Features
Every ladder in the marketplace must pass rigorous OSHA and ANSI standards, so you won’t find much performance difference between many ladders in terms of supporting load. A Type 1A aluminum extension ladder from Company A will be just as stiff when fully extended as a Type 1A ladder from Company B.
However, there are a few little features you’ll want to look out for. Louisville Ladder has a unique Quick Latch for its extension ladders. It lets you adjust the ladder position from above if necessary, without disengaging the rung locks. More than one worker has adjusted a ladder from above, only to climb back on for the ride of his life because the locks didn’t engaged properly.
When you’re shopping around for ladders, check the action of the feet and make sure you like the way they adjust and swivel. Some feet slide in a channel while others swivel freely. See which system you like best for kicking the feet back when you’re on soft ground. Werner Ladders have aggressive cleats on their ladder feet for digging into soft earth.
Be sure to check out the rungs, too. D-shaped or flat-topped rungs are easier on your feet than round rungs.
Specialty ladders
Electricians, ceiling hangers, and other people who work at fixed heights should check out platform ladders. The top two rungs are replaced with a platform, making for a more comfortable workstation. Tripod stepladders will get you closer to corner work. And mechanic’s stepladders can solve several problems at once. You can put one worker on each side when four hands are better than two. And there’s no “wrong side” to work from.
Mechanic’s stepladders cost more than typical 6-foot stepladders, but they’re well worth the expense for jobsite safety. And, as architects design houses with taller and taller ceilings, 8-foot stepladders sales are quickly catching up to 6-footers.
The Little Giant from Wing Enterprises is in a category by itself. It’s a stepladder, extension ladder, and platform all in one because you can configure it for various uses. The legs telescope, making it great for working in stairwells. At $600 it’s expensive, but the manufacturer says you get so many uses from it that it ultimately saves you money, as well as storage space. Extension height on the company’s Type 1A model 26 ladder ranges from 13 to 23 feet. The stepladder height adjusts from 6 to 11 feet and it weighs 54 pounds.
The Bottom Line
The first thing a supply house or ladder salesperson will ask you, is how high you’re going. The next thing they’ll ask about is electrical lines on site. Your salesperson should then show you a Type 1A ladder that’s tall enough to get you there. It’s your choice to choose aluminum, fiberglass, or wood to make sure you get the right ladder for your job.
Sources of Supply
Bauer Ladder
800-321-4760
www.bauerladder.com
Louisville Ladder
800-666-2811
www.louisvilleladder.com
Lynn Ladder
800-225-2510
www.lynnladder.com
Wing Enterprises
800-453-1192
www.ladders.com
Werner Ladder
724-588-8600
www.wernerladder.com
Mark Clement is senior editor of Hanley-Wood’s Tools Of The Trade.