If you don't have the right tools for the job you probably shouldn't be doing that job. Here is a guy who didn't have a ladder or anything safer to use so he climbs his construction vehicle and puts a ladder in the scoop.... amazing,,.... creative I guess, but I don't believe OSHA would like to...

A great and simple video showing you how to test a battery with NO tools, no meter, nothing.... called the bounce test. Very cool