those ladders are wild

[@vc8160]

Same, I mow grass and he scares the stuff out of me!

[@BryanBeast13]

@@vc8160 mowing lawns is dangerous. You never know

[@MattRing]

Well said Ian, I’ve been roofing for 20 years, I’ve hung off of all sorts of buildings, up this is next level !

[@melpeddle7243]

Y need to some church steeples then. They are fun. Exspecially will wrotten timber and broken slate's. Done one in Bristol.

[@geoffm9944]

No machine tools. Just a hammer, a cold chisel and plenty of effort, strength and energy! Watching Fred wrap his legs round the top of a ladder, while he’s banging his hammer with the cold chisel is a sight to behold. Fred had enormous courage and skill when assembling ladders. A remarkable man in every respect!

[@daintree98]

And no safety harness. Those were the days.

[@raerth]

Only Fred would call something done in 1860 a "fairly recent development".

[@adammckinley4804]

I laughed at that part

[@picobyte]

It is.

[@joshsplosh]

depends on what time scale you consider recent, considering humans have been around for thousands and thousands of year, 1860 is pretty recent

[@discodek6045]

HolyHank agreed

[@chris15325]

He's from the old country. 1860 is pretty recent.

[@Steve-bo6ht]

I'm only surmising that the bricks are loose whilst I'm two hundred feet up a ladder, what an absolute fearless legend this man was just incredible.

[@ncot_tech]

Indeed, far be it me to suggest even the slightest hint that this chimney might be falling apart or built badly to begin with. You can pay me to fix it up, then in a few years pay me to take it down. 😉

[@shadowsilverlight1651]

And, no safety gear other than maybe a line in case he slips.

[@juansnow5897]

fun fact, he nearly died to a falling chimney

[@therocinante3443]

punk-chew-ate-shun

[@mikeznel6048]

@@juansnow5897 I he didn’t… You’re taking it out of context and lying.

[@shadow-Sun]

That man is a LEGEND I remember watching his programme when I was a kid , I am north of 50 now myself . Fred Dibnah represents all that was good about Britain, his character , hard work ethic , easy going presenting style , love of British engineering heritage, a genuine genuine guy and someone the country could be proud of ...he was not rare back in the day many Brits were like him ...sadly all gone now replaced by "reality" stars like Jordan ,Those Towie idiots, and Geordie Shore nobodys Kim Kardashian the list is endless ...how things have changed for the worse in my opinion in television land and the world in general..

[@will5948]

We've still got Guy Martin to hang on to.

[@SniperLogic]

Shad ow Yes, I’ve seen a sharp decline of ‘values and work ethic’ since my teen days in the 70s. Seems to be a worldwide phenomena. Kinda sad, because the future seemed to have some promise back then. Not so much now. I’m 59.

[@Axys_0_Rex]

@@SniperLogic Might be related to the decline of real terms wages. What's the point of scaling the side of a chimney and risking your life if you can't feed your family for the trouble?

[@FoodForThought356]

So. Well. Said. 👏

[@AdvancePlays]

What you auldyins might see as a 'decline in work ethic', I see an increase in the refusal to work your back out for sole profit of someone at the top. These days you can hardly make a living without exploiting one or two folk below you and its not something younger folk are willing to do, they see right through that Tory rhetoric. They'd happily be seen as lazy if it means not giving up on those morals.

[@philipmarchant5608]

What a bloke Fred was, you wouldn't get me up there even if I had a safety harness and a parachute, can't believe he dangles with one leg over a ladder at that height. RIP FRED gone but never forgotten.

[@ingerlander]

That was funny

[@adamturner1563]

Same here phil. Not in my lifetime. Nope. Loathe heights. I think hes a genius tho. Special dude

[@simonoconor8149]

I could imagine Fred getting to heaven and saying to St. Peter "well I'm glad to be here but the brickwork on the columns holding up the pearly gates could do with some repointing".

[@danielcoyne2157]

"...and I've brought me ladders, put kettle on"

[@JosefKKafka]

Nay. Fred would go down to the fiery furnaces - plenty of chimneys to be fixed there.

