"Little Giant" Style Ladders

[bwringer]

A few weeks back, I couldn't reach high enough on my house to replace a piece of bad trim. I borrowed a 17' "Little Giant" ladder from a friend; one of those ladders that articulates and extends from four feet to 17 feet.

I learned then that my crappy little six foot step ladder was unwieldy, pitiful, and shameful. An upgrade is needed.


Turns out the dang things are $329 at Northern Tool.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479976_200479976


However, the house brand knockoff is $100 right now on sale.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200779883_200779883
Identical function and specs. Weighs about three pounds more than the LG.


Anyone have any direct experience with this ladder?




Now before the usual harrumphing and flag waving starts from people who have never used either...

Let me put it this way: for $329, I simply won't buy a ladder. That's not a realistic amount of money. I'm a home owner who would use the thing very infrequently, not a roofer.

But for less than a third of the price, an upgraded ladder becomes realistic. Either will safely convey my carcass to a usefully elevated position.

I suppose there's a related discussion about what is a realistic price premium for US-made tools. I'm sorry, but triple or more is usually not realistic. The choice at that point is not US-made vs, foreign-made; the choice is between not owning at all and foreign made.


Anyway, how's that ladder?

 

[TheLawnRanger]

I have an HF brand similar to this one that I really like.

 

[kd3pc]

the real one is well worth the price, the knockoffs are pinch gremlins and heavy and very difficult to use by one man. The knock off pull and turn latches are awful. Did I say pinch point?

your $$$

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I have a Cosco from Costco that was about 110 when I bought it and it is a great ladder although a bit heavy.

Incidentally, the original design was by Werner who still make it and is available from HD for about 180 or so.

 

[Bannik254]

I have the Little Giant Velocity, Model 26, I don't use it as much as I used to, maybe more this summer. It's easy to store, does weigh a LOT. Easy to swap different styles and sizes, very robust, never feel stress or worry while 2 stories up from the ground. Pretty much the one and only ladder you'll ever need for just about any application around the property.

 

[Jayman17]

I bought the Werner version from Lowes I think. It is a very handy ladder with all the different configurations. I think I paid around $300 several years ago.
It is heavy though, but that just builds muscle.

-Jay

 

[PJNJ]

If you shop at Costco here's another alternative -
https://www.costco.com/little-giant-megalite-17-ladder-.product.100487758.html

$179.99 shipped

 

[gatlibs]

I hate to break it to you, but I don't think that any of the ~$300 ladders from Little Giant are made in U.S.A. Very few of theirs are. There is a slight chance that the same company in China makes both ladders. You'd have to look at them to guess that.

 

[Bogie1632]

OP, I've got that one. Been great over the last 3 years I've had it. Never pinched myself using or adjusting it. Zero issues with it thus far. Got it for just a bit under $100 at a Menards during one of their 11% sales. Had Little Giant ladders at a few shops I worked at. IMHO, this one is just as good and for the price difference well worth it for a home owner.

EDIT: 18' version is currently on sale for $97.01 after 11% mail in rebate.


https://www.menards.com/main/paint/...adder-375-lb-max/amt17pro/p-1550561553333.htm

V/R
Bogie

 

[driz]

I’ve got one of those Werners on black Friday once for about $100. Had it 8-10 years now . It reminds me of the Soviet Navy, does everything all of it badly[emoji3064]. I’ve even managed to use it a few times . Having a small assortment of normal ladders I just never could find something it was better than a regular ladder at. Damned hard on the feet too standing on it. In my experience it not good for anything but building muscle mass.
No thanks[emoji853]. If I want a step ladder I’ll get the
Real one out. Same goes for the straight one. At least I can move it around without wrestling the beast.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[kapster]

I've got a Warner from Lowe's, it's ok. Super heavy like mentioned. I think it makes a nice tall step ladder without taking up all the storage space. I don't care for using it as a "extension" ladder. The weight makes it difficult to get up there, and the play in the pivot can be dangerous getting on and off the roof if it kicks out, particularly if the feet are on a hard surface. Don't think that is specific to Warner, there was a video about this on the Little Giant as well. It's really ok, just something to be aware of.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[zendriver]

I have a LG ladder

Well built, but very heavy as others have stated.

Nothing special for a "ladder" but stable when folded. I got it to work above stairs, using it's adjustable ends.

A clone is probably fine. IMO

 

[kngelv]

I believe the Revolution is made in the USA. The Megalite from Costco is made in China. I picked up the Megalite for $119.00 on sale. Costco does that like twice a year on that ladder. Their mechanisms are better on the Little Giant than the knockoffs.

James

 

[Aaron_W]

Don't know about the NT branded one but I've got one of the Werner branded ones. Home Depot has the 18 foot 1A for $141 which is a lot less than $329.

I've also got some time with the Little Giant branded ones and can't say I notice a difference between them and the Werner.

These make a great adjustable height, and very solid step ladder, but they are pretty sketchy if you go past the hinge using it as a straight ladder.


Ladders are rated and that NT's ladder is rated as 1A (300lbs) so it can't be too big of a POS.

 

[IndyGarage]

I've got a Werner 17 foot and a Little Giant Velocity 22.

Personally I like the Little Giant better than the Werner - The difference isn't large, but there is a difference. The LG just feels slightly more sturdy and well made in nearly every area - probably why it costs 50% more.

Is it worth it? Either one works, but if they were side by side and the same length I would pick up the Little Giant every time to use.

BTW I got my LG 22 for about $200 on Amazon Prime Day a few years ago. That's the cheapest I ever saw one, so even though I didn't need it I jumped on it. I wish I would have gotten a 26, but the 22 is pretty heavy and has done everything I've wanted it for.

 

[Git]

Turns out the dang things are $329 at Northern Tool.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479976_200479976

I bought a 22' Little Giant for $329 from Amazon in 2006! When I painted the interior of my house. No regrets. Keep in mind it also comes apart and forms two A-frame type ladders. I also have one of those aluminum extension planks (I think it is a 10' to 17') that I can set up on the A-Frames and now I have a sturdy work platform that I can use to paint the top half of a wall, install crown molding, etc

I realize the patent expired and there are a million knockoffs, but I have no regrets paying the money, especially when my safety is at stake

 

[gatlibs]

I believe the Revolution is made in the USA. The Megalite from Costco is made in China. I picked up the Megalite for $119.00 on sale. Costco does that like twice a year on that ladder. Their mechanisms are better on the Little Giant than the knockoffs.

James

You got me excited about the Revolution. I checked and it shows as made in China. https://www.littlegiantladder.com/products/revolution

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have the Little Giant and have used many similar. Most of the others are lighter, easier to move around.
When using it the Little giant is much more stable and solid. I often can feel the others twist or bend.

 

[driftpin]

I have a Werner 17' 300 lbs rating folding/extension ladder, I bought it many years ago when they first came-out. It's a heavy, awkward S.O.B., but it's solid-feeling. I have probably six different ladders, including a 28 ft. fiberglass extension ladder, a shorter 24 ft. fiberglass extension ladder, and three different fiberglass A-frame ladders, two are 6 ft and one is 8 ft. I also have a 5 ft aluminum ladder, which is light and easy to use.

They're spread-around three different houses. The long extension ladders I don't use that-much, the A-frames are probably what I use the-most.

I find that the Werner folding ladder's rungs are narrow, and they tire my feet out-prematurely. I'm usually using steel-shank 10" lace-up workboots when I'm on a ladder, not athletic shoes.

As a fire service instructor and now a retired firefighter, I have enough experience to know that having the right tool for the job is very-important, when it comes-to ladders, you want to choose one that's suited for your tasks at-hand, one that offers you support for the entire job, rated for whatever load you're putting on it. If you weigh 220 lbs. you don't want to be using a 225 lbs. rated ladder to carry 4' x 8' sheets of PT CDX upstairs to do elevated work. The built-in safety factor will probably allow you to do that, but leaving it outside for five years with temperature swings of 100 degrees and year-round UV all-day-long exposure will take a toll on its structural integrity.

 

[Formerjeeper]

I’m a homeowner not a pro, have had a little giant for 10 years and can’t remember what I paid but it has been well worth whatever it cost.

 

[neophyte]

A few weeks back, I couldn't reach high enough on my house to replace a piece of bad trim. I borrowed a 17' "Little Giant" ladder from a friend; one of those ladders that articulates and extends from four feet to 17 feet.

I learned then that my crappy little six foot step ladder was unwieldy, pitiful, and shameful. An upgrade is needed.


Turns out the dang things are $329 at Northern Tool.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479976_200479976


However, the house brand knockoff is $100 right now on sale.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200779883_200779883
Identical function and specs. Weighs about three pounds more than the LG.


Anyone have any direct experience with this ladder?




Now before the usual harrumphing and flag waving starts from people who have never used either...

Let me put it this way: for $329, I simply won't buy a ladder. That's not a realistic amount of money. I'm a home owner who would use the thing very infrequently, not a roofer.

But for less than a third of the price, an upgraded ladder becomes realistic. Either will safely convey my carcass to a usefully elevated position.

I suppose there's a related discussion about what is a realistic price premium for US-made tools. I'm sorry, but triple or more is usually not realistic. The choice at that point is not US-made vs, foreign-made; the choice is between not owning at all and foreign made.


Anyway, how's that ladder?

I have one of the original USA Made Little Giant aluminum ladders, which I think are now referred to as the “Classic” model.
The ladder is heavy duty, with the rungs welded to the rails.
I’ve seen specialty ladder supply places that sell replacement parts if you damage the adjustment pins etc.
at one point I had a Werner ladder that I purchased at Home Depot, that was basically the same design.
The only major difference between the Werner and the LG Classic, was the Werner was made in China rather than the USA, and the Werner rungs were riveted rather than welded.
Riveted rungs don’t bother me, since I’ve seen plenty of failed welds in mass produced products.
The Werner was also around half the price of the Little Giant.

Nowadays, the lower and midlevel Little Giant ladders seem to be made in China, and the design seems to have been modified, maybe to lower manufacturing costs.
The higher end models such as the fiberglass DarkHorse models are made or assembled in the USA, as well as some of the more expensive feature filled aluminum models.
If you just want the standard classic little giant design, the Werner ones are likely just as good, and will save you money.
If you don’t mind spending the extra for the fancier models, buy one that has two or four adjustable feet for unleveled ground. A small difference at ground level makes a major difference 20 feet up, and not all ladder leveling feet are designed for the Little Giant type ladders.
I was actually going to spend a bunch on a fiberglass version, bit the DarkHorse doesn’t come in the 26’ size.

 

[pbon]

Wait until one of this type ladders in the length you want goes on sale. 13s have been $79, 17s at $99, 22s at $129, and 26s at $170. Watch HD and Lowed and Amazon and HF.

 

[bwringer]

Good feedback, y'all.

The 17" is perfect for my household needs, and the small amount of storage space it takes up is a much-needed feature.

Might have to check out that Menard's option...

And I'm in absolutely no rush.

 

[RTM]

When you look at the difference, focus on the latches. My dad had one ?forty? Years ago, and it worked well, until a latch failed. Back then no one had parts available, and he fought and swore at that dumb thing every time he used it.

 

[BlackLS2]

I picked up the 17 HF in a pinch once for $100. Ended up using it quite a bit, still going strong after 4 years. I am a bigger guy and no complaints about it.

 

[demarpaint]

I paint professionally and have used over the years several of the Little Giant ladders of different sizes and designs, and the Werner version. I bought the Werner at HD. I think I paid about $120 for it, fully extended its 22'. It's Type 1A which is rated for 300 lbs. For they money it is tough to beat, especially for homeowner use for a person weighing under 300 lbs. For those over 300 lbs. get a Type 1AA. My only beef with any of these types of ladders is they're heavy. Mine is mostly used for stairways. It was well worth the money and the quality is quite good.

 

[pbon]

Some are lighter than others.

 

[soloz2]

My father-in-law has a little giant ladder and I borrowed it once before I got anything bigger. It was heavy, hard to maneuver on my own, and did not feel stable at all when standing on it. I have a 6' and 8' stepladder, w 32' extension ladder and will probably add a 16-20' extension ladder at some point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tonyprovo723]

Should be a bunch of Spring & Father's Day sales coming up on these. Home Depot sells Werner and their brand Gorilla. Menards sells Keller and a house brand as well. I have a Gorilla and a couple Keller models and like them. Like all extension ladders, they have some bounce when fully extended and much more stable when shortened. The 13 and 17 foot models will likely fit inside your car if that is a need. The bigger models are less practical to use inside.

These are typically aluminum and you need to be careful if you do electric work. Fiberglass models are the right choice obviously, buy not on the shelf at stores and are almost twice as much.

Sent from my SM-G965U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Den69rs96]

I bought the 22ft version back in 2005. I love mine. I like the fact I only need one ladder to do many things. It is heavy, but extremely handy. I remember taking it with me to help my friend build a garage. Everyone there kind of smirked and joked when I placed it down. Then we went to work and guess which ladder was used the most because it was the perfect size whether it was used as an A frame or extension ladder. My friend asked me to leave it for a few days and he would return it.

 

[seber]

My roofing contractor showed up the other day to check the tornado damage with one of these.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/330lbs-T...MIu_mY25GV6QIVB77ACh2sVQkMEAQYAiABEgKIrfD_BwE
Sorry about the link, you'll have to copy paste it. He is around 300 pounds and I think it is safe to assume he uses it a lot. He checked at least 50 roofs with it. It's even heavier, but really easy to carry. Available in straight or folding and cheaper.

 

[IMCA38]

Whatever you do, don’t get this one!

 

[jhelrey]

I personally hate them...

 

[neophyte]

Whatever you do, don’t get this one!

The ladder didn’t fail, the guy just lost his footing.

 

[mc4life27]

A few weeks back, I couldn't reach high enough on my house to replace a piece of bad trim. I borrowed a 17' "Little Giant" ladder from a friend; one of those ladders that articulates and extends from four feet to 17 feet.

I learned then that my crappy little six foot step ladder was unwieldy, pitiful, and shameful. An upgrade is needed.


Turns out the dang things are $329 at Northern Tool.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479976_200479976


However, the house brand knockoff is $100 right now on sale.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200779883_200779883
Identical function and specs. Weighs about three pounds more than the LG.


Anyone have any direct experience with this ladder?




Now before the usual harrumphing and flag waving starts from people who have never used either...

Let me put it this way: for $329, I simply won't buy a ladder. That's not a realistic amount of money. I'm a home owner who would use the thing very infrequently, not a roofer.

But for less than a third of the price, an upgraded ladder becomes realistic. Either will safely convey my carcass to a usefully elevated position.

I suppose there's a related discussion about what is a realistic price premium for US-made tools. I'm sorry, but triple or more is usually not realistic. The choice at that point is not US-made vs, foreign-made; the choice is between not owning at all and foreign made.


Anyway, how's that ladder?

Keep an eye out for deals and sales. I have a house brand copy of their model 17 and I also have the little giant model 13 that I got from Lowe’s for 110. The little giant one is way lighter I know it’s a smaller ladder but it’s at least half as light if not lighters. And it seems to slide better and smooth. But I love the ladders. I have a Scion xB that’s loaded with tools and the ladder. I get some funny looks when I pull up to jobs and they ask where my ladder is because their 6 footer doesn’t reach. I pull my little giant out and get. To work no problem.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[IndyGarage]

The ladder didn’t fail, the guy just lost his footing.

That was a pretty nasty fall. Hope the guy was OK. Had nothing to do with the ladder though.

 

[mike93lx]

Another Werner 17' owner checking in. The size is great and I like the high weight rating.

 

[danski0224]

A few weeks back, I couldn't reach high enough on my house to replace a piece of bad trim. I borrowed a 17' "Little Giant" ladder from a friend; one of those ladders that articulates and extends from four feet to 17 feet.

I learned then that my crappy little six foot step ladder was unwieldy, pitiful, and shameful. An upgrade is needed.


Turns out the dang things are $329 at Northern Tool.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479976_200479976


However, the house brand knockoff is $100 right now on sale.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200779883_200779883
Identical function and specs. Weighs about three pounds more than the LG.


Anyone have any direct experience with this ladder?




Now before the usual harrumphing and flag waving starts from people who have never used either...

Let me put it this way: for $329, I simply won't buy a ladder. That's not a realistic amount of money. I'm a home owner who would use the thing very infrequently, not a roofer.

But for less than a third of the price, an upgraded ladder becomes realistic. Either will safely convey my carcass to a usefully elevated position.

I suppose there's a related discussion about what is a realistic price premium for US-made tools. I'm sorry, but triple or more is usually not realistic. The choice at that point is not US-made vs, foreign-made; the choice is between not owning at all and foreign made.


Anyway, how's that ladder?

I have Little Giant ladders dating from 2004 or so.

I have used some of the knockoffs.

The Little Giant latches and locks ALWAYS work better than the knockoffs. The ladder sections have always slid better on the Little Giant version.

I have had one Werner hinge bushing come loose after pushing in the release knob. The ladder was junk after that.

Little Giant makes at least two lines, if not 3. Good Better Best. It is the duty rating of the ladder.

Back when the Little Giant ladders were made in the USA, the 1A versions were USA made and the less expensive Type 1 versions were made in China. I do not believe that any of the Little Giant product line is US made anymore.

The Little Giant in the link you provided is a Type 1A ladder.

So is the Northern Tool knockoff. With the exception of the riveted rungs and sliding section lock material (J locks), it appears to be a carbon copy of my old Little Giant ladders. I don't like the riveted rungs, they feel different closer to the sides of the ladder.

Without being able to put the current production versions of each side by side, you will have almost nothing but a price point to base your decision on.

The current Little Giant (LG) pivot lock has 4 holes (mine and the Northern knockoff have 2) and the LG sliding section lock is probably much easier to use.

Using the zoom feature on the included product photos, the outer sliding section of the LG ladder is clearly much thicker than the knockoff.

Based upon my experience with original Little Giant ladders and several knockoff brands, I would buy the Little Giant. The price difference is immaterial, even at $200 bucks.

 

[danski0224]

These are typically aluminum and you need to be careful if you do electric work. Fiberglass models are the right choice obviously, buy not on the shelf at stores and are almost twice as much.

Almost any aluminum ladder will be thrown off of a legitimate jobsite. The exception seems to be really heavy duty wide extension ladders used by roofers, but more and more jobsites are going to external scaffold built stairs for construction access.

The fiberglass versions of Little Giant style ladders are heavier than their aluminum counterparts.

Last I looked, the Werner fiberglass version appealed to me more than the current Little Giant version. I believe one or two sizes may actually be in stock at larger Home Depot stores.

 

[M635_Guy]

I also have the Werner. Love the flat rungs and the flexibility. I'd love it to be lighter, but other than that it's been awesome.