What are you doing for compact step ladders / step stools?

[Armatron]

An old MCL injury is rearing it's head. I'm at the age where I need to stop screwing around with heights.

I have a couple of kobalts, a couple gorillas, I like the gorilla better. Looking for something super compact to keep in the vehicle.

Anyone used these? They aren't available locally so no way to check them out in person:

Little Giant Ladders | Jumbo Step | Step Ladder

The Jumbo Step™ from Little Giant® is a lightweight aluminum stepladder, and with its compact design, it is the perfect tool for small-scale or at-home projects. Available in 2, 3 and 4-step models, this ladder meets or exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards, and is rated Type IAA to hold 375 lbs.

www.littlegiantladders.com

 

[1blink]

I generally precariously perch on a swivel stool or paint bucket, occasionally falling off as I lean out way too far to reach something on a shelf.

 

[GaryM909]

I packed one of these 2 step ladders in my welding rig for quite a few years. It stood up really well and now sits outside leaning up against the side of my house.

Featherlite Aluminum step ladder 2 Feet grade IA​

Model # FL-2010-02

 

[pertality]

A few grocery stores around me use those for stocking shelves, i usually see them left in the aisle.

Besides that I own this https://xtendandclimb.com/product/wt5/ it was the only 5 step version of one like the little giant one. I wanted it for a portable staircase that I can use to get in my crawl space.

It folds down enough that I can move it around in a small sedan, I did need to put the seats down though

 

[JimH74]

An old MCL injury is rearing it's head. I'm at the age where I need to stop screwing around with heights.

I have a couple of kobalts, a couple gorillas, I like the gorilla better. Looking for something super compact to keep in the vehicle.

Anyone used these? They aren't available locally so no way to check them out in person:

Little Giant Ladders | Jumbo Step | Step Ladder

The Jumbo Step™ from Little Giant® is a lightweight aluminum stepladder, and with its compact design, it is the perfect tool for small-scale or at-home projects. Available in 2, 3 and 4-step models, this ladder meets or exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards, and is rated Type IAA to hold 375 lbs.

www.littlegiantladders.com

I have 2 step and 3 step little giant step stools like you posted. Bought back when made in USA. Very solid. I'm a heavy man, and either is very solid when I'm on them.

 

[neophyte]

If you want really lite weight, but strong, the German made Halo brand step ladders are very nice, and light enough to lift with a pinky finger.
The Halo ladders are expensive though, and the cheaper versions are, or at least were, made in Ukraine, and didn’t seem to be as well engineered or made.

All the Little Giant products I’ve seen and used seemed to be well made, and you can get products to meet most particular safety regulations, although sometimes the ladders are heavier than needed, and the Little Giant products are also expensive.

 

[four.cycle]

My late step-father gifted this to me years ago. Best step-stool ever. Exactly the right height. Legs are splayed out a bit so I can use it in the flowerbeds and on uneven surfaces. Does NOT slide around. I haven't dropped it from a roof, but it did fall out of the truck one time.
Super lightweight. Has a "storage area", but I've never used that part of it.

gave away the two flimsy tubular-aluminum numbers that are so common - those are neck-breakers!

learned long ago 5-gallon buckets are not suitable substitutes for ladders.

YMMV

 

[Armatron]

If you want really lite weight, but strong, the German made Halo brand step ladders are very nice, and light enough to lift with a pinky finger.
The Halo ladders are expensive though, and the cheaper versions are, or at least were, made in Ukraine, and didn’t seem to be as well engineered or made.

All the Little Giant products I’ve seen and used seemed to be well made, and you can get products to meet most particular safety regulations, although sometimes the ladders are heavier than needed, and the Little Giant products are also expensive.

I just ordered one of the hailo stools. It looks decent. I like little giant a lot but they are quite heavy and overbuilt for my purposes

 

[neophyte]

I just ordered one of the hailo stools. It looks decent. I like little giant a lot but they are quite heavy and overbuilt for my purposes

Little Giant seems to mostly make “step stools” for industrial users, where the step stools have to meet any and all possible Osha standards.

