Need a new ladder

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Sep 5, 2006 | 01:24 PM

seadoo

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Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Manassas Park, VA

Need a new ladder

I need to get a new extension ladder for around the house type jobs. The one I have now I got from my dad when he moved, it's a 20-24 ft, at least 20 yrs old aluminum and has become extremly wobbly. Basically I've been told it's probaly not safe to use.

All I really need to use it for is to clean the gutters out once a year and occasionaly adjust the satelite dish, and tree triming.

So would it be best to get another aluminum one or spend the extra and get a fiberglass one, not sure of the pro's or cons of either. Not looking to spend a fortune, just want something that will hold up. Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated

Sep 5, 2006 | 01:45 PM

websthes

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Montreal Canada

i think the fibreglass is just if you're working around power lines

Sep 5, 2006 | 04:15 PM

FghtinIrshNvrDie

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Pleasant Hill, MO

I trust my life to Werner Ladder Company daily with a fiberglass ladder at work. They do alright.

Ryan

Sep 5, 2006 | 04:16 PM

rebocardo

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Atlanta GA

I only buy fiberglass, aluminum weighs less, that is the only true advantage. Get one rated for 300 pounds, they have a much wider stance.

Sep 5, 2006 | 06:26 PM

jroehl

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From: Lafayette, IN

If you're only going to use it occasionally, a Type I or II is plenty (250 lbs or 225 lbs, respectively). A fiberglass ladder would be totally unnecessary, and you would soon tire of the extra weight--it's quite a bit. If you weigh more than about 220-230, then you should probably go with the Type I, and if you're more than 250, go with the Type IA (300 lbs), otherwise, you'll just tear 'em up that much quicker. But, if you go with a heavier ladder than you need, you're just throwing your money away.

I have a 28' Werner aluminum Type I that has served me quite well (as a pro painter) for 7-8 years. I only weighed about 150 when I bought it, but now I'm closer to 175. It's plenty solid, and I wouldn't want to throw around much more weight than that all day, but I can handle heavier/longer if I have to.

If you want something that's more useful than just an extension ladder, you might consider the Little Giant or one of its knock-offs. You can get models that extend to 17' (~8' stepladder), 22' (~10' stepladder), and even bigger. I think the Werner 22' version is between $200 and $250. I have the 17' Little Giant, and it has definitely paid for itself in usefulness.

Jason

Sep 5, 2006 | 10:53 PM

jake00

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: NW burbs of chicago

I've got a fiberglass and it works good, I've also used Alum with 0 probs

Sep 6, 2006 | 01:18 AM

CheapRanger

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: State of Misery (Missouri

I have an old 24 foot aluminum ladder that I can't even find a brand on. I needed one just a little taller then that and looked at several this year. I ended up buying a Werner MT-26 for $270 delivered. I am planning on adding the Little Giant add on wheels, due to it's weight (54#), but it was cheaper and lighter then the same size Little Giant, and more versatile then a regular ladder.
Now I just have to get lucky and find a scaffold plank.

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Sep 6, 2006 | 02:53 AM

Torque1st

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CheapRanger

Now I just have to get lucky and find a scaffold plank.

A 2x10 or 2x12 works, get one that does not have a lot of big knots tho. Kind of hard to find at the home box stores junkwood isle tho...

I have a 20' Werner extension type-I (26 years old) and a Monkey Wards 6' stepladder type-I (40+ years old) both in aluminum and in great shape. I also have a 27" stepladder type-III (10+years old) in aluminum. The difference between a type-I and a type-II is amazing in a larger ladder, but the short little 200# type-III is rock solid and great for quick use in the house. I also have weighed between 210-250# while I have had them, 218 now.

I try to stay off ladders while trimming trees. I have a short aluminum pole trimmer and a long fiberglass pole trimmer. Anything I can't handle with them I leave to the professionals and avoid broken appendages.

If you are doing electrical work get a fiberglass ladder! I do electrical with mine but fiberglass just wasn't readily available back in the dark ages when my ladders were purchased. The MW stepladder belonged to my grandfather. I just work very carefully around electricals and make sure all the circuits are dead and locked out b4 I get near them.