[@paulcoulthard8654]

Makes my blood run cold just watching him casually sitting astride the top the ladders, chatting to camera.... the stuff of nightmares. One in a million was our Fred.

[@Chris-kz7us]

Gives me sweaty palms

[@johnreynolds6369]

Or a hundred million?

[@JD-wn3cc]

Me too. Even though I know he died of illness and not incident and I technically watch all these knowing he completes each one safely, its still gets me!

[@flexiblebirdchannel]

I wondered, how they filmed him. But this episode shows that clearly. It's soo easy to get up the chimney if you don't use ladders. Freds way is the 1950s way. Great to see a man so confident (and correct) about his abilities.

[@hutchmusician]

He would have climbed up the inside but his balls wouldn’t fit.

[@Hard_n_Deep]

hutchmusician 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣 Fuckin classic

[@scott0111]

💥😆😂🤣😂 👍

[@Fleischpeitsche555]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍

[@ultimaetsolder]

Your mom can drain them.

[@clevername8832]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 My goodness, this comment is pure fucking gold! Thanks for the great laugh. Lol I hope I didn't wake the neighbors.

[@GreatCornholio69]

How the hell is this guy able to keep his cool on heights like that without any safety measures.... Just unbelievable.

[@vordman]

Better to use an old man at the bottom cuz a young man might get distracted by a woman in a short skirt. Haha. Brilliant. Fred was the ultimate man's man.

[@PiggyWiggyO]

No such a thing as a "dirty old man?" LOL

[@nigelcarren]

I also remember Fred saying: "I like a woman to make an effort you know.... I like Stockings and Suspenders"! I will never forget that episode! BRILLIANT. I heard him open the Hollowell Steam fair with my own ears. Fred walks up 3 steps to commentators podium, there was a toot of a dozen traction engines then microphone feedback. Then; "Yourre Right?... Bit Fookin' smokey int it!" What superstar. I wanted to shake his hand but he was already being mobbed like he was the 5th Beatle... So I let him be. RIP a true British hero of mine.

[@Pushyhog]

Lmao

[@HalfManThirdBiscuit]

@Big Bill O'Reilly Who cares? Cigars in the Oval office etc.

[@FWCaptain-kv6sm]

Big Bill O'Reilly chicks pay Trump.

[@jackbauer2698]

I work on 40' ladders and I can understand but a fraction of the feeling of being that high and the endurance it takes to go up and down all day. Total respect for you mate. RIP.

[@oddities-whatnot]

I get worn out just watching this. He must have been a strong man, both physically and mentally to do this work.

[@Lingwaixiaowai]

Great to know that the Ena Mill Chimney is still there (now part of a retail development). Thanks in part to the legend that was FD!

[@gor4988]

Thanks for update, nice to know it's survived the redevelopment Seen any temporary ladders running up the side lately?

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@gor4988 I don’t think with current health and safety laws that a high structure like that chimney would ever be laddered in the same Victorian way that Fred used.

[@deandeany911]

They would use that super large cherry picker like the one used to film him. Or scaffolding for larger repairs/maintenance.

[@nacholibre1962]

Fred Dibnah: "Chuck Norris? never heard of her!"

[@tonberrykinged]

Haha! Brilliant...

[@peregrinegrace8570]

Made me laugh , that did 🤣 I miss Fred

[@Golly87]

Best comment on the internet! 🤣

[@davelaidlaw2548]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Th3OS]

In this day, Albert Head won the internet! 😂

[@paulmaans9788]

The man is fearless. I get scared just watching this.

[@xreconusmc3156]

paul maans my grandpa would climb 300 foot stacks ladder only and walk around the top like he was going to the beach

[@blahblahcw]

Could you imagine that these days health and safety you blow all the gaskets

[@tubester4567]

He makes it look easy but most people would be too terrified to move at that height.

[@montygemma]

@@tubester4567 Fears a strange thing, my brother would sit on the top of that chimney looking around eating his sandwiches, but if a spider get's within 6 feet of him he panics.

[@ElonMusk87216]

My legs literally started tingling every time I seen how high he was,not a chance could I got more than 2 ladders high..

