Has anyone tried multi-purpose ladders?

[roofster]

I'm hoping to save some coin and space by just buyiing one ladder. Do these work well? Ladders with the 13 or so variable positions. Mostly I just need an extension ladder and step ladder, but the capability to use on stairs would be nice to have.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I'm hoping to save some coin and space by just buyiing one ladder. Do these work well? Ladders with the 13 or so variable positions. Mostly I just need an extension ladder and step ladder, but the capability to use on stairs would be nice to have.

Not sure which "variable" ladder your refering to.

The ladders that have about 3 sets of pivot points:

Or the Gorrilla/Werner/Little Giant style.

Three of my relatives have the 17 foot Little Giant. I needed taller and was on a budget. I found the 26' Werner version (which is lighter by a few pounds, but still heavy), for $180, so I grabbed it. (have since bought the Little Giant wheels, haven't installed yet)

Since I have a power line close to the house (runs all along one side for a street light), it was always tricky to clean the gutters on that side; not any more.

 

[jimval]

I have the Werner 22' model MT-22. It is great for painting on stairways, uneven ground, using as a tall step ladder - absolutely fabulous. As far as being an extension ladder I think it is pretty much useless. When you extend that thing all the way out, there is this little 1/4" pin that keeps that whole thing from bending in half. The ladder is very shaky as an extension ladder. I think it is a good ladder to have, but I also have a real extension ladder which performs it's function much better than the multi-ladder......

 

[jgwood]

i HAVE AN ORIGANAL LITTLE GIANT AND I LOVE IT WHEN I HAVE IT ON THE JOB GUYS FIGHT OVER WHO GETS TO USE IT.The only prob is its heavy
Gregg

 

[birdmayon]

Agreed, these are great ladders, very versatile, only downside is also very heavy.

 

[FunfDreisig]

I have a number of ladders including 2 COSCO multi-function ladders.

I love the COSCOs because they are so sturdy. But they are very heavy. I use them mainly as adjustable height step ladders where i straddle the top of the ladder. This allows the ladder's legs to be parallel to a wall with me facing the wall with one foot on each side of the ladder. I also use them together with a strong 2x12 as a low "scaffolding". I've used them as extension ladders. They are much more steady than most extension ladders. But once again they are so top heavy that they can be a hazard to setup in tight quarters.

OTH I have an 8' light weight fiberglass step ladder and a 16' aluminum extension ladder that I use far more than the COSCOs simply because they are easier to carry and setup. And their much wider treads makes them easier of my feet.

Funf Dreisig

 

[JCByrd24]

Ditto on the COSCO, I have one and my father in law has 2...very handy for building the garage.

 

[hotrod66paul]

Little giant here. Had it for years and I haven't tore it up yet.

 

[TejasBimmer]

I have the Little Giant - received as a birthday gift.
I also have the normal Werner extension ladder and A-frame ladder.
I use the extension for outside stuff.
The Little Giant is for inside stuff - same with the A-frame.

The only draw back is the weight of the Little Giant.
Other than that, a very good ladder to get.

 

[ron in sc]

I too have the Little Giant, the model that has A frame height of 11', I think it's called the orginal. They are very expensive. But that said they are way less than emergency room hospital visit when you fall off an unstable or cheap ladder; I know that firsthand.

As others have said only drawback is they are heavy, I think mine weighs about 40 lbs.

Highly recommend them.

 

[Mr_fixit]

I have the little giant 22' fiberglass one. I like it. Love it for all the side jobs I do. It fits in the minivan and will reach just about anything I can throw at it. Yes, It's heavy. It's great on stairs!
About $500.
But most guys here like to have some of the best tools. I'd consider it a very heavy duty necessary tool. I do miss the top tray ( werners have) that I'm used to for storing pliers& hammer, etc on.

And of course , I like the stairs on either side, too.

 

[yard_dawg]

Ditto on the cosco ladder. I have one also, use it for everthing. It works wonders on steps. Just so damn heavy.

 

[jayoldschool]

I bought the 21' COSCO from Costco. It is great, easy to use. A little heavy, but manageable for one person.

 

[rodnok1]

I have a multi position werner from Lowes for 7 or 8 years, great ladder, very heavy, but stable. I like it because it folds up and can put in a car trunk if you need to.

 

[roofster]

Thanks guys, I didn't think about the weight, I have a big aluminum extension ladder that seems like it weighs 40 lbs and I hate using it, so weight will be a consideration. Its warped or bowed, so one of these days I'll recycle it and find out exactly what it weighs and pays.

 

[rsanter]

used one once on steps. worked well

bob

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have one, don't remember the brand. Mine doesn't come apart into two ladders, and I wish it did, that's the only regret. It was only $110 though.

I like it because my gutters are like tin foil, and you can't put a ladder against them. I can put 3 sections straight, and kick the other section over and brace it against the roof instead of the gutter.

 

[oldgoat]

I have Werner ladder that I can use as a extension or a step ladder which I mainly use. When the insurance guy came out to check my roof for hail damage he had the Werner fold up ladder and liked it a lot.

 

[Junkman]

I've had a little giant ladder for more than 20 years. I love the ladder, but I hate the weight. I bought a 4' Gorilla knock off last year at a swap meet for $25, and it is just right for 90% of what I need a ladder for now. Once you own a good ladder, you will never go back to using the junk that is so commonly sold to homeowners. Buy good tools once, and have it for the rest of your life. If you loan it, remember who borrowed it, and get it back.

