Ladder question

[Coach James]

I'm looking to get another step ladder, either 10 or 12 feet in a type 1 or 1A. Any reason to prefer fiberglas over aluminum aside from conductivity? Thanks
Coach

 

[rotus7]

Cost....Alu is much cheaper
Load bearing....I think fiberglass can hold more weight
Ladder weight...Alu should be lighter

 

[Junkman]

Depends on what you want to spend. I purchased a Little Giant ladder 25 years ago, and it is as good today as when I purchased it. It is the most versatile ladder that I have ever used. The only down side of the Little Giant is the weight and cost. They are heavy for there size, and expensive to purchase, but it will be the last ladder that you will ever need in the size that you buy. It is also the safest ladder that you will ever find. It isn't the fall from the ladder that kills, but the sudden stop.

 

[cc_rider]

Another vote for the Little Giant. I have one of the cheaper 'multi-position' ladders, and it works okay for the price, but it is a pain to flip into different positions, and wobbly at full extension. Our company has a couple Little Giants and they are far superior in every way.

c.

 

[boiler7904]

Load bearing....I think fiberglass can hold more weight

Not true. As long as they are rated the same, an aluminum ladder will hold the same amount as a fiberglass ladder.

 

[boiler7904]

One thing to watch for with fiberglass is UV degredation. Over time, a fiberglass ladder stored outside (like on a contractor's truck roof) will break down. Aluminum ladders can be stored outside.

I'm on a lot of construction sites for work and see a lot more broken fiberglass ladders in the dumpster than any other kind. If something with weight to it like a lift hits a FG ladder, they split and are trash.

Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, aluminum is the most effective unless you have concerns about being electrocuted on a regular basis.

 

[Aceman]

One thing to watch for with fiberglass is UV degredation. Over time, a fiberglass ladder stored outside (like on a contractor's truck roof) will break down. Aluminum ladders can be stored outside.

It takes a few years though.

I'm on a lot of construction sites for work and see a lot more broken fiberglass ladders in the dumpster than any other kind.

Maybe because FG ladders are more common than any other type of ladder. I don't hardly ever see aluminum ladders on a jobsite. The painters might use them, but thats it.

If something with weight to it like a lift hits a FG ladder, they split and are trash.

I don't see your point here. If that same lift were to hit an aluminum ladder it would bend it, making the aluminum ladder scrap as well.

 

[PAToyota]

I haven't seen too many broken FG ladders, but they are heavier than a comparable AL ladder and even if not "broken down" completely, they do get "rough" as they age and I hate getting stuck by the FG needles when you handle them...

 

[Johns57]

Another vote for Little Giant. I've had it a few years and it's gotten me out of some tough situations where a normal ladder wouldn't. They're not cheap, but are well worth it. They now make attachable wheels for them so them can be wheeled around and not carried.

 

[The Hot Rod Grille]

Werner makes a "knock-off" of the Little Giant in two sizes. It's several dollars cheaper and is available at the local Lowe's store. Werner even has the safety platform available like LJ. I've had one for a couple of years and love it!

Jim Winter