[@MYEVILTWIIN]

I reckon if Fred had fallen he'd make a dent in the concrete , get back up and say well that were fun wernit !

[@Matibeos]

MYEVILTWIIN the guy on the bottom caught him 😉

[@SniperLogic]

MYEVILTWIIN ....and of course got back to the job at hand right quickly. Lol. Just a distraction.

[@Axys_0_Rex]

Aye they dunt mek em how they useta

[@hughmungus1235]

@David Miatke they dont make them how they used to 😉

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

@David Miatke ummm... I understood what he said.

[@russellcole3549]

I did multi-pitch rock climbs for twenty years and this guy make all that look like a kid sitting in the sand playing with his toys. A master, no doubt.

[@kroon275]

Love this old Englishman, from an old Irishman ;)

[@willemdegrebber7227]

We have a saying in Holland " in the old days ships where made off wood, and man where made off steel, but now it's the other way around"

[@elliot695]

Thats a really cool saying.

[@lifelikeaglitch7343]

Ik heb dat nooit gehoord.

[@johnphiliphughes2857]

We have the very same saying here in the Shetland Isles, North of Scotland!

[@illestofdemall13]

were*

[@chuck65norris]

By today’s standards you would have more chance of meeting a man who identifies “as” a piece of steel

[@dave_tarbatt6207]

I'm originally from Atherton and this chimney is still standing at Ena Mill off Flapper Fold Lane in Atherton, Manchester, UK.

[@martyhopkirk6826]

Oh, so that's where it is. Ta, I was trying to work it out by its distance from the Parish Church. I lived in 'Owfen as a lad, but went to school at 'Ecky.

[@arnolddill]

Who will carry out repairs from now on??

[@helenbailey8419]

@@arnolddill I wondered that too

[@4stringmike]

It is currently laddered. I can see it from my living room

[@redcarpeteater6903]

My uncle was a steeplejack, painter, brick mason, he worked in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville and everywhere in between. I was a small child going to their house, he had long retired but I remember the stacks of ladders everywhere behind their house. He told us stories about his work and had lots of pictures. Small man, probably 5'6, 130 pounds soaking wet but wiry and fit even his 70's. I don't think he was well known like Fred but I applaud both Fred and Uncle Oakley for their daring, skill, knowledge and balls of steel.

[@seanpittaway5341]

Old school legends, known or not!

[@garinoakley]

Up the oakleys 🤣🙏🏻

[@themalacast]

I like the entirely believable -- indeed it would have been unbelievable any other way -- detail that he kept all his now-useless ladders in retirement.

[@daintree98]

@@themalacast Memories.

[@nevasoba5953]

We salute uncle Oakley

[@TimberwolfC14]

As an ex-paratrooper I've jumped in all weather conditions and all heights with nil problems whatsoever but there is no-way I go anywhere near those ladders.

[@rampage3337]

it's funny because i'm extremely afraid of heights but i have no problem claiming up ladders like that. we had to install a discus net this one time so we rented a skylift. my boss forced me to come with him up there even though i said i was afraid of heights and as soon as we got up there i just froze out of fear. but i had no problem climbing up the ladder on to my old schools roof that was 1story higher than the sky lift went.

[@borntoclimb7116]

In germany we have some 200 and 300 meters tall chimneys with stteel ladders but not a another help

[@chrism4008]

I would climb his ladder for sure!!! I bet it provides a really unique perspective

[@CH-gb7hf]

Why not? He's got string, don't worry it's all good. Hahaha

[@phillylarkin.s1930]

As an ex sas legend I used to climb with Fred

[@stephenmatura1086]

What I find impressive is the ornate brickwork at the top of the chimney. The Victorians had immense pride in their creations - even with stuff that folk wouldn’t see so easily.

[@mjh5437]

Too right......modern architecture is invariably cheap lazy ugly shit.

[@BlackSlimShady]

@@mjh5437 You really are screaming out "my generation sucks and the old days are the way". Modern architecture is more earthquake resistant, more fire resistant, invariably better for safety of construction and also costs of building modern architecture is relatively low. Notice how I used the word invariably in the proper way, Instead of being a prick who finds ALL modern architecture cheap lazy ugly shit.

