Ladder question

[jeepnatv4life]

Building a shop with 12' ceilings. Is it better to get an 8 ft step ladder or a 10 ft step ladder to work on the ceiling??

 

[Zeke]

With an 8 footer you will see 7 feet something when unfolded. That's how mine seem to me. If you're of average height, your knees will be at the top of the ladder, more or less, when your head is at 12 feet. Now when is the last time your head was = to the bottom of the ceiling while working? If you give yourself a foot or so, the 8 footer should be plenty safe and you should have plenty to rest against.

If that doesn't seem right, by all means get a 10'.

 

[readhead]

10'. With an 8' , which is less than 8', you are going to be reaching quite a bit.

 

[Git]

Also would choose 10'

 

[landlord30]

My ceiling is 12'. I'm 6'4". No problems with 10' ladder. I wouldn't want an 8 footer.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd probably go with a 10' ladder. You also want to make sure you get one with the correct weight rating. Unless, you're a big guy, a Type I should work for you with it's 250lb rating.

 

[Commendatore]

Definitely 10 foot. My ceiling is a little over 12 and the 10 is perfect. You can make do with an 8 but the 10 will be much more comfortable.

 

[fabjunkie]

IMO this is the only way to go.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-2...-Capacity-Type-I-Duty-Rating-MT1-22/205905620

 

[ItsNemo]

What kind of work? I'd say scaffolding of some sort would be a lot more comfortable to work with.

 

[Cyberbear]

Since I'm living in the deserts of California, summer heat is a concern. I preferred to have open ceiling in my shop area for better convection ventilation, and I like the open look. I seldom use my ten foot fiber glass step ladder, but it's perfect for my needs. Of course, I store it inside out of the sun and weather.

 

[pmiranda]

Unless there are low sections less than 10', I'd go with the 10 footer. As long as it fits under the ceiling, the extra height is nice for support and you can use the top to set tools and material on. Personally I don't like having my hips higher than the top of the ladder.

 

[CNGsaves]

Neither . . . .
. . . . . . . . snag the hot 7' 6" woman Russian basketball player while in town . . . . . .
. . . . . . . ride her like a ***** bunny rabbit at Easter time . . .
. . . .
. . . . . . then give her step stool to reach anything you need in garage !! . .

 

[jeepnatv4life]

Thanks everyone. Im going to pickup a 10'

 

[BD1]

Thanks everyone. Im going to pickup a 10'

Yes , that is the safest plus you fall off you have 2 more feet to get control.

 

[Catadj78]

IMO this is the only way to go.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-2...-Capacity-Type-I-Duty-Rating-MT1-22/205905620

I have this one and it is not a ladder I'd recommend to anyone needing to use it regularly. It is very heavy and very difficult to extend the full length by yourself. There are much better ladders.

The 17' version of this ladder is a much better choice

 

[Git]

You may want to consider buying one of those "Little Giant" type ladders that will break into two A frames and then you can get an aluminum plank for in between. Not cheap, but really comes in handy

http://www.homedepot.com/p/MetalTec...8pVo03k2rXrNukBEP7HSYaAma28P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[bushmechanic]

IMO this is the only way to go.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-2...-Capacity-Type-I-Duty-Rating-MT1-22/205905620

I've got a multi-position ladder. It's similar to the Little Giant, but some off-brand from a big box store, I think.

While it is a great one size fits all ladder, some people might find moving it around troublesome, as it is significantly more heavy than any other even remotely sized ladder I've used, and there's no really easy way to grab the thing for carry.

Doesn't really bother me, but for a weaker person it could be a problem. Of course, mine might just be thicker because it's cheap. Someone bought it and couldn't haul it around, so they gave it to me.

All that said, it's a great solution, and incredibly stable. If you can carry one and don't mind the origami required in use, by all means pick one up for daily duty.

It'll save you from having to own several different ladders, and the stability when fully extended for things like getting to a roof is amazing.

 

[rburke65]

Go with the 10' and you'll be a happy guy.

 

[jeepnatv4life]

Bought werner 10' yesterday morning from my local lowes

 

[pmiranda]

If you were local you could borrow mine... I really like the 10' but I only use it about once a year. The rest of the time it hangs on the wall and is a shelf for pool noodles, jackets, bike helmets, etc.

 

[black00lightning]

I have a 12 foot ceiling in my workshop and I use a 10 foot ladder but for most of my work on the ceiling I use a scaffold. Much easier than a ladder.

 

[James-W]

I agree, scaffolds are wonderful for working on ceilings. But if you are just changing a light bulb or something simple like that, then a ladder would be quicker and easier to set up. Also a ladder is easier to move around and it can be used practically anywhere. If you are doing quite a bit of ceiling work, then a scaffold is the way to go.

 

[BruceMc]

I have several step ladders, but bought one of these podium-style ladders for hanging lights on my 12' ceiling. I'm a big guy and this is hands down the best, safest, most comfortable ladder I've worked on. I can't recommend them enough.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-1...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-205322560-_-N

 

[4cyclic]

Podium ladder +1. The best one for ceiling work.

 

[LB-1911]

I have several step ladders, but bought one of these podium-style ladders for hanging lights on my 12' ceiling. I'm a big guy and this is hands down the best, safest, most comfortable ladder I've worked on. I can't recommend them enough.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-1...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-205322560-_-N

Podium ladder +1. The best one for ceiling work.

Where were you guys two days ago?
^ jk

Bought werner 10' yesterday morning from my local lowes

14 ft. Reach Fiberglass Podium Ladder with 300 lb. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating (Comparable to 10 ft. Stepladder)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-1...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-205322560-_-N

 

[kbs2244]

The advantage of that podium ladder is that it reaches up to your waist.
That just makes you feel more secure.
I am 6 foot and I have a vaulted ceiling from 10 feet at the eve to 14 feet at the peak.
I got a classic style 12 foot for quick bulb changes etc. for that comfort factor.
It took some shopping but it was a $40.00 craigslist, closing factory maint dept, score.

 

[BruceMc]

The advantage of that podium ladder is that it reaches up to your waist.
That just makes you feel more secure.

It really does. Plus, with the platform, you can turn and work 360º in comfort and the rail is nice for hanging tools and materials.

 

[jeepnatv4life]

Well im not takin my 10 footer back..............

 

[BruceMc]

Most places it's legal to own more than one.

Just saying...

 

[manrmark]

I have 12' ceilings and have a 10' ladder, you'll be happy with yours. The only draw back is it's kind of awkward to move around. (Big & bulky)