Let's Talk About Ladders

[winlinmac]

I'm on the verge in purchasing a new ladder. My 50 year wood ladder is finally giving in. These days, many options exist, from fiberglass to aluminum. A multi-position ladder is definitely in my mind now, something which can extend, and change configuration.

What do you all recommend? I did some searching on Lowes website, prices are decent from $125 up to $250.

 

[1950mercury]

If you do a lot of electrical work please buy an aluminum ladder...

 

[Coach James]

Coach

 

[dreamingmuscle]

It's a good all around ladder. Biggest cons are its weight and how much hand strength it takes to turn the blue knobs that open it up. If your hands are arthritic double check this one. Also there is no flat area to put small parts or tools on while working with it.

Pros small compact, takes a decent beating and works great on stairs. Easily adjusted to different heights and positions except for the reason above

 

[MechEngPaul]

My 17' little giant ladder is robust, well built, operates smoothly, etc but is heavy.
My 13' Werner does the job but doesn't seem as well built.
My next ladder would probably be a 22' adjustable Werner for some extra reach.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Werner-22-...Capacity-Type-IA-Duty-Rating-MT-22/100658955/

 

[Tenex]

I'm a huge fan of the Little Giant ladders. I use it for 99% of the work I need to do on the farm. An extension ladder is the only thing the Little Giant doesn't do so well at substituting.

 

[FigureItOut]

My 17' little giant ladder is robust, well built, operates smoothly, etc but is heavy.
My 13' Werner does the job but doesn't seem as well built.
My next ladder would probably be a 22' adjustable Werner for some extra reach.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Werner-22-...Capacity-Type-IA-Duty-Rating-MT-22/100658955/

I have the 22' Werner multi ladder, and I absolutely love it. At full extension I can work at the roof line of, but not get onto a two-story house. It is quite heavy, I believe the Little Giant version is lighter, and many have some great features that the Werner doesn't, but they're pricey.

The design of these is very versatile. The two step ladder/scaffold base configuration seems iffy to me, but it does work. To go to the full extension configuration is fairly difficult, and an extension ladder is far more suited to this task in my opinion, but it's good enough that I don't feel I need an extension ladder.

I think to have just one primary ladder, this design in it's numerous versions is probably the best for most.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I have two of those, and two more similar ones (PAL System), and love them. They are heavy pigs, but that translates into sturdy and stable. You can get a Werner brand platform to catch on the steps if you are going to be standing in one position for a long time. Very helpful they are--and not bad at about $25.

 

[PJNJ]

I have an older Little Giant 22 - it's heavy but it is hands down the most stable ladder I have ever used. I also have a Little Giant Select Step - my local Home Depot had it on closeout for $79 and its a great step ladder.

Little Giant has different models that go from lighter duty to contractor grade. I would look at them. Also if you have a Costco nearby, they are having a sale on their version which comes with a free handhold/tray. It's $40 off until Oct. 25th which makes it a great deal. Here's a link to the sale circular -
http://www.costco.com/warehouse-coupon-offers.html

For electrical work I have a Husky fiberglass stepladder. It's lightweight and easy to carry.

 

[Fender1325]

Those multi ladders are nice but a pain to move and adjust. If you do electrical you need fiberglass not aluminum. Id reccomend a werner fiberglass 6 or 8 foot A frame. It'll outlast you.

 

[winlinmac]

Is there something between the lines of Fiberglass and Aluminum?

I didn't intend to bring this one up, but what about the $100 Harbor Freight Ladder. Is it any good? Or just a copied version bundled with safety hazards?

 

[winlinmac]

The Costco one looks enticing, I should check that out one of these days. Thanks
It seems the consensus agrees that Little Giant is better than the Werner-brand.

What's the highest height available? I'm assuming there's no multi-purpose ladder which exists that can raise up to 30+ feet, right? This time, I'm on a budget, but definitely want this investment to last a lifetime.

I have an older Little Giant 22 - it's heavy but it is hands down the most stable ladder I have ever used. I also have a Little Giant Select Step - my local Home Depot had it on closeout for $79 and its a great step ladder.

Little Giant has different models that go from lighter duty to contractor grade. I would look at them. Also if you have a Costco nearby, they are having a sale on their version which comes with a free handhold/tray. It's $40 off until Oct. 25th which makes it a great deal. Here's a link to the sale circular -
http://www.costco.com/warehouse-coupon-offers.html

For electrical work I have a Husky fiberglass stepladder. It's lightweight and easy to carry.

 

[winlinmac]

I hope this deal returns,
http://slickdeals.net/f/6517858-werner-22-ft-aluminum-telescoping-multi-position-ladder-115

I notice some of you mentioning the weight. Can't the ladder become lighter, since its multi-purpose (perhaps some components removed to make it more versatile), or does it always function as a whole (one-piece)?

 

[winlinmac]

Which size is the sweet spot for the typical DIY'er? I'm deciding between 17' and 22', now. The 22' may be a little heavier, whereas the 17' may be a little less stable (as you climb the stairs).

Thanks again.