[@mjh5437]

@@BlackSlimShady No,I`m saying YOUR generation sucks and the old days are the way.

[@BlackSlimShady]

@@mjh5437 considering you completely ignore my valid arguments and just want to restate your dumb view point, I'll say that this is a W for me :)

[@Qball914]

@@BlackSlimShady he has a point tho. Modern engineering exists to make structures as cheaply, and quickly as possible. Our understanding of materials and construction has improved and thus our structures are stronger and more stable than ever. But the pride and "quality" that went into older work is all but gone.

[@bojojojo913]

Fred died in 2004. RIP. According to spiritual legend, he has already hammered down over 3 million red ladders on his way to the pearly gates.

[@monos70]

"Well, you know, if the chimney collapses while I'm at the top, I just get up and dust myself up and climb another one, you know" - Fred Dibnah

[@Lee-ip5uc]

id be shaking like a shitting dog going up the second ladder. IM suprised he can climb with balls that big

[@alecmagill5337]

“He has a tendency to wander off looking at ladies skirts and things like that.” He’s not wrong

[@MYEVILTWIIN]

Now days it’s their friggin mobile phones , any time we get a new apprentice sent with us he’s told it stays in your pocket till break or it’s getting locked in the van , you’re paid to work not fuck about on your phone !

[@alecmagill5337]

MYEVILTWIIN Dude that’s hilarious but yeah my generation (gen z) is ruled by their phones and literally everything is on them so we’re kinda screwed in that respect but that’s a good rule to have in your company.

[@samboyter3853]

Always respect old men in dangerous trades

[@SXJEREMY]

You dont get old making stupid "mistakes"

[@MF175mp]

Unless they're too old, you don't want to be killed by your work

[@paulwalker1793]

Not many people I'd willing call a legend 'but this man in my opinion is definitely a legend. Certainly a one off .

[@salsageordie]

Freds oily cap should be in a museum. A symbol of our industrial past .RIP.

[@troym1849]

Fred’s physical strength and endurance that is required to hang from the ladder alone is remarkable !

[@xreconusmc3156]

Troy M yes my grandpa had bowling ball calf’s and a hand shake the would leave u dazed and confused in awe with drool mouth wide ajar. Ah real bloke

[@davidfennessey2727]

X Recon usmc just out of interest how old were you when your grandfather died he was a great man

[@xreconusmc3156]

David Fennessey 34 sir

[@TheGogeta222]

My grant grandfather was a blacksmith and he was able to break the hand of our mayor as he shakes his hand to his 100 Birthday xD

[@xreconusmc3156]

Troy M yes he was very strong. What a hand shake you would get. The bones would flex

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

Adrenaline junkies egos must rapidly deflate after watching guys like Fred just doing their job and not making a fuss about it.

[@daynasmum529]

It could not & does not get any more hard-grit British-working-class than this, Fred Dibnah I salute you sir. Absolute legend.

[@johnclayton1026]

I wouldn't even want to be in the cherry picker.

[@satans_pet_penguin]

Can't help but feel a bit sad that kids these days are growing up watching vain idiots on instagram rather than decent wholesome people like old Fred.

[@uttingj]

Dressed like he's just off to the pub. This is frightening, sitting here with we palms

[@Vybrii]

What am I doing with my life. It is 2 am in the morning and I am watching a 10 minutes long video of a guy climbing chimneys with ladders with my jaw dropped.

[@Longshanks1956]

One of my favourite quotes from Fred....."People always ask me...... Have you ever fallen off"

[@cudwieser3952]

Of course, many times (with typical Northern No Bullshit sarcasm...probably).

[@frannydarko2698]

Longshanks1956 Lols..

[@robashworth2163]

"You only fall off once"

[@Durgesuth]

Yer fall off once .... it’s half a day at t underteker

[@michaelcowey1468]

Freds mate was asked if fred ever fell of a chimney...His reply was aye once but i caught him....classic reply

[@josoapification]

Fred had nerves of steel! One tough hardy gentleman Rest in peace Fred

[@cudwieser3952]

Nerves got nothing to do with it. You have a job and here's your options. Do it right and now or go home with nowt.

[@SteveT__001]

Of course nerve has something to do with it, many would not have the nerve and would go home with nowt.

[@cudwieser3952]

That's before you have a job and are looking up at it. When you're half way up the stack, shitting bricks won't bring it down, only make it taller. Nerves don't come into it.

[@SteveT__001]

You can either do a job like this or you can't, if you don't have the nerve then you will never do it. Call it a head for height if you prefer but without it you won't be able to function at height even if you get up there you couldn't do the job.

[@ryanishkonk3446]

Nerves have everything to do with it. What are you gonna do? Be a blumbering mess when you start feeling gravity yank on yer pant leg?

[@TenementFunster.74]

but have you got a CSCS card fred?

[@matthewbrand4112]

hope he had a toolbox talk, took 5, got his ppe together, did a risk assessment, arranged for a spotter, fuckit who cares, hes already 3\4 of the way up the chimmney already.

[@danw1374]

Nope just highly experienced using proven methods.

[@davebeckett2302]

Most likely not. He was from on era of common sense. Most youth of today have to drop a brick so they know which way the floor is

[@thefrosty1925]

@@matthewbrand4112 Not to mention his working at height qualification

[@paulross9287]

His movements are so relaxed and graceful. It's amazing.

[@chrismoody1342]

I’m a veteran construction work and use ladders all day. However this just frightens me senseless. No way, no how.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Me too, 20+ yrs in construction and I've done high work that others turned down. But watching Fred makes my palms sweats. I'd would've been hammering those dogs in til the were too deep to hook the rungs 😆

[@8-bitsteve500]

@@Resistculturaldecline Great comment, made me laugh because it's so true, I would too. haha

[@garybuller5656]

What a geezer...as an ex-hod carrier/bricklayer, I salute Fred ,from the highest ladder...that is not for the feint-hearted...superb..🧐👏👏👏👏

[@ciarancaughey1099]

I carried the Hod myself for years. Never minded heights if well scaffolded. Fred on top of his ladder a hundred😂 feet up is a totally different ball game. Balls the size of an elephant!

[@McDuff73]

I met him many years ago I was fortunate enough that he showed me and my friend around his workshop with all his old boilers and his steam works etc... he was as lovely and genuine a person as he appears on screen

[@daveredd9832]

The physical strength it takes to climb a plumb ladder is nothing to laugh at. I climbed high on structures at the Shell refinery in Sydney. But I had cages and little platforms to have a rest on every 4 metres or so. And even so you are buggered by the the time you've climbed a few of them.

[@BradBrassman]

What I love about Fred are the little Eeeh's and Aye's of satisfaction you get every now and then. Priceless! I'd swap all of One Direction to have him back.

[@BradBrassman]

@@Theworldisforent Some dancing dipshits.

[@johnlaslett5339]

This man had balls of steel. I'm an ex marine and I'd rather go in to war than do what he did. He did it so casually like it's nothing. And no safety harness just climb fit climb fit. The ones where he had to fix a ladder over a ledge give me goosebumps. Great man rip Fred

[@rl6783]

Same Royal - makes Jacob’s ladder look like a play park toy.

[@triple6758]

Much respect. This man earned a living by the sweat of his brow and the calluses on his hands. This type of man should be celebrated.

[@j-rocd9507]

Greatest generation

[@samconroyy]

The type of man that wants nothing more than enough to support his family and a pint in his hand at the end of the day.

[@triple6758]

@@samconroyy Maybe a few quid for steam parts as well! Cheers!

[@MonstaTrapz]

Well said. Another traditional trade requiring good strong men has gone forever.

[@triple6758]

@@andrewtateisinnocent777 Ya, but who wants to have kids with a woman like that?

[@bobjones8378]

This is the beauty of older tradesmen who can't be schooled by anyone,they're masters of their trade. it's actually art in motion...The same type of older men that I apprenticed under in the elevator trade and became the same as them and now I'm passing it on to a few young one's who are eager to soak it all up...I could watch people like this all day long.

[@hobens1]

People like him are on another level that most of us never will be.

[@silkuk8417]

Literally.

