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Posted by Stubby on December 3, 2006, 8:07 pm
Lawrence wrote:
>> What are the pros and cons of the various ladders commonly
>> available, and what do you guys recommend?
>>
>
> I have a nice selection of ladders. Wood, aluminum and fiberglass are
> the three basic materials used in the construction of portable ladders,
> and each has certain advantages and disadvantages:
>
> Wood: Wood ladders are the least expensive, and as long as they're dry,
> they are safe for use around electricity. They also tend to be less
> stable in larger sizes, heavier then aluminum or fiberglass, and more
> prone to damage from impact and from the elements. NEVER paint a wood
> ladder in order to increase its weather resistance - the paint hides
> cracks and flaws in the wood that can result in complete failure of the
> ladder.
>
> Aluminum: These ladders are sturdy, relatively lightweight, resistant
> to corrosion and weathering, and moderately priced. However, aluminum
> conducts electricity and can be very dangerous around electrical
> wiring.
>
> Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the sturdiest and most weather resistant
> material, and is safe for use around electrical wiring. This is the
> most common choice for professional use, but is typically also the most
> expensive.
>
> Ladder Ratings
> There are four industry-standard load-capacity ratings for ladders, no
> matter what material they are made out of. The higher the rating is,
> the sturdier the ladder will be in use, and also, typically, the more
> expensive it will be.
>
> Type III, Light Duty / Household Use (200 pound load capacity): The
> lightest rating, intended for short ladders that will be used very
> infrequently and for very light-duty work.
>
> Type II, Medium Duty, Commercial Use (225 pound load capacity): For
> light duty use around the house, such as painting, cleaning and light
> repairs.
>
> Type I, Heavy Duty, Industrial Use (250 pound load capacity): Good all
> around rating for household or commercial use. Sturdy enough for just
> about any use.
>
> Type IA, Extra Heavy Duty/Professional Use (300 pound load capacity):
> The highest rating. Very sturdy, and designed for rugged use in any
> capacity on commercial or industrial sites.
>
> The traditional ladders are divided into step ladders and extension
> ladders. Non-traditional ladders are now available and are called
> various things. Werner calls theirs the Telescoping Multi-Ladders.
> There are many of this style of ladder out there.
>
> My ladders are are traditional Werner Ladders. They seem to be the
> standard brand everwhere you shop. If you only need one ladder then I
> might reccomend a 6 foot step fiberglass step ladder. For myself, I
> buy the most expensive, sturdiest ladder in the line, type 1A , and I
> go to the extra trouble to find one. Not everone will want to spend
> the extra money but I will tell you that my heavy duty ladders are a
> pleasure to use and I feel a lot safer on my ladders than on the
> cheaper ones I occasionally use. 6 foot is a rather small ladder so
> fiberglass may be good since it won't weigh a ton. My six foot heavy
> duty fiberglass step ladders has rungs on both sides which I really
> like. It is rated to have a 300 lb man on each side simultaneously!!
> I use two in a tandem with a plank like a small scaffold. So like any
> other tool, save your dough. Buy the best and you won't regret it.
>
Believe the ratings! I was about 10 lb over and and aluminum ladder
crumbled under me.
I've had good luck with a 4-segment foldable ladder. It seems to be
strong and I've carried it into the woods to get a geocache hidden up in
a tree. It can be used as a workbench, also.
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