I’ve been thinking about purchasing one of these ladders, i.e., The Little Giant, the Cosco “World’s Greatest Ladder”, or the Gorilla Ladder from Home Depot. These ladders have an articulating hinge that allow them to be used as a stepladder, or straight ladder, and they will telescope out from both sides, which makes it useful as a stair ladder. The Gorilla is the best deal, and is rated to IA (300 lbs.)
My question is if anyone has ever had problems with the Gorilla ladder-should I bite the bullett, and buy the Little Giant, or should I scrap the idea of getting one of these ladders, and get a standard 6′ step plus an extension ladder? These ladders will be for use by a first time homeowner who will be doing a lot of improvement work, and doesn’t want to ever have to replace the ladder.
Thanks guys,
Tom
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I've used one of those things, but don't like 'em much. For most work they're heavy and akward. A regular steplafdder is much better.
Every once in a while they folding ones are hard to beat in an akward spot - Stairs and such. But most of the time they seem like too much of a pain to me.
Q: Why are gingerbread men the best men of all?
A: They are cute, sweet, and if they give you any lip, you can bite their heads off.
what boss hog says, except I use mine a lot around the house, don't know the brand.
It is heavy and a pain to use, but the step ladder and this one get the most use.
it gets between my extension ladder and my step ladder.
depends on your house as to what to get.
I can get to my windows with the articulating(?) ladder, the extension is too big, step (6') too small for back of house. step good for front.
Really need to know how high all your places to reach are.
bobl Volo Non Voleo Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet
Well, I sort of expected a range of answers to this one. Sort of like asking what kind of pickup truck you guys drive (Chevy), but hopefully not as bad...
The house is a two story cape cod, so the roof is really more like 1 1/2 stories high, so it probably would be somewhere in the middle between a step and extension ladder.
There is somewhat of a gee-whiz factor involved in this one, I hate to admit, but if they really work well, then I guess its okay. The Gorilla isn't bad in price at $99 for the 13' either...
Tom
I've used the Little Giant a few times...the big one...and am always looking for the job where I have to excuse to price it in.
Sure it's heavy.....but when my life depends on a folding hinge...I like heavy.
Have always used someone elses..so maybe 4 different ladders over the last coupla years..and all of them worked just fine. The only time the top hinge sticks is when ya don't lift up for a second to take the perssure off it....a little lift..then a smack ...works fine.
I'm also tempted by that cheapie at HD.....but I'm thinking there's gotta be a reason it's so much cheaper.
I'd love to have one heavy ladder in the van that takes the place of several others.
If it's really too heavy.....wadda ya do about 3/4 ply? Use 2 layers of 3/8th??
It's a ladder...spend the bucks.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I have a little giant & I love it. It does bind up on occasion but if I take the time to spray wax on it it works fine for quite a while. We do remodeling & I find the versitility a huge plus. Yes it is heavey but I can get into furnished homes & set up without one of my bigger ladders. It also fits in the back of the s10 when I don't wnt to use up the expensive gas in the big truck.
Dont buy the little giant, we have two at work and they sit in the shop unless there is work above stairs or we are really desperate for another ladder.
Its heavy, the mechanism binds up and is hard to move.
On the flip side they do come in hand out doors on slightly sloped ground but I dont think they are worth it
I purchased a folding ladder. Doesn't telescope out for stairs. Not sure the extra expense and weight are worth it for that.
Find the thing to be really useful. One of the most useful things, to me, is I can fold it up small and toss it in the backseat or trunk of the car when I go to help someone build something. When I get there I have a 12' ladder, a 6' stepladder, or a scaffold shape to stand on for working on windows or roof edges.
The weight of the 12' isn't too bad. And, it's surprising some of the awkward positions you can work in by creatively folding the ladder.
It's the tool I own that people like to borrow most, and I'm least afraid of them destroying.
Oh, I originally purchased the 16' version. Got it home and realized it was too big for most of the things I needed it for around the house, so I exchanged it for the 12'.
I highly recommend one over a seperate step ladder and straight ladder. Unless you need those for specific reasons. The scaffold option, particularly if you put a board on top to stand on, makes these things invaluable. I rarely use my step ladder anymore.
I bought a little giant years ago, and really like it. It is the one that goes from 5' to 9' stepladder or 11' to 19' extension. Bought it for the versatility so I could carry only one ladder in my truck. Works for most things I do. I would say that 90% of the time I only use it for a step ladder, but often change the height. Telescoping legs, and the steps on both sides are real handy features. The fact that it doesn't have cross braces comes in handy ocassionally when you have to stradle something. Have used it a lot on stairs also, something you can't do so well with the conventional articulating ladders. Rarely use it as an extension and have only used it as scaffolding about 4 times in the 4 years I've had it. It is a bit heavy at 42 lbs. But I like it. So much so that I bought another smaller one last year - goes from 3' to 5' step and 7' to 11' extension. Good for tight places.
It is a bit to shell out for a ladder, but once you do, you will be glad you did. Looked at the Costco ladder a year or so ago before buying my small one. Think for the money I would have bought it - if I were able to find the right size. Just saw the Gorilla for the first time today. Didn't look real close, but, from the quick once over I gave it - it looked like it might come off the same assembly line as the giants. If I didn't have a Giant already, I think I would save some money and try a Gorilla.
Buy one and be happy,
Shoe
I have the 26 foot Little Giant, about 5 years now. If you're using it at home and want to get by with only one ladder, it's a great choice. It's exceptionally strong and stable with the outboard base sections that flare out wider at the top and bottom, looking sorta like the old time Russian rockets. It gets into more different places than any other ladder, I can reach the ceiling over my stairwell with it, and get into the attic and onto the roof. The leg leveler and stand-on platform accessories are excellent. You do have to take any loading off the hinges before you can get them to unlock. I think that's a good safety feature, not an example of "sticking". Look for trade shows, they sell a lot there and offer better prices. I got mine at the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas.
The other ladders I use regularly are a 32 foot Louisville extension, which I need to reach some points on the front of the house, and a little wooden four-step that suffices for most interior work.
-- J.S.
I went and bought one of those at the orange box. Brought it home, put it in the garage and kept looking at it wondering, "Is this really what, 1, will do me the best for my projects, and 2, I want to keep around for the next 10 - 20 years?"
Then I went to a commercial ladder distributor and looked over what they had to offer.
Ended up buying a Werner 8' combination ladder, also rated 1A and 2 Baker Racks.
Took the flimsey folding thing back, never even taking out of the wrapper.
The combination ladder is great. Has wide legs to prevent tipping to the side when used as a step, can be easily adjusted to use as a step ladder on stairs or uneven terrain, and can be extended to serve as a 15' ladder. $179. Also available in 5', 6', and 7'.
The Baker racks are smallish scaffoldings. About 6' high, 30 inches wide. Comes with wheels & platform and is easily set up or taken down by one person. They can be stacked (over two sections high require the optional outrigger braces). Adjustments in height can be made in 3" increments, as well as being able to be set up on uneven terrain. These are great for interior painting, installing dropped ceilings, or as I plan to do in a few months, paint the outside windows (which have slopes below them). $360 each set.
Both are the type of tool the kid will be dying to inherit.
I have one of the "world's greatest" (that's the name of it, no kidding) that I picked up at Sam's Club about 1 1/2 years ago. Works great for me. Class 1A, extends to 17 feet total, easy to move around by myself. That was the key point for me, as I'm a remodeler and work alone. The mechanism is a little more difficult than a standard ladder, but once you get used to it, it's a piece of cake.
