Swingback step ladders without a platform are perfect for quick jobs, or jobs that don't require lots of equipment. They can be quickly moved from one location to another which is great for travelling tradespeople. Meanwhile, platform ladders provide you with additional space so you can pick up and put down tools or materials while you work. This means you can work at height for a longer time if necessary.
Fibre glass ladders are special because they can be used in scenarios where there's an electrical or thermal hazard. Because fibre glass is a great electrical insulator and is naturally incombustible so it will protect you from electrocution and won't catch fire.
Because of these properties, fibre glass ladders are a popular choice in the building industry. If a step ladder can't provide the reach you need, you might find that a ladder is more suitable for your needs. Ladders come in all shapes, sizes and materials so you might be struggling to decide which one is right for you. If terms like 'combination ladder' or 'telescopic ladder' are going over your head, don't worry, we'll break them down and show you which ladders suit different kinds of jobs. Extension ladders can be made up of two or three sliding sections that can be extended to provide reach up to 10 metres!
They're favoured by tradespeople and DIY-ers for their versatility and compact storage size. If you need to work at height, but not on a roof, a simple extension ladder is a perfect solution. Always account for one metre above the highest point you'll expect to work so you'll never be left ladder-less.
There are even versions that allow you to get closer to the work, double function as a leaning ladder OSHA approved and can even include a work platform for added security. Extension Ladders allow you to store the tool more efficiently while also adding the flexibility of adjusting the height as needed.
Other variations of this tool are straight, or manhole ladders, which are single section where a set length can be used over and over think library ladders for a practical application of one-height needed. Extension rung locks take the majority of the abuse on this ladder type and can contribute to early failure. Some companies are using advanced polymers to strengthen this key part. Polymers have replaced steel and aluminum in many applications today, including cars and trucks.
Specialty ladders are often used with a particular purpose in mind. A good example of these are the tripod ladders, most commonly used for picking and pruning, landscaping, tree surgery and other tough gardening jobs.
Another example of specialty ladders are the warehouse ladders : bigger, heavier and recommended for heavy use around the you guessed it warehouse. More specialized jobs require more specialized ladders, such as mobile platforms, rolling scaffolds , and trestle ladders. These are sturdy, light, foldable ladders that help make use of the attic space. Extension ladders have a few other considerations.
Here, the maximum working ladder length and highest standing level come in to play, based on the same physical characteristics of the individual described above. Since there is a user defined angle of use on an extension ladder, an overlap of the sections and the projection of the ladder above the lean point, choosing the right product here is a bit more tricky. The versatile top cap includes integrated tool slots and a work tray.
The Select Step has a total weight capacity of pounds and reaches a full height of 6 to 10 feet. Selected for its extended reach, lightweight build, tool storage, and extra-wide rungs, the Little Giant Ladders step ladder is our overall top pick.
Alternatively, the Best Choice ladder is suitable for accessing lower points and those on a budget. Including a ladder in your household tools can save you a headache or two when an odd job arises in a hard-to-reach area. The recommendations outlined in this guide contain robust construction, high weight capacities, and user-friendly features like height adjustment and tool trays.
Many can hold up to pounds while also providing up to 10 ft. Safety was also a key consideration, which is why many of the featured models include rubberized feet and locking mechanisms. Keep the following ladder safety tips in mind to avoid unnecessary injuries:. For more information about the best ladder, check out these answers to some of the most common questions. If additional concerns arise, contact the manufacturer.
Aluminum is the lightest option and least likely to corrode. But this metal is among the most effective conductors of electricity. Fiberglass, while heavier than aluminum, is stronger and more versatile.
An adult standing can usually reach no more than 4 feet higher than the height of the ladder i. Consider how you intend to use the ladder and the heights involved in your jobs. Then subtract 4 feet to determine the appropriate ladder height. Reach height the highest point a person can safely access while standing on the ladder can be more or less than the height of a ladder and varies by type:. To access first floor gutters usually 11 feet high , a ladder between 7 and 12 feet is typically sufficient.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today in the expert yet accessible home advice at the heart of BobVila.
Today, the Bob Vila editorial team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Check Latest Price. Even though the Gorilla MPXA isn't the lightest ladder on the market, its weight is still decent for a multi-function model.
Gorilla is widely respected as a quality manufacturer and offers this type of multi-function ladder in a range of sizes. The foot version is the best balance of size and function for most homes, but there are shorter and taller models if those suit your needs better. Even though it only weighs 14 pounds, the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite 6-Foot Aluminum Stepladder is sturdy enough to support up to pounds and provides a wide platform for standing.
