Good versatile ladder for homeowner?
davidmeiland
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
I want to recommend a household ladder to a client. There are some high ceilings in the house and if I went there to change every bulb I’d bring a 10-foot stepladder. There are also places where I’d use something 6-foot or shorter to get at cans in 8′ lids, hanging fixtures, etc. Some of the high spots are upstairs, and the stairs go around a corner, so it’s hard to get a tall ladder up there.
There are quite a few trick ladders on the market, stuff that folds up and then opens into various positions. I don’t own anything like that and I’m really not familiar with the offerings. Any recommendations?
Replies
I just don't think any ONE ladder will do it for most people. Especially if you need something tall inside and outside.
Agree with the 10 foot step ladder and probably a 24' Werner with the adjustable legs for getting onto a roof or up to gable ends, etc. Those and a combination adjustable ladder should take care of it.
"Never pick a fight with an old man. If he can't beat you he will just kill you." Steinbeck
I swear by ,not at the Little Giant.
A little more money , but the best for my needs. Homeowner might be fine with a Werner or Gorilla.
that purple ladder at HD, its a six footer. that sucker will kill you.
For all of these kind of applications the little gaint or clones are ideal.
The 22-23 ft ones are the equivalent of a 10 - 11 ft step ladder.
BUT you are not trying to movve a 10 ft ladder. It is a 5 ft ladder. Then you extend it in place.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I was amazed, after buying a Werner clone of the Little Giant, just how heavy that ladder can be to carry and maneuver. There is a LOT of metal folded up inside one of those things. I decided to not buy one for myself but I am already 63. Probably could not even get it up the stairs in a couple of years.
If you think that one is heavy, check out the fiberglass Gorilla clone at Home Depot. I'm a horse and it weighs a ton compared to the aluminum one. Too much for most people, in fact.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
They are not lightweights.The orginal LG's are somewhat lighter. And there is a Canadian company that someone has said orginated the concept. It is even lighter and more $$$..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Sounds like the Little Giant is right - or the HD knock-off Gorillar ladder
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The problem with the ladders that morph into different shapes is the weight.
I like light ladders.
I'd better clarify--homeowner is an older woman and she is not going to move a 60-pound ladder around. I wonder if a pair of very light aluminum stepladders is going to be the ticket, maybe a 6 and a 10.
Or she calls me when necessary. Recently I went over to deal with a smoke alarm that was chirping. It was during the middle of the day, no big deal. If that starts happening in the middle of the night it'll be a real problem.
If she is capable of going up a ladder then the step ladder is the best option for her.
I have two daughters and am always amazed at how little arm stregnth they have.
Maybe they play it up so they don't have to lift much? ; ^ )
I would make sure she can climb safely. And check once in a while. As people age they can start to get dizzy. You don't want to be responsible for her falling.
You could buy one and show her how to carry it, set it up and use it. If she's uncomfortable with it take it back.
While it won't do all that you want. I think that either the lightweight AL step ladder is the 2nd best. The first best would be MSA's suggestion.In stead of the conventional step ladder you might want to get a tall "step stool" ladder. One similar to this. http://www.coscoproducts.com/cosco/indproduct.asp?productID=434They are measured differntly and don't know if any are tall enough for 10 ft ceilings.But they have a platform and a handle to hold onto..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Platform ladders are available in different sizes:
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I have a seven foot fiberglass step ladder which works well in many situations, including exterior painting and cleaning out the gutters. Of course it's nearly ideal for interior work.
If I could only own one ladder, that would be the one. There's always a neighbor with an extension ladder he'll loan you, for the occasional roof trip.
Sounds like the best ladder for this guy may be his neighbors.:>)
Family.....They're always there when they need you.