[@mattk252]

Were the last of a dying breed

[@JWB86]

Seeing how high up he goes I'm quite happy being beneath him

[@mac_tire_aonair]

The Freds of this world are now regulated out of existence. And we are all the weaker for it :-(

[@petermurphy75able]

Anyone who has ever climbed a decent sized ladder knows how tiring it can be. Fred must have been very strong and very fit to do this at his age. Amazing man.

[@omarmendoza8302]

60ft ladder as a fat man kills me everytime

[@Finduski]

Yee and they use crane to film you when they could use crane to lift ladders

[@Gr8thxAlot]

@@Finduski If was funny seeing the crane doing it the easy way, while Fred did it his way.

[@The_Anunnaki]

“Can still earn a crust of bread” - that is a saying I will take forth from this day forward. What a legend Fred is, great videos!

[@metlmuncher]

I need to remember that one as well

[@mjh5437]

I can`t believe anyone has never heard of that expression.....it`s as as the hills (another one you probably don`t know).

[@NathanInTheBath]

I was looking for this exact comment as soon as I heard him say it. “Can still earn a crust of bread” what an amazing saying. I’ll be having that!

[@richard6704]

I’ve worked on ladders at half that height without safety gear ( except a hard hat ) so can appreciate the sheer effort, concentration and balls it takes to go that far, what a legend.

[@laggymam]

This for me is a horror movie, i terrifiedd of heights and to watch fred talk on the top of the chimney as if he was talking on his front step,,,,incredible fellow who must of been as fit as a fiddle .....watched these 2 videos quite a few times in me concrete under pants,,,what a legend Fred was

[@pfacontractor1573]

ginger vin ohara : you are assuming that's it's not a movie.

[@chriskelly6512]

When he hit the bricks with his hammer when he was about 2 million miles up and said some of them are lose and laughed 😅 😭 I shit myself when I have to climb to the top of my telescopic ladders.

[@mkdy218]

These guys are unbelievable. I can’t stand on a beer crate without me legs wobbling. Total respect and RIP Fred man

[@justabigbuhckdontlookatmeb8080]

Thats because your drunk budweiser man

[@SloopyDog]

What a man. They don't make people like him anymore. He could turn his hand at anything. It terrifies me just watching him. I get dizzy going upstairs. I never missed his tv program.

[@stephenborsbey4350]

brilliant. i remember his catchphrase. ONE SLIP AND ITS HALF A DAY OUT WITH THE UNDERTAKER.

[@davidlewis1680]

Fred Dibnah , what a shame he couldn’t live forever . Love to hear of his life and exploits. What a wonderful being he was

[@sanddancer68]

Can you imagine how much chaos if this legend were here today still doing things his way? Health and Safety meltdowns everywhere, no harness, no helmet, not a smidgin of PPE marvelous ?

[@stuinNorway]

In honesty, if he falls off the top of that, a high-viz vest and the best hard hat in the world won't do much.

[@davidbahr9612]

We'd do the work off that lift instead of this whack shit

[@stuinNorway]

@@davidbahr9612 That lift doesn't reach the top, and when he started his career, there were no lifts.

[@rokronroff]

@@davidbahr9612 this might be a rope access job

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

@@stuinNorway a harness would though

[@limeyosu2000]

“Not all heroes wear capes.” Fred is my new hero there is no way I could do what he does. I get dizzy watching these videos!! He is so down to earth too what a chap.

[@AimHigherWindowCleaning]

Don’t make folks like that anymore

[@gerryduggan6821]

I am just so fascinated by this man he was one of a kind an amazing human been Never will we see the like again RIP FRED God rest your soul in heaven

[@TVsez]

I'm a British Pakistani and grew up around the corner from Fred on Bury New Road. We were as much a part of Bolton as Fred was. He knew my parents and was a top bloke us kids used to see him knocking around all the time... He'd have nothing to do with you rascism! Life was tough for us all, like it always has been for the working man in this country. Fred is a true Boltonian, friendly, funny and open minded!

[@FlamesOfThought]

I'm not surprised - he was a gent.

[@SuqMadiq]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed the blatant racism in these comment threads. I just don't understand it.

[@davepowell1521]

I live on bnr now but in prestwich! My brother in law used to live a few streets away from him!

[@davepowell1521]

@Daniel Burke yeh right to what n who?

[@davidbrent4286]

Surprising that no ones said anything racist but you bring it up.

[@salvagemonster3612]

I can’t even stand watching him at that height .

[@chrisrunda3397]

Putting that ladder up made my arse twitch like a Morse code machine :()

[@Seal00754]

"One slip and it's half a day out with the undertaker" Classic quote from Fred. Worked with many like Fred. Not many left today, they all come textbook taught today. Learning on the job was scary days. One drone and you can see all over the thing.

[@maffysdad]

Anyone else suffer vertigo, hot sweats and brown pants just watching that? I know he doesn't fall, but WTF!!!... There he is hanging on by a fingernail, trusting his life to bricks that aren't full bricks, a bit of hemp which frays, and ladders that are likely older than he is, and there's the camera crew, a crane, platform, hi-vis & a full H&S meeting, WTF!!!... The guy was just awesome!...

[@josepeixoto3384]

@ maffysdad None of that friend; that's actually very easy; and as a pro, he knew his ropes; true,he cannot make ONE mistake,or he "meets" the undertaker; but so do you,and I..while driving...

[@Treviscoe]

Cold sweat in my case, but I totally agree.

[@vespasianlegx11]

Ime frightened to death just watching him.

[@nigel2093]

Couldn't agree more @maffysdad. One of kind, they'll never be another Fred.

[@solcutta-zt9uw]

@@josepeixoto3384 oh come on... This is a bit different to driving.. Let's see u do this.. I wouldn't, couldnt and would shit myself two ladders up.. To downplay this old man's courage and skill is insulting.. This is a true brit bulldog.. The kind that went to war underage and with pride.. Again something I wouldn't.

[@ramuthra1]

Makes me wish I could have been his apprentice to have had the opportunity to be even half the man he was. What a great teacher he would have been.

[@Stylensky]

7 people "Din't like that" and I sacrifice all 7 of them to have Fred back for just one more day.

[@thetruthwillout9094]

Stylensky Brilliant comment, wish I could give it a million likes.

[@gadget348]

Must all be Heath & Safty men, who would be out of a job if men like Fred still roamed the earth...

[@Curi0u50ne]

Stylensky polish and Muslamics no doubt

[@daiburt1833]

Stylensky the man was a legend a gifted artisan with nerve's of steel

[@johnheekin7614]

Stylensky (

[@topgrafter2007]

When men had bottle! Health and safety wouldnt let you look up at a chimney now for fear of hurting your neck!

[@Engineer9736]

Yes it’s all so bad to get home alive at the end of the day.

[@warrenedwards6437]

You need heath & safety now just to drive into any site

[@Thefishyveteran]

It was Fred’s understanding and appreciation of the pioneering raw engineering that I miss being explained. Health & Safety he did his own, very matter of fact and practical, well if I fall from here with a hard hat and high viz jacket on the best it’s going to do is allow someone on the ground to see me coming! He also without actually saying it (risk assessment) controlled the hazards, tied to a life line up there I would suggest to many ropes especially in the wind you’d get tangled up which would be just as bad as falling.

[@felix2672]

Yeah..pesky heath and safety...letting you go home to your family...not letting you die at work...and making big company’s accountability for poor working conditions..

[@hondajedi125]

@@felix2672 job creation, for wombels with very little ability and skill, designed to cover the company's arse from liable action, dressed up and presented to be in the interests of the skilled workers that actually do the graft and earn the money, often hindered by the red tape which is ever increasing as we become a nanny state. how many hard working highly skilled tradesmen have lost their jobs due to overly officious heath and safety operatives with their obsession to their book of rules that tell you how to do your profession? i think the expression " i have no idea how to do your job, but my book says you are doing it wrong!" sums it up quiet well. the last 20 years our industry has changed so much, yet most the time it is only important when it suits everyone, hi vis, hard hat, dust mask, goggles boots gloves ear protection, its like being Darth Vader for 8 hours, sweating your tits off, and 90 % of the time it utterly pointless bollocks.

