Ladders
- Thread starter caudio51
- Start date
Too funny Mike. Front end loader for outside ladder usage. TFF ! :rofl:
Gummi Bear
Righteously Indignant
No matter how good one is supposed to be, I'm just not a fan of the 'convertible' ladders. Add to that, I prefer not to stand on a ladder made of a conductive material.
As an electrician, I've spent too many days on top of a ladder not to appreciate a decent one, and be scared out of my mind by a crappy one. Nothing can ruin a day, or change your life more than a fall.
You can certainly tell how well a ladder is built when you're standing on it. A well constructed ladder will feel stable, and inspire confidence, where a poorly one will wobble, and leave you feeling uneasy.
At the bare bones minimum, look for a Type 1, preferably a Type 1A ladder. This is a fiberglass standard, with a good load rating.
Here's a good explanation from Werner Ladders, they make excellent quality ladders. I've got a couple of them.
http://www.wernerladder.com/safety/performance.php
We have safety meetings on ladders, proper useage and care all the time at work. It's one of the top safety issues in any of the construction trades.
As an electrician, I've spent too many days on top of a ladder not to appreciate a decent one, and be scared out of my mind by a crappy one. Nothing can ruin a day, or change your life more than a fall.
You can certainly tell how well a ladder is built when you're standing on it. A well constructed ladder will feel stable, and inspire confidence, where a poorly one will wobble, and leave you feeling uneasy.
At the bare bones minimum, look for a Type 1, preferably a Type 1A ladder. This is a fiberglass standard, with a good load rating.
Here's a good explanation from Werner Ladders, they make excellent quality ladders. I've got a couple of them.
http://www.wernerladder.com/safety/performance.php
We have safety meetings on ladders, proper useage and care all the time at work. It's one of the top safety issues in any of the construction trades.
smokem94
BoM Sept. 05
Being in Industrial Construction for 30 years....the man knows of what he speaks!
Yup, Werner non-conductive all the way. I would recommend a 275 lb. - 300 lb. working weight as well. Remember, many people forget the weight of tools, supplies, paint, etc., when working on a ladder. When you start carrying things up the ladder you add a lot of additional strain. I rarely ever recommend a 6' ladder unless you live in a really small space. I have found over the years that 7' is a much better choice for most homes. If you have cathedral ceilings, get 8' or more. The problem with 6' ladders is that you must get higher than the safety plane to reach many things in the average home. The extra foot on the 7' models gives you that safety margin.
I hope nobody here is confusing the Little Giant 1A & 1AA rated ladders with the cheap, $100 range, adjustable ladders out there. I've been in the construction industry for over 25 years and never felt safer than on my Little Giant ladder. They are built like a tank, not lightweight at all. The downside to many people is the price but as you know you usually have to pay for quality.
I agree with Gummi Bear that a you should get a top notch ladder. I prefer 1A rated ladders. 1A is rated for 300lbs, type 1 is rated for 250lbs. If you are 200lbs or over you can see that with tools or materials, you may be carrying, you could easily be above the type 1 rating. Why take a chance on life or limb? It's just not worth saving a little on this one.
I agree with Gummi Bear that a you should get a top notch ladder. I prefer 1A rated ladders. 1A is rated for 300lbs, type 1 is rated for 250lbs. If you are 200lbs or over you can see that with tools or materials, you may be carrying, you could easily be above the type 1 rating. Why take a chance on life or limb? It's just not worth saving a little on this one.
smokem94
BoM Sept. 05
:rofl: :rofl: I fell off my stool laughing.
caudio51
BoM Nov '05; Mar '06
I ended up getting this
http://www.huskytools.com/Product.aspx?pid=2a1e823b-b814-440d-ba27-60fce4fd2e65&cid=790901
The little giants were just too much $ and we already have a large ladder for reaching the roof etc.
http://www.huskytools.com/Product.aspx?pid=2a1e823b-b814-440d-ba27-60fce4fd2e65&cid=790901
The little giants were just too much $ and we already have a large ladder for reaching the roof etc.