What makes the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite so great, apart from being extremely light for its size, is its release handle that unlocks the ladder when you're ready to open it. This handle is built into the platform and keeps the ladder securely closed, reducing the chances of it accidentally opening while you're carrying it around.
Its platform is a roomy 13 inches, and the remaining steps are 3 inches. These wide steps not only make climbing the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite more comfortable, but they also reduce the likelihood of sore and fatigued feet during all-day projects. Sore feet are dangerous because they can cause you to constantly adjust your foot placement to take the pressure off your arches, which increases your chances of losing your balance.
The biggest drawback to the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite is that its top cap doesn't provide much storage functionality. It's just a basic tray for storing small hand tools and fasteners. Without holes for your drill or screwdrivers, you'll have to rely on your tool belt a bit more than with other models. That said, the narrow design of the top cap can be easier to grip to help maintain your balance while climbing up and down. The light weight of the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite makes this an ideal choice for a multitude of users.
Projects involving lots of moving around and repositioning of the ladder, like house painting, are much more enjoyable with a lightweight ladder like this. Also, since it's less of a hassle to move, you'll be less likely to try and overreach.
Though 6 feet is ideal for most homeowners, the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite also comes in 4- and 5-foot models. Constructed of durable fiberglass and designed for easy operation, the Werner D Fiberglass Extension Ladder is well-suited for both the average DIY-er and professional contractors.
Pros: day return policy, pre-drilled holes allow for easy installation of accessories. Thanks to its dual-action feet, you can use the Werner D extension ladder just as easily indoors as outdoors. Rubber shoes provide a secure and solid grip, and they're also thick enough to protect delicate interior flooring from scratches. When used outside on penetrable dirt, these feet flip out of the way to expose a spur plate that digs into the ground, providing secure footing. On the top of the ladder, mar-resistant end caps do their part to protect walls and siding, as well as the ladder itself.
Its gravity spring locks are the main reason why the Werner D is so easy to use, smoothly clicking along the rungs until they reach your desired height.
Guides at the top of the base and bottom of the fly allow the two pieces to smoothly slide up and down, reducing unnecessary effort by the user.
If you prefer, you can remove the entire fly, leaving you with a lighter, compact base to use as a standalone ladder. The unique shape makes for a secure fitting in the rails and prevents rotation. The durable fiberglass rails of the Werner extension ladder are non-conductive to electricity, making it ideal for use around dangerous power sources or power lines. Plus, the high-visibility orange color of the Werner D makes any family members or coworkers less likely to accidentally bump into or trip over the ladder as you're using it.
Gorilla 1-Step Plastic Stool: If you don't need the height of a stepladder or don't have room for one, the Gorilla 1-Step Plastic Stool could be a convenient alternative. It only gives you one foot of extra height, but it's also rugged enough to be used for heavy-duty jobs and can support pounds of weight. It folds up for easy storage as well, taking up only 1 inch of space.
One of the main factors that contributes to ladder accidents is using the wrong type, so choosing the correct model is especially important. From small stepladders that give you those extra couple feet to reach the top of the fridge to tall extension ladders capable of reaching your rooftop, there are a variety of ladder styles and sizes to choose from. It's important to know the differences between these styles and the specific tasks they're best suited for to ensure that you purchase the right model.
A-frame ladders: These are self-supporting, non-adjustable models designed to be folded up when not in use. Nick Yahoodain of Advanced Builders and Contractors recommends A-frame ladders for the average homeowner due to their versatility and convenience.
You can easily store A-frame ladders by propping them up against a wall, or you can hang them on a hook. A-frame ladders usually offer a multi-functional top cap that you can use to store tools and supplies while you work.
Step stools: These are technically still A-frame ladders but are typically smaller and used for light-duty tasks that require only a couple of extra feet of height. Their steps are usually designed to fold up along with the ladder itself, making them more compact and easy to slide into a closet or next to the fridge for easy access.
Their lightweight design also makes them easier to maneuver around the home than larger A-frame ladders. Extension ladders: These are the tall, straight ladders that you'll typically see leaning against houses being painted. Essentially, they're two ladders connected by a set of rails or slides, allowing the entire unit to extend to the length of both ladders. The bottom ladder or base sits on the ground, while the top ladder, the fly, slides upwards with a rope and pulley system. At the desired height, a locking mechanism secures the fly into place.
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