ladders

For what it's worth... I am an interior painter, small one man show, quality not quantity. old school brush and roll guy... I have used all kinds of ladders, big and small. I'm a big guy, 6-4, 270lbs, so I need a real ladder but I don't want to work harder than I have to moving them around...Depends on what your doing. My ladder work is usually in entry ways, stairways and rooms with high ceilings. I don't like ladder work but until I win the lotto that I don't play, it is a reality sometimes... I am not a fan of the ladder in your post. I have seen many of them in the cobwebbed garages of my customers/friends. Out of curiosity, I have played with them and even tried using them. Boy, are they heavy, cumbersome and all the levers and knobs to move the pieces, you better watch your fingers too, not for me. Again, depends on what your doing.
For me, the strongest, lightest, most simple ladders are best for me. Those would be 4-6-8 foot A-Frame step ladders(fiberglass) and the shortest/strongest extention ladder(aluminum) for the specific application, usually not to exceed 14-16-18 footers. Correct ladder placement and ensuring they are square(A-Frames) is critical... Aluminum extention ladders are strong and light and reasonably priced.
Unlike most of my competition, and really I don't consider them competition because most don't do what I do. No, I am not patting myself on the back, I just mean that you don't find many specialists any more for a bunch of reasons probably. I am a simple man, I know less about most things than most people. To combat this on a professional level I stick to what I know I'm good at and don't pretend to be something I'm not. (or atleast what I have convinced myself that I'm good at/I only have to fool myself...haha) The few tools I buy(and I am a cheap bast+rd to be sure), I try to stay away from the all in one/as seen on TV stuff...
I have been a member for a few years. I lost my Dad 3 years ago to pancreatic cancer. He was/is my hero. I am lucky to have his (old black car) in the garage. 2door/HT 57. I surf this site all the time to try to learn and soak up the wealth of knowledge that's available. PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON ANY LADDER YOU CHOOSE,USE.

 

Ladder choice

I used that exact ladder all summer long while painting the trim on my two story house. I found the ladder very easy to adjust and use. It is extremely sturdy (and I am not a small boy). I am sure that you will like it. I would rate it as the most versatile ladder that I have ever used.

Steve

 

I have the Little Giant XL and it has been an excellent, very versatile latter.

Extends to a little over 20 feet. I have a telescoping plank that came with it where I have used it in a sawhorse configuration as the ladder can break up into two scaffold trestles. Extremely useful.

However, I will echo TD57's concerns about the bulk; cumbersome to drag around and very heavy due to all the component parts and heavy-duty nature.

 

I have the Little giant xl also. It's heavy, but I love it! Very similar to what you are looking at.
No matter what you get, use it correctly! I know too many people that did stupid things on a ladder and got hurt. Split placement is key. :anim_25:. :flag6:

 

I have looked at them as I now have a 6 foot ladder as well as a an 8footer. with the ladder you are looking at only need one. :anim_25:

 

I have a ladder very similar to the one you are looking at and love it. I bought it when I was painting the inside of my house and had to do a tricky stairwell. The many configurations allowed me to get the job done where a regular ladder wouldn't have worked.

They may be slightly heavier than a regular ladder but if you are looking for versatility and not lugging it around all day, you can't beat these.

 

have a similar one, had it for about a dozen years. think I got it from Casco, called "worlds great ladder" or something like that. best I ever had, so many uses and versatile too. :tu

 

The Werner is a decent ladder. I have one like you linked to and I also got one for Frans son. I got them both off Craigslist at different times. Mine was $30 and like brand new and the other one is almost as nice for $50. If you are not in any hurry then watch Craigslist for a deal.

 

Good idea Bruce....Also, saw one at the pawn shop the other day....But, it wasn't that cheap....With construction work being what it is around here, there is quite a turn over of personel....Oftentimes the workers sell their equipment to get a few bucks.

 

I have the next size up ladder of what's in your picture. I love it and use it for everything. I was originally going to get a 12 foot step ladder as we have high windows in our living room and I wanted to be able to clean them. Then I came across the multi use ladder and if was same price as the 12' step ladder. It was a foot shorter but same price and another selling point for me was that I could use it for all applications as all ceilings in our house are different heights in different rooms and is smaller than the 12 foot step ladder to haul around. I was able to fit it in back of my car and didn't have to strap it in my truck. Shortly after I got it I was building an attic in my garage however the rafters are 10 ft off of ground so if I would've bought the 12 ft it would've been too tall. It's a little heavier but nothing extreme and it takes less storage room in garage. One of best things I bought

 

I purchased two of these on a Black Friday several yrs back. I've used them for construction of timber frame home, roofing, as scaffolding, on stairs. Been very pleased. Occasional lube of the lock pins to prevent sticking and all is well. I'd wager you could use them as ramps to load a quad.

Jim

 

Go into a store that has one, see how easy/hard it is to work out the variety of positions you can have the ladder in, also handling weight

 

best ladder ever

Dave I have the next size taller and I really like it. It is a little heavy but it is so sturdy it is worth it.You won't be sorry for this purchase. Later Ronny bowtie-trifive

 

I bought a werner last summer paid $55.oo for it at an auction, bulky yes but no complaints..

 

I've got the little giant brand, very similar to the werner pictured. Like others have said they are heavier than regular step ladders, but mine have rollers at bottom of one side so it can be wheeled around easily.
The versatility and stability of these types of ladders make them useful in so many applications, stairways for example. Easy to use too.

Dan

 

Paid a lot of money for a Little Giant with all the bells and whistles because that's what my wife wanted and since " I can't paint", I didn't argue. I think it's too heavy for the "painter". It sits in the shop hardly used.

 

Heavy and bulky, and mine is a small version. It has one good use, easy to set up on stairs or very unlevel ground. Like was said, try manhandling one in the store first, or buy it at Lowes and if you don't like it take it back within 90 days.

 

That's an idea Tony. I only need it once a tear for the Christmas decorations