 

[wot sales]

Yes! Westway adjustable ladder, bought at K-Mart for maybe $60 in 1990 for working on my boat, but now use it for everything around the house inside and out. Use it all of the time – just yesterday to change a light fixture high on the wall in my garage. Easily reaches 2nd floor windows for cleaning. This thing is really heavy-duty, sturdy, and stable, but fairly easy to move around. Best bang for the buck of anything I ever bought. Still looks like new, even after left outdoors for some time. Ever buy something that just keeps you glad you bought it? This is it for me.

A quick search found several on craiglist – here’s a link to one with photos of all of the positions:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/tls/820338065.html

 

[dcjredline]

Got one for like $80 from Home Depot. The 13 in 1 type ladder A-frame, scaffold, and extension. I like it so far except as extension. I am 250lbs and it just gets too scary on it at 14'. The rest of the time it is VERY STURDY! I have it tucked away under my bench and use it ALL THE TIME!!

 

[nadogail]

My helper brought his Gorilla Ladder to a job we did a week ago, it made working on a flat roof with plastic rain gutters a "piece of cake".

 

[NUTTSGT]

Back from the dead warning, by a now banned spammer.

 

[23ford]

They have their place just heavier than hell

 

[Jbmotorsports]

Didn't read previous replies but I recently purchased the little giant I think m26 with leveler feet. Freaking awesome. It feels so sturdy compared to, say, a 12' step ladder. As mentioned, it's pretty heavy but to eliminate having a step and an extension to get on my 2 story roof it's awesome. Standing it up fully extended is kind of sketchy but haven't had a problem standing it, getting it back down is always an issue and once it comes to like 30 degrees past center it seems to flip on me but I just plan for that to happen lol. The ability to put it on a step and level it is something you don't know you're truly missing. The wheels are actually awesome to roll around. They seem cheap but haven't broken yet

 

[jhelrey]

Heavy and I hate them!

 

[Glemon]

I have one, if you do a lot of stuff that you need a ladder for this will do some things a normal extension or step ladder won't do. I have all three. I will use the step ladder or extension first. Lighter and easier to set up.

Figure out what you need it for, if you can only have one ladder, and you need to do a lot better of things with it, I guess it makes sense. Really depends on intended/anticipated use.

It is the only ladder I can use to make a scaffold to get to spaces above a stairway in my house, but getting on my roof, extension ladder, changing lights in the garage stepladder, just lighter and easier to set up quickly.

 

[ludakris04]

I have the Werner 22' model MT-22. It is great for painting on stairways, uneven ground, using as a tall step ladder - absolutely fabulous. As far as being an extension ladder I think it is pretty much useless. When you extend that thing all the way out, there is this little 1/4" pin that keeps that whole thing from bending in half. The ladder is very shaky as an extension ladder. I think it is a good ladder to have, but I also have a real extension ladder which performs it's function much better than the multi-ladder......

I have this one as well.
I have 10 1/2 ft ceilings in the garage and needed a step ladder to get into the attic.
as a step ladder its great. Heavy, but great.
as and extension ladder.. its heavy and a bit "flexy"... If I "needed" an extension ladder I would get one.. or those collapsible ones.

 

[frankd]

I have one of those fold-up aluminum ladders that has ratcheting type hinges so that it can be locked into several different positions. It is pretty heavy (maybe 50lb but not as awkward to move around as a normal aluminum extension ladder. Unfortunately I don't remember the brand. I've had it for 15+ years. I'm 200lb and It definitely feels flimsy/wobbly when using it in certain positions.

 

[BigMike782]

I have a Cosco I inherited from my sisters stuff. I expected it to be a real turd. Then I used it......LOVE it!
I used it for installing siding and windows in the house, I use it to change light bulbs in the stair well and lots of other apps. Yes, it is heavy but very versitile.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

I have one of the 3 piece telescoping type that extends to about 11' and one of the 3 hinge folding type that is about 14' total. I've used the pivoting ladder extensively for painting as a scaffold on the roof and on stairs. Sloped surfaces seem to be it's most common use for me.

Both are very handy for specific tasks where a regular ladder just wont go or fit but neither replace an extension ladder for me.

 

[Uncle murph]

I'm hoping to save some coin and space by just buyiing one ladder. Do these work well? Ladders with the 13 or so variable positions. Mostly I just need an extension ladder and step ladder, but the capability to use on stairs would be nice to have.

The multi ladders,frequently referred to as the”ginzu”on the job,are fantastic.They don’t replace step ladders or extension ladders but are perfect about 90% of the time and frequently the only safe way to access certain areas.

 

[bugman1974]

I have had a Werner MT for many years. It has come in handy, but I do have some complaints: 1) Its heavy, 2) I dont trust the locking pin when its in the extension ladder configuration, and 3) The rungs are narrow compared to most dedicated A-frame or extension ladders (my feet kill me if I'm on it for hours). I still keep it around the house for the odd job, but did finally break down and purchase a Louisville fiberglass A-frame and separate extension ladder for the shop which alleviated the 3 complaints above. The downside is that they take up more space.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I have a Werner M816. It's really flexible in terms of it can be used to make a bunch of different work surfaces or angled work platforms, but realistically it weighs too friggin' much to be useful for very frequent use. I used it twice, once to remove the cheezy paneling and paint my stairwell and once to repaint it.

Client Challenge

www.wernerco.com

Tommy