 

[honcho]

I have a 22 ft Little Giant--heavy but versatile
I also have a 16 ft Krause (Krause left USA retail market, now sold as Werner M1A-8-16B)--versatile, lighter than Little Giant, requires more care in making sure locks are engaged.
Werner 8 ft Fiberglass Stepladder--something every homeowner needs, a good basic ladder
Werner 36 ft Extension Ladder--heavy, hate it, but need it to access the roof on my house.

Remember this sage advice: The best thing men over the age of 50 can do for their health is stay off of ladders.

 

[captain14]

If you can wait until BF deals come out next month, both Lowes and HD usually have them on sale for the holiday weekend.

 

[Fender1325]

Buy a werner. Theyre competitively priced and look at the ladders on every contracter van/truck. Majority is werner. If youre going on the roof a lot or cleaning gutters then get the aluminum extension ladder. If just working around the house a 6-8 foot A frame. Go to HD and buy the werner. Dont pinch pennies on a ladder - again werner's prices are comparable to others really. Its a no brainer. Will outlast you.

Fiberglass is a few lbs heavier and doesnt conduct electricity. Aluminum does but its lighter.

 

[UncleJoe]

Buy the ladder that suits your needs but with ladders don't be afraid to spend a little more for better quality and stability. A fall from a ladder or a ladder collapse can not only be painful but if your self employed it can ruin your business. Ask yourself if you can not work for 6 months how well your business would stand up.

I am all about saving money but with certain items, like ladders the safety issue is very important.

 

[winlinmac]

Thank you all, I'll definitely keep an eye out on the Werner deals.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I have the Little Giant 22' Alta One. It's a great ladder but a tad on the heavier side. Not quite as heavy as a Werner 22', but you won't be just yanking it around like a fiberglass ladder.

 

[danski0224]

The Costco one looks enticing, I should check that out one of these days. Thanks
It seems the consensus agrees that Little Giant is better than the Werner-brand.

What's the highest height available? I'm assuming there's no multi-purpose ladder which exists that can raise up to 30+ feet, right? This time, I'm on a budget, but definitely want this investment to last a lifetime.

The biggest problem with the Little Giant style ladders is the slop/play in the rotating hinge mechanism when used as an extension ladder extended beyond the roof/gutter line.

If enough of the ladder is above the roof/gutter line, it is possible for the hinge mechanism to kick slightly out (away from the structure) and become unstable. The degree of unstable varies from unnerving to throwing you off if the user gets spooked.

The best way to avoid that problem specific to Little Giant style ladders is through using a ladder standoff like the Ladder Max to land the ladder on the roofline: http://www.buyladder-max.com/

The Ladder Max is very useful in other applications, you can browse their website.

A 30' Little Giant ladder would be as heavy as a 30 foot 300 pound rated fiberglass extension ladder. Probably not the best combination unless you need a 30' extension ladder equivalent all of the time.

I hope this deal returns,
http://slickdeals.net/f/6517858-werner-22-ft-aluminum-telescoping-multi-position-ladder-115

I notice some of you mentioning the weight. Can't the ladder become lighter, since its multi-purpose (perhaps some components removed to make it more versatile), or does it always function as a whole (one-piece)?

If you are using it in a standard A frame configuration, the outer sliding part of the Little Giant can be removed. The part that stays together with the hinge lock lacks the flared base, so it will not be as stable.

Which size is the sweet spot for the typical DIY'er? I'm deciding between 17' and 22', now. The 22' may be a little heavier, whereas the 17' may be a little less stable (as you climb the stairs).

Thanks again.

For stairwell work, bigger is better.

A little Giant ladder allows safe ladder work that is impossible with traditional A frame ladders. Many people lean a folded A frame ladder against a wall, but this is quite dangerous because the ladder can kick out and you fall. The Little Giant can be set up to stand close to the wall.

The Little Giant also lacks the spreader locks, so it can be set up over some obstacles.

There are a couple of different grades of Little Giant branded ladders. The least expensive version is quite chintzy. The Werner, Husky and Gorilla Ladder knockoffs sold at big box stores are also quite chintzy.

Aluminum ladders are conductive and not allowed onto most commercial jobsites. The biggest danger comes from energized overhead power lines. If you maintain safe distances and work alertly, the danger is minimized.

Yes, there are rare instances where suspended ceiling grids are energized and a fiberglass ladder won't ground you out when contact is made positioning the ladder.

A fiberglass ladder will do no good if *you* decide to work on an energized circuit and get zapped on a ladder. You will be lucky and able to let go, or your body will convulse, kick the ladder out and contact will be broken as you fall to the earth. The fiberglass ladder will not protect you from your own stupidity.

Little Giant does offer fiberglass multi-position ladders. They are heavier than the aluminum ones.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

It's a good all around ladder. Biggest cons are its weight and how much hand strength it takes to turn the blue knobs that open it up. If your hands are arthritic double check this one. Also there is no flat area to put small parts or tools on while working with it.

Pros small compact, takes a decent beating and works great on stairs. Easily adjusted to different heights and positions except for the reason above

Dont know how the Lowes one works, but the Little Giant, and (patent infringement) HD Gorilla ladder (no longer made I think) both have push in locks. You simply hit them with the heel of your hand.