Mike
I've been researching the multi-use ladders recently. I'm looking for one ladder that can be a stepladder and extension ladder.....and that will fit inside my truck. I saw the Jaws by Louisville Ladder, but now I want to check out the Little Giant .........heard a lot of good things about the Little Giant. No store near me sells the thing (north of Baltimore) so I called Wing Enterprises (they make the Little Giant) and they said they will be at a home show near me at the end of the month. Supposedly way below retail, but the 11'-19' extension height model #10103 will probably be a little more then $400.00. If it's as good as what I've heard I will buy one then. Sounds like a lot of money, but for as much as I am up and down ladders this purchase will be like life insurance for myself.
I'll check the one from Home Depot, but I'll be surprised if I'm impressed......
jocobe
I was just trying to find some info on the Gorilla ladder from Home Depot. There's nothing on their website and googling came up with zip..... Does anyone know the manufacturer of the Gorilla ladder? I wonder if there are regional limitations on which HD stocks this thing. Just trying to do my homework before I plod off to the big box.
jocobe
I was just at the Woodworking show in STL, and Wing was there selling the Little Giant. They were going for 369 for the model 21, IIRC. I still have the fact sheet at home. If it isn't packed, I'll try to look for it tonight. I don't think it came with the step accessory though. This place:
http://www.laddersource.com/Sales.html
Had it for less than the show price, with about $30 shipping to STL.
As far as the Gorilla goes, it was made exactly the same as the Little Giant, except for the logos on the side, and the fact that it had the obligatory dust on it that seems to cover everything in Home Depot.
Tom
I borrowed a buddies Costco, 16 ft I think. Worked well, a little heavy, but solid. I liked the fact that you can climb both sides, and can stradle the top with feet on two rungs.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Werner makes a multi ladder that switches from a conventional step ladder, to an extension ladder, but will also work on stairs....easier to work than most multi ladders, and seems to me to be safer. Not sure of the model number.
I'm not familiar with the warner one, is it different than the Little Giant?
Tom
Sounds like a lot of different opinions. What's one more? I love my little giant. It easily replaces having four others in the truck or in tow. It's more stable to me than the regular orange (1A) Werners, it fits the bill more times than not, and the deck that comes with it is real handy when you do have to offset the legs and get a reach on stairs for something. It is a little on the heavy side, but seems like most sturdy things are. Have a pair of Iowa sawhorses. Need a winch to get them off the ground, but solid as a rock. Best use I have found for the little giant is those ridiculously small entrys that are 20' tall. Inevitably I need to look at the window up there or something similar. Beats trying to wrangle an extension into a small room.
" Clothes make the man. Naked people have litte or no influence in society" - Mark Twain
The deck that comes with it........can you put it on any one of the rungs? Can you use it for a step or shelf? Anything else come with it? Are there any other accessories you would recommend that I purchase?
Thanx!
jocobe
You can put it on any rung, though I suspect anything other than the top = awkward. It looks like a paint shelf, and fills that role just fine, but it's also rated to 300lb, just like the ladder. I don't know of any other accessories for the L.G.
Edited - Price here of the 17' Type I is $300 at Sherwin Williams. Haven't found cheaper anywhere else.
" Clothes make the man. Naked people have litte or no influence in society" - Mark Twain
Edited 2/12/2003 5:50:57 PM ET by RW
One more thing to add about my little giant. We put a freind on it who weighs in at an easy 400 lbs. He borrows it when ever he needs a ladder as it holds him better than the others.
I will admit to having bought the " worlds greatest ladder" from Cosco, and I love it. True it is heavy, but very versatile, and seems to be built pretty well. The other ladder before this one, folded but no telescoping legs. BIG difference and worth the price. Don't buy cheap, your life depends on the thing staying up. As great as they are, you will end up needing a long extension also, sooner or later so be prepared. Remember too, that 300lbs is you and all that you can lift, please don't overload. Welcome to the world of never enough tools!!! I own four ladders now, and still don't have all conditions completely covered.
Dan
I recently bought the little giant with the shelf and leg leveler. I think the shelf is rated for 300 lbs. The leg leveler is a pain to put on but I'm glad I have it. The homeowner I'm working for has a cosco and looking at them side by side it's obvious that mine's a heavy duty tool and his is a piece of junk. The shelf can go on all rungs except the bottom I think. You can also push it out of the way, climb past it, and then slide it back out with your foot and stand on it
For a multi-use ladder, I have a Featherlite JLT26 http://www.featherliteladders.com/multiprp.htm (Lousiville make a similar ladder under license, but it's really not as good). Its big draw-back is that it weighs 50 pounds.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Well, so much for the name !
Do it right, or do it twice.
Well I went to HD today and looked at the Gorilla Ladder made by Tri-Cam Industries. They are in Minnesota. 1-800-867-6763. Ladder is imported from China.
Step Ladder height 5'-5" to 9'-5"
Extension height 10'-11" to 18'-11"
Total 21' length fully extended, Type IA rated 300 lbs.
Cost - $198.00
I haven't seen the Little Giant yet, but the Gorilla looks very well made. Seems to compare with the model 10103 Little Giant which sells for around $425.00. Man.. I hate having to buy stuff made in China, but how am I supposed to justify spending more then twice as much? Is it THAT much better? If it was, I'll pay the difference......I'll wait until the end of the month and check out Little Giant at a home show in Timonium, MD.
jocobe
> I hate having to buy stuff made in China,
Metalurgy in China isn't up to first world standards. I've had brass screws from there that break, steel channel locks that snapped, so no matter how good it may look on the outside, there can be hidden flaws that reduce the strength by orders of magnitude.
If you try it, be sure to only use it in places where you'll live to take the broken pieces back to HD.
-- J.S.
Good Points!
I was thinking of getting one of this kind of ladder, sounds handy for keeping in the back of a truck for those small jobs, but, being an electrician, I want one that is nonconductive. Do any of you knowledgeable individuals know a company that makes one of these beasts in fiberglass?
It is available in fiberglass. Use this link for info and prices.
http://www.laddersource.com/
Thanks. Good link.
4lorn1--
I was at Electric West a couple weeks ago, and talked to the Little Giant rep.
I have the type 1A 22' aluminum model, and was ready to take the plunge for the fiberglass version. Wasn't thrilled about the cost (close to $800) or the weight (58 lbs). He told me that the company has just started production of a plastic version (non-FG), that's about the same weight as the aluminum (43 lbs), more solid, and a lot less expensive ($500 show price, maybe $100 more retail). One difference--the plastic one won't make into two short ladders to hold a scaffold, but I heven't yet done that with the aluminum one.
I ordered one of the new models on the spot.
Should be here in a couple of weeks. When I've had a chance to use it, I'll report back.
BTW, saw Mike Holt speak and he is one dynamic speaker. Also attended a PQ seminar. Well worth it. The exposition was nothing like it was two years ago (last itme I attended). Still filled two bags with freebies.
Cliff
Sounds a little pricy for me but maybe the price will come down with time. Thanks for the lead.
I've got all types of ladders. And I've used them all in the last 16 years. About 10 years ago, I bought one of the folding ladders at HD [don't know the name] just for convience - easy to throw into the back of my Jeep for little jobs. Didn't use it much until 5 years ago when I took it along on an interior paint job. I love that thing. I use it almost exclusively. It you have to work over stairs, you're covered. If you need to go to the roof, you're covered. But most important is as a step - you can go up one side and down the other. You can straddle the thing and stand there working for hours comfordably. The big disadvantage is that it's big and heavy. The great safty advantage is that it's big and heavy.
Not sure if you were talking about this one or not, but the Costco 17' articulating/retractable ladder is on sale from 2/17 - 2/23 for $99.99 instead of $129.99 w/ the 'wallet' coupons they send out in the mail...if you didn't get one they have them at the CS counter.