a ladder having pivotable folding riser sections , includes at least one pair of elongated riser components connected by a folding joint . the components have mating contacting ends abutting each other at an angle 45 ° from the linear axis of the components . a reinforcing member concentric with said components is positioned across the joint , and a pivotable connection is formed by hinge members connected to each of the ladder components which are pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge pin located exteriorally of the components . the invention also provides pivoting stand off members and a strap tightening mechanism for providing tightening tension equally on both ends of the strap which thus is not caused to move laterally during tightening .