Charles

 

[Sal Bandini]

A step ladder leaning against a wall should never kick out from you, if you have it at the correct angle, which is about 15 degrees from vertical.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I have a Little Giant and while I do agree that it is versatile, there are many times I wish I had conventional step ladder and extension ladder. Sometimes the weight is off-putting.

 

[TLCObsession]

I have a quiver full of ladders including a 17' multi purpose, a 6ft fiberglass step ladder, an 8' double-sided fiberglass ladder and a 4' double-sided fiberglass ladder. I also have a couple of work platforms and some extension ladders. My favorites are the double-sided step ladders. you can get so much more done before you have to re-position.

My advice is (excepting the combo ladder) - all of my ladders are 1A rated. I am 230 lbs before I put on clothes, my tool belt and carry a beam up one side of the ladder. I am over the rating on a 225lb homeowner rated ladder as soon as I put one foot on it. I watched my father go down on a step ladder when it buckled and made too many compromises myself in the past. Now - its got to be sturdy or I am not going on it!

 

[highland_hunter]

I'm partial to the Werner ladders, used them exclusively in my days hanging off utility poles. That being said, I have the Werner MT-26 multi-ladder. Works great as a larger A-frame step, adjustable for work around stairs, etc. Heavy as all get out though with it's 300lb rating and doesn't work easily as an extension ladder. If I had to do it over think I would go with fiberglass extension and separate fiberglass step ladder.

 

[atthebeach]

I have a four decade old 5' wooden step ladder that is very light weight to move around the property. I've had to replace a step and some of the fasteners over the years, but it is my favorite when 5' is tall enough.

Also have an 8' Werner fiberglass step ladder for taller jobs, but it is a lot heaver to move around although quite stable on level ground. It's a good size indoors with 10' ceilings, and I can also use it to get up on the roof of my 1 story house. This ladder will last a lifetime and not need any maintenance.

I also have a 16' aluminum extension ladder that in the last 6 years I have only used once. It was handy when I built my shop addition, but I don't have much need for it otherwise. I can paint my 1 story house from the ground with a roller and extension pole.

My previous house was a monster 2 story and in addition to the 16' ladder, I also had a 24' Werner aluminum extension ladder that was tall enough to reach the eves for painting. That ladder was heavy and awkward to move into position, and had a little bit of a bounce in it when I was climbing up. I came close to accidentally putting it through a second floor window on more than one occasion. I am pleased to say I no longer have that ladder or that house.

Whatever you decide to get, as mentioned in an earlier post, be sure to compare your weight and that of your equipment with the load rating of your ladder.

 

[jeremy v]

I had a used Little Giant classic 22 ladder, but I ended up coming across a like new Werner MT-22 at a garage sale for $40 so I bought it. I ended up selling the Little Giant for a much larger large sum of money and I don't regret it one bit. I later found a second Werner for $50 and now I use both in combination to make high or complicated interior scaffolding for very little overall investment. I also use them next to each other with a simple cross beam and a ratcheting chain hoist for temporarily lifting heavy (couple hundred pound) items around the shop and yard.

There are a few minor differences between the two ladders and the Werner does have a little bit more flex to it when in the fully extended position (it still feels plenty secure). I actually prefer how the Werner has steps with visible double divets at each end instead of the covered up welds (covered by plastic trim pieces) of the Little Giant. I prefer being able to see connections/welds for easy inspection, and I also like how rivets are a little bit more forgiving in terms of handling stresses put on them over time. I also like how the optional scaffolding adapters for the Werner still allow you to fold the ladder up, the Little Giant adapters are more expensive and rigid. You can modify the Werner adapters to work on a Little Giant ladder though (grind an angle/bevel along the inside edges of the adapters where they slide down into the ladder frame), so that is not necessarily a deal breaker.

 

[winlinmac]

Are both brands constructed of similar proportion of materials?

 

[jeremy v]

Are both brands constructed of similar proportion of materials?

Yes, they are both just about exactly the same. I would be surprised if there was more than a 2 pound difference in weight between the two ladders. Many of the individual parts look like they could be interchangeable and I remember testing it myself and the outer ladder sections will slide correctly (and lock) onto the other brand's inner ladder frame. The only real reason that the Werner is so much cheaper is that it is made in China and Werner is a well established large company that sells in much higher volumes. The Little Giant 22 I originally had was U.S. made, but they now have such a large product line I don't know if they still are. The only real difference is that the Werner has a slightly different cross section shape for the outer c-channel ladder verticals. They have a slight inset notch in them (that runs the length of the c channels) for the inside rivet heads for the ladder rungs to sit flush with the rest of the c channel sliding surface. In terms of the exact alloy of aluminum used I don't know if they are the same or not, but they both have the same user weight rating and I have owned/used many types of Werner ladders in my life and I have never had a single issue with any of them.

I don't know if they still make them or not but there was a Gorilla brand ladder that was about the same price as the Werner but I sort of remember it still having the welded step rungs if that is your preference. I see them on Craigslist for very reasonable prices occasionally. The Gorilla ladder was another almost perfect Little Giant clone.