Replies

1. 
   DonCanDo | Oct 30, 2009 07:57pm | #1

   I don't have one, but I've checked them out at some of my customer's homes where they have one.  Personally, I dislike them and I don't think I would use one to reach 12'.  For about half that height and very occasional use, I might consider it.

   Consider instead one of the small Little Giant ladders.  They store in about the same height and a little wider, but they're much more versatile and stabile.  Here's a link: http://www.littlegiantladder.com/little-giant/type-1.html.  They're a little pricey, but you can get a knock-off for about $100.

1. 
   richardi | Oct 30, 2009 10:19pm | #2

   Thanks for your input!

   I had a folding ladder once upon a time and while it was versatile, it was also a pain in the butt to open and close...

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 30, 2009 10:46pm | #4

   so now you are looking for another kind of a pain in the butt? 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   BarryE | Oct 31, 2009 12:18am | #5

   There's a big difference between a folding ladder and a Little Giant type ladder.Little Giant types being better and more versatile than the folding ladder or a telescoping one
    

   Edited 10/30/2009 5:19 pm by BarryE

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 31, 2009 01:17am | #7

   That's a big A-men Brother!I'd sing the chorus but Mamma saays I cain't sing a note. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   BarryE | Oct 31, 2009 01:28am | #10

   <G>

   Barry E-Remodeler

    

2. 
   xMike | Oct 30, 2009 10:26pm | #3

   I've had one of the extending 12 footers for about 10 years. Great ladder.

   You have to be certain that you extend the ladder from the bottom up if you aren't going to use it's full extension or it'll collapse under you. The instructions tell you this. Say for example that I only want the ladder to extend 10 feet. I'd be sure that the top two rungs are the non extended ones, and not somewhere in between. Then it works just fine.

   You also have to be sure that you keep the vertical uprights clean - no paint! Else it becomes a permanently extended ladder.

   Finally, like any good tool, don't lend it out.

   Mike D

3. 
   renosteinke | Oct 31, 2009 01:11am | #6

   I have no direct experience ... and there's a reason for that.

   I worry about the feet slipping. I mean, how come every extension ladder has foot pads that swivel, yet the telescoping ladder does not? That worries me.

1. 
   richardi | Nov 02, 2009 12:45pm | #14

   Thanks for your input.  The wooden extension ladder that once owned had round rungs.  So, I'm not sure that is/should be a deal breaker.  

4. 
   Hackinatit | Oct 31, 2009 01:18am | #8

   buy it and watch your fingers when you are retracting/extending it. You will love it's versatility.

1. 
   Autod1dact | Oct 31, 2009 01:28am | #9

   Will his fingers be doing something cool? (Somehow that just didn't come across like "be careful about your fingers.") ;-)

   Edited 10/30/2009 6:28 pm ET by Autod1dact

1. 
   Hackinatit | Oct 31, 2009 02:26am | #11

   ;-0oops.The ladder will pinch fingers if one isn't careful.

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Oct 31, 2009 04:34am | #12

   I was 99% sure I read about those being recalled for causing amputated fingers...PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

5. 
   toolbear | Oct 31, 2009 04:45am | #13

   I have a Werner 17' multiladder that I like a lot. Has five years of usage. Works well. Currently I carry a Cosco 21 multiladder. The Werner is smoother, but I need a 21 footer on the job.

   Bought both at Costco for about $100. From time to time they seem to have these deals. Now, where is the Little Giant deal?

   The ToolBear

   "You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert