Choosing a ladder isn’t easy. Following are my current recommendations, and I hope readers will share some of your choices and feedback about what brands and types of ladders worked out well for your needs.
ToolGuyd’s Top Picks
Best Platform Step Ladder: Gorilla Ladders 4.5′ with Flip Top
Best Work Platform: Gorilla Ladders Slim-Fold Aluminum
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Best Extension Ladder: Louisville Fiberglass
Best Multi-Position Ladder: Werner Aluminum
Best Multi-Use Step Ladder: Werner LeanSafe Fiberglass
Best Step Ladder: Louisville Fiberglass
Best Platform Ladder: Gorilla Ladders 4.5′ w/ Flip Top
I have been using a Gorilla Ladders platform step ladder for quite a few years, and their latest two-platform model seems to be a slight improvement.
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The best thing about the Gorilla Ladders platform ladder is that it folds down into a very slim profile, making storage quite easy.
I love the deep top platform, which is comfortable to stand on, and the top flips open to provide a wider surface for resting your tools and parts.
I was concerned that the ladder’s 4.5′ height would fall a bit short, but I have found their claims of 9′ reach to be spot-on. This ladder is rated for Type I duty, with a 250 pound load rating. This is an extremely convenient light duty ladder.
Price: $59
Best Work Platform: Gorilla Ladders Slim-Fold
I have also been using a Gorilla Ladders work platform, and their newest iteration further improves on its design with a central carrying handle.
This platform has a standing surface of 47.25″ long x 12″ wide, and it has a 20″ height. It has a 300 pound load rating.
I like Gorilla Ladders’ aluminum work platforms due to their ease of opening and closing, and as with the platform step ladder I’ve been quite please with their build quality.
My work platforms come out when I need a short boost in height and might need to move around a little bit. Stepping sideways a little beats having to get down and shift a step ladder over when I need to shift positions.
Price: $40
Best Extension Ladder: Louisville Fiberglass
I took a big risk in ordering a Louisville extension ladder from Amazon a few years ago, with a maximum reach of 16′. (I bought the 16-foot ladder, FE3216, which has a 13′ max extended length and 15′ 11″ reach height.)
I was hesitant about how the fiberglass ladder would ship, and it arrived via freight and damage-free.
This ladder is an absolute pleasure to use. It’s sturdy, well-built, easy to extend, and much easier to move around than I had anticipated.
I would buy Louisville’s FE3200-series ladders again in a heartbeat.
My 16′ ladder has a Type IA rating and 300 pound capacity.
Best Multi-Position Ladder: Werner 22′ Aluminum
A couple of years ago I needed an extension ladder, but couldn’t fit a long-enough model in my SUV, and I didn’t want to wait for an extension ladder to ship. So, I purchased a Werner MTIAA-22 multi-positional aluminum ladder. This model has a Type IAA rating, with a 375 pound load capacity.
There are a wide range of multi-positional ladders out there, with different load ratings and by all kinds of makers.
I like this Werner because it’s sturdy and fairly easy to adjust, not to mention versatile. You can use this as a step ladder, an extension ladder, two separate scaffold ladders, and it can also be used at the bottom of stairs (carefully) and close to walls.
There’s a downside – these ladders can be heavy to move and you need to read the user instructions very carefully to ensure proper adjustment and that the locks are positively engaged during use.
I have checked out other multi-position ladders in stores, and Werner always seems to be the best-made option.
If I had to do things over, I might go for a smaller version instead, but the tall A-frame configuration does come in handy. Due to the weight, this is very cumbersome as an extension ladder, and I imagine the same is true for other makes and models.
If I had to buy another multi-position ladder, I’d likely stick with Werner.
Best Multi-Use Stepladder: Werner LeanSafe 6′ Fiberglass
Werner recently sent over a test sample of their 6′ LeanSafe fiberglass step ladder, and I am thoroughly impressed. I don’t know if I’d be happy using any other type of step ladder again.
The Werner LeanSafe is fairly lightweight and easy to move around, and I like how fast it adjusts and locks into position.
You can use Werner LeanSafe ladder as a traditional step ladder, or as an extension ladder. Also, the LeanSafe aspect features special grooves in the top section that can support the ladder against building corners or narrow materials such as studs.
This 6′ model has a 10′ reach and it has a IAA rating with 375 pound load capacity.
Best Step Ladder: Louisville Fiberglass
If all you need is a basic A-frame-style step ladder, Louisville would be my current pick, due to their build quality and reasonable pricing. One thing I like in particular about Louisville step ladders is that they seem to have larger and very grippy feet, even on the lower priced and lighter weight models that I’ve seen.
Buy Now: 4′ via Amazon
Buy Now: 5′ via Amazon
Buy Now: 6′ via Amazon
What to Look at When Shopping for a New Ladder
Height and Reach
Different types of ladders tend to be specified differently, with respect to their advertised lengths and maximum reach.
Be sure to check product specs carefully to ensure that you don’t come out short with a ladder that cannot safely provide the reach you’re looking for.
You should also refer to manufacturer guidelines, which will advise as to safe working heights. Many have selection charts to help users match the correct size of ladder to their desired working heights.
For instance, Werner specifies that their 16′ size extension ladder has a 13′ maximum working length and 9′ 2″ approximate highest standing level. They recommend that extension ladders be 7 to 10 feet longer than the highest support or contact wall, such as a wall or roof line.
For their step ladders, Werner specifies the maximum reach height as being 4′ higher than the step ladder size. For example, to reach a 9′ height, they say you should select a 5′ step ladder. This assumes the user is 5′ 9″ with a 12″ vertical reach, and so taller or shorter users might want to consider other ladder sizes accordingly.
Weight
Some ladders are heavier and more cumbersome to move around than others. If you’re buying a new type of ladder for the first time, consider the weight to ensure you can maneuver it easily for the type of work you have in mind.
Weight Rating
There are 5 ladder weight ratings, ranging from light duty (Type III) to very heavy duty (Type IAA). This is the load capacity for everything that the ladder will be supporting, including you, your tools, materials, clothes, and anything else.
- Type III: 200 lbs
- Type II: 225 lbs
- Type I: 250 lbs
- Type IA: 300 lbs
- