Ladder Recommendations?

[BoomerD]

I bought the 20' version of it. I really like the flexibility that it offers, especially the ability to break it apart and make a scaffold out of it. It seems to be excellent build quality and is likely going to be with me for the rest of my life.

The major cons are its HEAVY, the 13' should be lighter but its still going to be much more than a typical A frame fiberglass/alum ladder. Also one of my attic entrances is in a closet and even though its a semi decent size its difficult to get the ladder set up in there the feet are wider and when in the A frame mode it only lock at certain angles which may mean it needs more floor length than you have to give.

Just remember to get one of those moving packages from the post office they usually have 10% Lowes which would save a chunk on ladder.

Also, I use the Harbor Freight 20% off coupons that are on the HF ads. Not all Lowe's or Home Depot's will take them, so YMMV...but so far, I've never had one refused.

 

[GotIssues]

I have that ladder (maybe a taller one, not sure). It works great for what I need it to do, which is minimal (getting on the roof, changing lightbulbs in vaulted ceiling, etc). It's heavy, but takes up a lot less space than having multiple ladders.

If you are a bit weaker than average, I'd go to the store and carry it around before you buy it to see if the weight is going to be a problem for you.

 

[BoomerD]

I have that ladder (maybe a taller one, not sure). It works great for what I need it to do, which is minimal (getting on the roof, changing lightbulbs in vaulted ceiling, etc). It's heavy, but takes up a lot less space than having multiple ladders.

If you are a bit weaker than average, I'd go to the store and carry it around before you buy it to see if the weight is going to be a problem for you.

Weak? Who you callin weak?

 

[GotIssues]

Weak? Who you callin weak?

You.



I just wanted to make sure I didn't recommend someone a ladder that they can't use because they can't carry it up the stairs. I am a much stronger than average person and never thought of it that much until I was on the roof and asked my wife to move the ladder for me. Needless to say that I was worried for a little bit that I'd have to take my chances and just jump or be stuck up there forever.

 

[BoomerD]

You.



I just wanted to make sure I didn't recommend someone a ladder that they can't use because they can't carry it up the stairs. I am a much stronger than average person and never thought of it that much until I was on the roof and asked my wife to move the ladder for me. Needless to say that I was worried for a little bit that I'd have to take my chances and just jump or be stuck up there forever.

:rofl:

My 8' drywaller's ladder weighs about as much as the damned 20' extension ladder. Not usually a problem...until, as you mentioned, I'm depending on my wife to move it for me.

Fortunately, (well...not all that fortunate, I guess) my ladder-climbing days are behind me. With the FUBAR'd knee and back, I can't climb ladders very well anymore.

 

[lxskllr]

I almost dropped a fiberglass extension ladder into a live highway once. I'm not used to wrestling ladders, and that thing was heavy as shit. Probably as long as they come(whatever size that is, 25?), and contractor grade. Scared the shit out of me.

 

[BoomerD]

I almost dropped a fiberglass extension ladder into a live highway once. I'm not used to wrestling ladders, and that thing was heavy as shit. Probably as long as they come(whatever size that is, 25?), and contractor grade. Scared the shit out of me.

Commuting into the SF Bay area for many years like I did, I saw NUMEROUS ladders that had fallen off trucks and were demolished...some got kicked up and went into the windshield of cars.
I was always amazed at how many ladders seemed to find their way onto the highway.

(stupid fucking people...toss the ladder into the back of the truck, or onto the ladder rack w/o tying it down)

 

[lxskllr]

Commuting into the SF Bay area for many years like I did, I saw NUMEROUS ladders that had fallen off trucks and were demolished...some got kicked up and went into the windshield of cars.
I was always amazed at how many ladders seemed to find their way onto the highway.

(stupid fucking people...toss the ladder into the back of the truck, or onto the ladder rack w/o tying it down)

I was working in the middle, and had to move the ladder from one pier cap to another. As soon as I got it vertical, it almost got away from me. It started tipping back towards the road, and I had to use my head and arms to get it under control. If it went in the road, it would have crossed 2 lanes of interstate :^O

 

[wirednuts]

look on craigslist for a 16' aluminum extension ladder. you can find nice solid ones for $40 and they are light as a feather.

dont use a multi-function ladder. they are heavy and awkward to use.


a step ladder is not an ideal tool to get onto your roof. ask osha. but if you do get one, make sure its louisville or werner, and make sure its at least type II. type III is a lot better.

 

[BoomerD]

I was working in the middle, and had to move the ladder from one pier cap to another. As soon as I got it vertical, it almost got away from me. It started tipping back towards the road, and I had to use my head and arms to get it under control. If it went in the road, it would have crossed 2 lanes of interstate :^O

:biggrin: I hate it when that happens.

When I was working on the San Mateo Bridge retrofit, our Ironworkers were using quite a few of these:
http://us.wernerco.com/view/Products/Climbing-Equipment/Extension-Ladders/D7100-2/D7140-2

Fuck that...if you got me up that high on a ladder...I'd look like a giant lollipop and I'd create a total eclipse of the sun...

 

[wirednuts]

I almost dropped a fiberglass extension ladder into a live highway once. I'm not used to wrestling ladders, and that thing was heavy as shit. Probably as long as they come(whatever size that is, 25?), and contractor grade. Scared the shit out of me.

they come up to 40' usually. thats 20' collapsed. and yes, those are heavy as shit even for a grown ass construction worker. probably not a good idea to handle by yourself.

 

[lxskllr]

:biggrin: I hate it when that happens.

When I was working on the San Mateo Bridge retrofit, our Ironworkers were using quite a few of these:
http://us.wernerco.com/view/Products/Climbing-Equipment/Extension-Ladders/D7100-2/D7140-2

Fuck that...if you got me up that high on a ladder...I'd look like a giant lollipop and I'd create a total eclipse of the sun...

I've never liked climbing ladders. I always climbed the form work if I had the chance. The tall ladders get REAL bouncy when you get near the top. I prefer the security of bolted, and welded steel :^)

 

[jhansman]

(stupid fucking people...toss the ladder into the back of the truck, or onto the ladder rack w/o tying it down)

Which is why I never drive behind pickups anymore. I've seen more shit come flying out them than I can describe. Once a hunk of 2x4 flew out of one I was following and cracked my windshield. Scared the shit out me.

Also, if you are working alone, get a couple of sandbags to weigh down a step ladder with. In the absence of a helper to hold it, these work pretty well.