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

[Armatron]

@Armatron -

photos?

Here is the two step, handle folded down being used as a footrest/makeshift desk

 

[four.cycle]

^ ahhh so... handle folds down and out of the way! nice!

handle up: I would trip on it and fall on my face.

(12 years of ballet didn't do any good in that respect.)

 

[Armatron]

^ ahhh so... handle folds down and out of the way! nice!

handle up: I would trip on it and fall on my face.

(12 years of ballet didn't do any good in that respect.)

Here are the haikos. I like the haikos, but they are honestly sort of heavy for as small as they are. And surprisingly the cheaper white/steel one folds up quite a bit thinner. I feel like they're overpriced for the build quality but will keep them for kitchen/office. Jumbo step is heavier but not incredibly so. Like 10-15% heavier in the hand, and a solid 2x-3x as sturdy

 

[Vslewnyy]

I was in the middle of a DIY project and needed to get up to some high shelves, but my old stool just wasn’t cutting it anymore—it felt so flimsy. Ended up getting a compact step ladder, and it’s made things way easier. It’s light enough to carry around, but sturdy enough that I don’t feel like I’m going to fall off it. Found a couple of good options online, but honestly, this ladder here did the trick. Super handy for those quick fixes around the house, and it tucks away nicely without taking up much space.

 

[four.cycle]

Funny this came back up. I was up at my Mom's and washed her van after the big windstorm, and used a 5-foot folding step-ladder my sister must have just procured, but neglected to note the brand name. White-painted steel frame. Black rubber-covered steps. Folded up and was maybe all of 3 inches thick when folded. I'll try to remember to grab the brand next time I'm up there. Worked great for washing the roof of the van. MUCH lighter and easier to jockey around than a conventional 5-foot painter's ladder.

 

[username2]

.

 

[MovingAlong]

Certainly have plenty of full-size ladders for full-size work, but for a "compact"? Love this Cosco ladder. Not the two step, the three step...



May not be right for you, but that wasn't the question.

 

[theoldwizard1]

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

I might have to get one on those, even though I have something similar ! The one I have, is NOT lightweight (wood on a steel frame) and the assist handle appears to be lower.

 

[jayemm]

This is what I've been using.

Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro-Grade Steel Step Stool, 300 lbs. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating (2-Pack) GLHD-3 (2pk) - The Home Depot

The newly-designed Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro-Grade Steel Step Stool is designed for toughness and dependability that help you get the project done. The sturdy steel construction and oversized steps combined

www.homedepot.com

Can't believe HD's price now. I paid $30 about 7-8 years ago. Saw it advertised for ~$73 on ebay.

 

[tarbellb]

Certainly have plenty of full-size ladders for full-size work, but for a "compact"? Love this Cosco ladder. Not the two step, the three step...



May not be right for you, but that wasn't the question.

EDITED: I was mistaken I have a Rubbermaid ladder, very similar but def different.

I have one of these, it's just ok. Nice for lite duty task, easy to move around due to weight, but it likes to kick when shifting around.

Not recommended for work task or heavier users

 

[cannuck]

My shop helper just turned 13 and can't reach top of my toolbox nor second shelf above workbenches so I have 2 x single steps and a 3 step - that take up a lot of space but I find I use a fair bit - as well as a single step that hangs over tire to work under hood on F450 and Ram3500. Can't imagine going back to a time without.

 

[rust in the eye]

Is a four footer too big/bulky for you?
I love my plain old 4' fiberglass step ladder. On the second step you have something to lean against when your hands are full and higher potential reach than most suggested here.

 

[four.cycle]

BIL called a bit ago. THIS "DELXO" model is the one in Mom's garage. Folds down to TWO INCHES thick. Worked great for washing the roof on her van. Way easier than jockeying around my 5-foot folding Werner painters' ladder.

 

[Beerhippie]

BIL called a bit ago. THIS "DELXO" model is the one in Mom's garage. Folds down to TWO INCHES thick. Worked great for washing the roof on her van. Way easier than jockeying around my 5-foot folding Werner painters' ladder.

Who washes the roof of a van? The only folks that see the roof my Vanagon are driving 18-wheelers.

I used milk crates and 5-gal buckets for years. One day, I stepped onto a 5-gal bucket and, as I put my full weight on my foot, it went right through. Not only did that result in a fall, but the plastic bucket was now firmly stuck over my foot--the broken pieces opened like petals and would just dig into my calf if I tried to remove my foot! to had to cut the bucket off, while suffering the slings and arrows of ridicule from my co-workers.

Now I mostly use Werner step ladders for the little stuff. OSHA likes them as long as I'm not working on electrical stuff. We have some solid FRP step ladders for that--they weigh a ton.

I recently bought one of these:



for access to the roof rack of my Toyota. Works great, packs small, very sturdy.

 

[rust in the eye]

Who washes the roof of a van? The only folks that see the roof my Vanagon are driving 18-wheelers.

I used milk crates and 5-gal buckets for years. One day, I stepped onto a 5-gal bucket and, as I put my full weight on my foot, it went right through. Not only did that result in a fall, but the plastic bucket was now firmly stuck over my foot--the broken pieces opened like petals and would just dig into my calf if I tried to remove my foot! to had to cut the bucket off, while suffering the slings and arrows of ridicule from my co-workers.

Now I mostly use Werner step ladders for the little stuff. OSHA likes them as long as I'm not working on electrical stuff. We have some solid FRP step ladders for that--they weigh a ton.

I recently bought one of these:



for access to the roof rack of my Toyota. Works great, packs small, very sturdy.

I'd have paid to see that! Sorry, well no its still hilarious as long as you weren't (surprisingly) hurt.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Currently on sale for $50. I paid $80 for mine and it holds up well. I bought it because the ones we had were flimsy. This one is not

Limited-time deal: HBTower 3 Step Ladder, Folding Step Stool with Wide Anti-Slip Pedal, Sturdy Steel Ladder, Convenient Handrail, Lightweight, Portable Steel Step Stool

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087279HM1?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Notgrownup]

Gotten to love this thing

I have one of these and 2 narrower Ones I like in the shop. Ihave a Werner folding fiberglass step ladder for taller needs and telescoping folding little giant style ones.

 

[esben57]

Have an Abru 3 way ladder. Aluminium which works as extended ladder, step ladder and stairs ladder.

Bit unstable but I persevere. This is a replacement for a similar ladder which came with a detachable tray for tools etc.
Damn tray was more an ejection system, and awkward in every sense of the word. Locating clip would detach without warning sending everything south. Weight distribution important - or get ready !
Just a tray FFS
Ended up in the bin.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I use this: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-driver-dock-tote-ditch-your-tool-bag.485871/

Or at my garage I use one my father-in-law hand made from plywood. I also have a Costco one with the paint tray on it and two big steps.

 

[mike93lx]

I have one of these and 2 narrower Ones I like in the shop. Ihave a Werner folding fiberglass step ladder for taller needs and telescoping folding little giant style ones.

I have a gorilla that I like a lot. It was too tall for my last house (<8' ceilings and i'm 6'4") so I drilled out the rivets on the legs, cut them down on my meter saw and reinstalled them.

 

[four.cycle]

Who washes the roof of a van?

Her house is surrounded by 80-foot Douglas Firs.
If I don't wash the roof black mold grows all over the roof - the car wash "brush" things don't get it cleaned off.