Halo is part of a larger manufacturer that I believe makes aluminum components for aerospace in some other division.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have a two foot step ladder by Werner but prefer to use an upside down five gallon bucket.

 

[toolmiser]

I have a four foot folding step ladder that I find very useful. Easy to carry around and especially stable if I only need to go up a couple steps, and I can hang onto the top.

 

[cody1325]

For safety purposes, horse mounting block for stuff that's just out of reach--the Deere 5400 (and my truck) engine bay, high shelves, etc.

Mounting 2 Step

From the barn to the pasture, in your home and your garage these Mounting Steps are useful for multiple tasks. Safely mount or groom your horse, step in and out of your trailer with ease, and easily access hard to reach items. Our Two Step Mounting Block has a 14" overall height and wide, sturdy...

horsemenspride.com

Otherwise, upside down buckets and old steel milk crates when I'm too lazy to walk all the way back to the house and grab the horse mounting block or 4-foot ladder.

 

[Coach James]

A few grocery stores around me use those for stocking shelves, i usually see them left in the aisle.

Besides that I own this https://xtendandclimb.com/product/wt5/ it was the only 5 step version of one like the little giant one. I wanted it for a portable staircase that I can use to get in my crawl space.

It folds down enough that I can move it around in a small sedan, I did need to put the seats down though

You need a ladder to get into your crawl space? Do you mean your attic?

 

[pertality]

You need a ladder to get into your crawl space? Do you mean your attic?

It’s a four or five foot drop with a rat slab. My HVAC stuff is all down there and I’ve had the luxury of very slowly jacking up a notched joist under a tiled shower I don’t want to redo. I was getting sick of not being able to step out of it with a smaller step stool.

 

[Coach James]

It’s a four or five foot drop with a rat slab. My HVAC stuff is all down there and I’ve had the luxury of very slowly jacking up a notched joist under a tiled shower I don’t want to redo. I was getting sick of not being able to step out of it with a smaller step stool.

Ahh ok, now I get it. Is there enough room to build a set of steps to enter and exit?

 

[BombShelter]

I'm with four.cycle, don't waste your money on ****, a two foot body drop can be life-changing. Werner Ladders are on my permanent **** list.

The chunky aluminum ones are great, with big spread out feet and pretty light. Test the clamps, if there's any play don't get it, I've gotten those Ironton/Haulmaster/etc style and the legs move slightly when you step on them, not fun if it's wet or your holding a box.

 

[pertality]

Ahh ok, now I get it. Is there enough room to build a set of steps to enter and exit?

I probably could, the opening is in a 5 ft wide utility closet that also holds my water heater.

The step ladder can be better described as a portable staircase and if I had the whole closet floor open it would be really nice to get up and down. Installing something more permanent may make sense at some point down the road, especially if I start moving things like my water heater to the crawlspace.

 

[Armatron]

Ordered both of these, 2 step version:

Little Giant Ladders | Jumbo Step | Step Ladder

The Jumbo Step™ from Little Giant® is a lightweight aluminum stepladder, and with its compact design, it is the perfect tool for small-scale or at-home projects. Available in 2, 3 and 4-step models, this ladder meets or exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards, and is rated Type IAA to hold 375 lbs.

www.littlegiantladders.com

And one of these:

HAILO MK80 ComfortLine | HAILO Online Shop

HAILO MK80 ComfortLine | Comfort folding step | 2 steps ✓ Safety & comfort at the highest level ✓ Top quality ✓ Direct from the manufacturer

www.hailo.us

 

[whateg01]

Having been climbing in and out of the bed of my 09 f150 this week too get the roll n lock tonneau cover reinstalled, I've been using my little cheap 2 step folding thing a lot. It's sturdy enough to support my weight as I do down off the tailgate. This is a newer version with metal steps instead of plastic like the old one I keep in the garage. I've never felt like it wasn't going to support me.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have a four step one of those Little giants - I love it, but it's pretty heavy. I also use the standard 2 step stepstool type.

 

[u2slow]

Gotten to love this thing

 

[johnre]

I've got this model in my shop, Gorilla GLHD-2. For me, it's all about the light weight, quick setup, and compact folded size. It was reasonably priced ($44) and has a lifetime warranty.

 

[gfd_703]

If compactness is the goal like it was for me go with one of these. I got 1 for both of my pickups, actually got 1 and quickly ordered another once I used it a few times. Got mine from Zoro but I am sure there are other retailers. I like the fact that it closes up to about an inch and a quarter.

 

[driftpin]

"Ladders of Anarchy?"

I probably have 5 or 6 ladders which are < 5 ft tall. The ones I like the best are the ones which have a loop rising above the top step. For me, they offer a sense of protection while doing work on the steps. It's something to grab-onto, should I need to, Doing some type of construction work on a ladder can be tough-enough, and the loop allows me to have a better sense of stability.

I was a career firefighter/paramedic for years, now retired. I also was a fireservice instructor III in Florida, and proper use of a ladder is a big part of the profession. There were enough incidents I saw or heard-of about ladders' use, that made me want to remember what to do and how to do it, concerning ladders, whether on the job, or at home.

I keep one of these in the laundry/pantry, and its rating is far-above any combination of my weight and the weight of anything I'd be retrieving from an upper cabinet requiring the stepladder use. I like the wide top step, it provides more of a secure feeling compared to a narrower-depth step if I need to use it. Nearly all of the time, I gain enough reach to only need to use the first step in the pantry.



I have a couple of Werner '1-step and a top cross-piece' stepladders, I use those mostly for sitting upon when using the truck tailgate to work on something. They're stored in different garages so I don't need to carry one somewhere, as I'll have one already there, handy.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The one I was referring to in my first post above was the earlier tubular-aluminum model - not engineered anything at all like the one in your photo (or, for that matter, in the stock photo that I used, which was the only one I could find that was similar.)
Cheap, low-end, all aluminum. Rounded loop type handle at top. Skinny legs. Flimsy as hell. Gave them both away. Don't know if they even make those any more.

For painting houses you need something that's not going to sink into the flowerbeds or tip over on uneven ground. I fell from a ladder on a painting job. (Actually I mis-counted the steps coming down.) Dropped only about four feet, but landed flat on my ***. Had a brush in one hand and a half-full gallon of custom-mixed trim paint in the other. Didn't spill a drop, and didn't drop the brush in the dirt. Was a bit scary, as I was working alone on Anderson Island and it would have been a long ways to rescue.

I'm the opposite of you when it comes to that handle. I want nothing in my way - forward or back.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Was a bit scary, as I was working alone on Anderson Island and it would have been a long ways to rescue.

Good reminder to include an emergency medical kit with your tools.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Werner 21ft Aluminum Telescoping Multi-Position, 300 lb Capacity.

And a wood ikea step that acts as a seat for others.

 

[wyb2]

…
gave away the two flimsy tubular-aluminum numbers that are so common - those are neck-breakers!

…

Agree these are dangerous. But that’s because anytime I can’t reach the thing, I put my hand on the nearest wall/shelf to balance and stand on the top tube that says “NOT A STEP”.

If you can resist that urge, I feel like they are pretty safe.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My wife bought this.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Heavy-Duty-3-Step-with-Top-Cap/5000212065

It claims 300lb capacity but I don't see it on the sticker. Not sure I would really use the top step. It is incredibly comfortable to use because of the extra wide steps !

 

[jddjensen]

An old MCL injury is rearing it's head. I'm at the age where I need to stop screwing around with heights.

I have a couple of kobalts, a couple gorillas, I like the gorilla better. Looking for something super compact to keep in the vehicle.

Anyone used these? They aren't available locally so no way to check them out in person:

Little Giant Ladders | Jumbo Step | Step Ladder

The Jumbo Step™ from Little Giant® is a lightweight aluminum stepladder, and with its compact design, it is the perfect tool for small-scale or at-home projects. Available in 2, 3 and 4-step models, this ladder meets or exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards, and is rated Type IAA to hold 375 lbs.

www.littlegiantladders.com

Armatron - My name is James Jensen and I'm the Marketing Director for Little Giant Ladders (Maker of the Jumbo Step) shoot me a DM and i'll send you a Jumbo Step

 

[Armatron]

Armatron - My name is James Jensen and I'm the Marketing Director for Little Giant Ladders (Maker of the Jumbo Step) shoot me a DM and i'll send you a Jumbo Step

Sure thing!

 

[tak1313]

An old MCL injury is rearing it's head. I'm at the age where I need to stop screwing around with heights.

I have a couple of kobalts, a couple gorillas, I like the gorilla better. Looking for something super compact to keep in the vehicle.

Anyone used these? They aren't available locally so no way to check them out in person:

Little Giant Ladders | Jumbo Step | Step Ladder

The Jumbo Step™ from Little Giant® is a lightweight aluminum stepladder, and with its compact design, it is the perfect tool for small-scale or at-home projects. Available in 2, 3 and 4-step models, this ladder meets or exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards, and is rated Type IAA to hold 375 lbs.

www.littlegiantladders.com

I actually have that one. It's VERY sturdy and well built, but as some reviews have complained, there is no "lock" to keep it folded.

I was actually trying to find the Gorilla 2-step above, as I already had the 4 and 3 step, and they are really great and sturdy, and much lighter than the LG, but it appears the line isn't made or sold anymore, which is why I ended up with the LG.

It's a little heavier, but it uses much beefier aluminum extrusions, and it's definitely lighter than the Kobalt on above.

 

[Coach James]

My wife bought this.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Heavy-Duty-3-Step-with-Top-Cap/5000212065

It claims 300lb capacity but I don't see it on the sticker. Not sure I would really use the top step. It is incredibly comfortable to use because of the extra wide steps !

The crew doing a kitchen renovation at my house has four of these. They love them and use the top step frequently.
Coach

 

[Armatron]

Hailo and Jump 2-Step arrived.

Hailo is kind of surprisingly heavy, I could see a good use for possibly heavy duty RV steps.

LG 2 step is great. Heavy, but not terrible. Two things I would change - would be nice to have a handle to make it easier to carry. Also it would benefit from some kind of lock to keep it folded.

 

[Armatron]

Okay, over the weekend used the 2 step jumbo numerous times. This thing is a game changer for me. I have the 4 step on order. Also looking at the "epic" 26 foot for outside stuff.

 

[ricleh]

Okay, over the weekend used the 2 step jumbo numerous times. This thing is a game changer for me. I have the 4 step on order. Also looking at the "epic" 26 foot for outside stuff.

Little Giant is excellent quality. I have 5 ladders and a 3 and 4 step Jumbo step stool. I have had these for over 30 yrs. and they have held up nicely.

 

[four.cycle]

@Armatron -

photos?

 

[WisJim]

I find that I need the loop hand hold above the 3 step ladder that I use most. My balance is poor so something to hang onto is critical for me.

 

[evildky]

I keep one of these in my truck, laid down beneath the back seats. need in the way, and there when i need it.

5ft Single sided folding step ladder (STIK)

5 ft Single sided folding "STIK" Aluminum step ladder Reach Height: 9ft (2.74m) Ladder Height: 4.8ft (1.46m) Type 1 - 250 lb rated; weighs 13 lbs (5.9kg) Easy to carry, easy to use, easy to store Strong, safe and reliable Made from high quality Aluminum alloys Perfect for Home, Office, Cottage...

telestepsladders.com

 

[chohdog]

https://www.harborfreight.com/step-stool-working-platform-66911.html

used this to work on my lifted tahoe for several years, no problem. I'm 6' 235 lbs too!