Choosing an extension ladder

[rpearlberg]

I want/need to buy an extension ladder. I have a 2 story house. I don't think I'll want to get on the roof, but maybe reach the gutters, 2nd story windows, etc. What should I get? 24'? Aluminum or Fiberglass? I don't want to spend a ton of money, but could buy used on craigslist or a garage sale. This morning on craigslist I saw a 20' 300lb rated fiberglass for $100, but I was too late...

 

[Pstychologist]

What do you weigh, plus what you want to haul up it?

ETA: Are you going to be near anything electrical, ever?

 

[rpearlberg]

I'm about 200lbs. I think just tools (drill, etc). Probably nothing electrical

 

[loudog212]

I am cable guy. My suggestion is to buy a bucket truck.

 

[Pstychologist]

Then I'd go aluminum. Might be able to get by with a Type II unless you are going to haul up over 25 pounds of stuff. I always prefer to go longer than I need because it's stronger feeling to have more of the ladder doubled up.

By buying aluminum, if anything ever happens to it and it's not saleable as a ladder, at least it has scrap value.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[rpearlberg]

Thanks everyone. So I'll keep an eye out for an aluminum ladder, minimum 24'.

Any brands I should avoid?

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I've used both and prefer fiberglass.

 

[kd3pc]

I'm in the FG camp as well, they feel more stable, although a bit heavier to move around.

Remember the stats are pretty conservative. So get one with adequate weight capacity.

I have Werner and it has held up very well. I had to replace the pull rope, but that is it.

be safe

 

[Pstychologist]

It's really about personal preference if electrical isn't involved. Ask the store guys to set the ladders up for you in the store and then climb up them to the upper racks and see which one feels better to you or goes up and down easier. You know, whatever is your most important factor. Make those guys work for you, that's why they are paid.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

For what you want aluminum grade 2 is fine. Add some rubber bumpers to the ends to help prevent scratches and slipping.

 

[gravelydude]

I have a 24' Werner fiberglass ladder that I have had for 10 years. It is now junk. Probably my fault. I store it outside, and the fiberglass has started to come apart, and causes itching every time I use it. In addition, it is extremely heavy and unwieldy. Aluminum is cheaper, easier to use and set-up (especially for an old fart like me), and does not result in any "itching" problems down the road. You have to weigh the non-conductivity of the fiberglass (steps are still aluminum) with the better price and ease of handling of the aluminum. Everything is a trade-off.

Jack

 

[Thumper68]

Using ladders everyday I would suggest the Fiberglass, unless you are willing to pay the extra for a commercial Alum, which weighs in about the same as the FB. 24' is good but the little bit extra for a 28' is well worth it. Plus with the FB you never have to worry about contact with over head wires when moving it around.

 

[Pstychologist]

I agree with the 28' is better, but it can be tougher to haul around too. How are you getting this ladder home? A 24' will go in the back of a pickup with the tailgate down and balance to the pickup side. I throw a bag of sand or softener salt over the end most in the pickup and use rubber straps on the tailgate end to each side so it doesn't go side to side on me. A 28' starts getting pretty teetery*.


*Teetery adj. Origin: Iowa
1 Know to be tippy in more than one direction.
2. Close to the edge of disaster.

Not to be confused with Teatery, aka well-built.

 

[rpearlberg]

I agree with the 28' is better, but it can be tougher to haul around too. How are you getting this ladder home? A 24' will go in the back of a pickup with the tailgate down and balance to the pickup side. I throw a bag of sand or softener salt over the end most in the pickup and use rubber straps on the tailgate end to each side so it doesn't go side to side on me. A 28' starts getting pretty teetery*.


*Teetery adj. Origin: Iowa
1 Know to be tippy in more than one direction.
2. Close to the edge of disaster.

Not to be confused with Teatery, aka well-built.

I would tie it to the roof of my SUV, I'm only about 3 miles from HD and I could go early morning or late at night with less traffic.

 

[Jlbc212]

I framed a garage this past summer for a friend. He had an aluminum extension ladder that was light, but also had a light load rating, too light for me and I weigh less than 200lbs. After using his a few times I brought my own aluminum extension ladder to the site. I always buy ladders with the highest load rating. It's me that's standing and depending on it.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I agree with the 28' is better, but it can be tougher to haul around too. How are you getting this ladder home? A 24' will go in the back of a pickup with the tailgate down and balance to the pickup side. I throw a bag of sand or softener salt over the end most in the pickup and use rubber straps on the tailgate end to each side so it doesn't go side to side on me. A 28' starts getting pretty teetery*.


*Teetery adj. Origin: Iowa
1 Know to be tippy in more than one direction.
2. Close to the edge of disaster.

Not to be confused with Teatery, aka well-built.

You'd be better off keeping the tailgate up and flagging it...

 

[SantaAna12]

You can get a quality ladder in aluminum or fiberglass. Any quality FG ladder will last decades.
The difference between manuevering a 22vs a 28 ft ladder is quite a bit.
You might want to measure the height of you roof. You will want the ladder to exceed the height by a couple feet.

"Making it work" at 20+ feet.is something that can be done, but it gets old real fast.

A good Werner or Louisville 28 ft can be found used for a fair price. Make sure you buy a d-rung.

Good luck!

 

[Catadj78]

Hands down aluminum is the way I would go.

I tried the fiberglass one hail season...never ever ever again.

 

[mtnkid85]

I am a house painter by trade. I spend a lot of time on ladders. I ALWAYS prefer to use the smallest/lightest ladder that works for the job. The difference between moving a 24 and 28 footer is very noticeable.

My preference is a Type 1 250lb or Type 1A 300lb Aluminum 24'.
The Type II 225lb ladders are generally too bouncy/noodley in my opinion.

Another thing to consider if you are going to be working on any kind of incline/off kilter terrain adjustable leveling legs like THESE are absolutely amazing. A lot safer than that stack of 2x4s and rocks that you would be using otherwise!

Also get your self a set of Werner extension covers as well. They'll keep the ladder from banging up the siding but they also do a lot to help it grip, keeping it from sliding as well.

Go out and measure the tallest side of your house, since you just want it for around the house then there is no reason to go taller than that side of the house.