[@1MogJon]

He was fuckin' fearless!!!!!

[@geoffupton]

Lea Morgan i think it was the fear that made him able to do it! lol

[@karlpeart1752]

Definitely. My stomach was churning just watching this

[@karylhogan5758]

Am a tower crane operator 30 years… But not a hope could I clime that ladder.. going up a crane far different..

[@ecc84]

i hope i wasn't the only one who's Arse was twitching watching that :-( Health and Safety would have a bloody field day.

[@sabre22b]

ecc84 I've roped myself on to my sofa. Scary stuff.

[@cudwieser3952]

Health and safety would need reviving every time they saw Fred at work.

[@DarkLard999]

My legs genuinely shook watching him at the top!

[@cudwieser3952]

Better yours than his ;) :)

[@teddydodge3257]

fuck health and safety

[@xmikerx666]

One thing...if you think he's fearless, imagine being an apprentice and doing this for the first time??? NO. Just NO.

[@neilgibbs3880]

I remember watching Fred’s programs when I was a small boy. It scared the crap out of me then. I’m now 52 and it still makes me wince now. They don’t make men like that anymore. RIP Fred.

[@fastertrackcreative]

This is probably why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWTGkKGlfsd8r5Y

[@ATomRileyA]

I love when he is on the ladder and then starts yanking on it to make sure its attached well, i think even Spiderman would be scared doing that lol. Amazing Man, always loved watching him glad they did so many documentary's about him and his work.

[@mattskustomkreations]

Watching Fred on a ladder unharnessed is a real spine tingling experience. I used to work on lifts sometimes and always had the creeps, even when clipped in. It’s not so bad when you are facing a building and touching it, but when you are driving around in a lift way up there and it is swaying is scary stuff.

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

i would say 4 stories was biggest i done on a ladder, if you have to reach out feet from the house to paint a fascia.. not nice lol, cars look like they are the size of match boxes from that height, don't look down, three points of contact!

[@mattskustomkreations]

@@jibicusmaximus4827 Yikes, there’s no way I could do a ladder like that. The highest I went in the bucket lift was around 10-12 stories I think.

[@Charles-mv7sv]

40' max on a picker at Amazon is fun. 25' outside working on green houses, the wind blows and I'm ready to call it quits. I really don't like heights, but work has to get done.

[@pogojp]

I agree, being up anything more then 10 feet is scary when you're driving around.

[@mattskustomkreations]

@@pogojp Yeah, we had a crew that routinely would drive us from building to building within a complex at 50’ up. Scary stuff.

[@jimtomlinsom1279]

I was born too late. My hero and sadly missed. Rip Fred. Gone but not forgotten.

[@Matibeos]

Same pal

[@ricmac954]

Not just physical strength, not just willpower, but immense physical and mental stamina. Once you've started a job like this, it's "full ahead both" until it's done. You're on those ladders for the half day to a day or as long as it takes (with maybe one descent and re-ascent to accommodate a bit o' snap and a wee, halfway)

[@Metal-Possum]

Fuck that, I'd just do a wee from the top there.

[@SamHocking]

Putting complete faith into a bit of split wood with an iron dog holding you and a ladder up in all weathers while stood at the top of it at 100 - 200 feet hammering in the next one with rope around your neck and repeating that thousands of times in a career with no safety issues is testament to the man. Most couldn't even chisel the hole stood on the ground and put their faith into it keeping them alive!

[@musamor75]

Can we sing a song for this world’s unsung heroes ; men of courage, yet modest, who contributed to making our little insignificant lives, more comfortable. I take my hat off to this fine gentleman.

[@davidwinson2319]

this fine gentlemen was a wonderful man i also. take my hat off to him as peter green of fleetwood MAC once said he’s the man of the world.

[@christopherlawley1842]

There are several about Fred. I sing one.

[@paullacey2999]

Miss our Fred.I wish i had a fraction of his skills.A true craftsman.

[@TaleNodati]

Mad respect for that man. I have a severe fear of heights and I'm getting clammy hands just watching that ladder wobble as he climbs it.

[@dreamcatcher3622]

Now I understand why my father was so awe in awe of this man - respect.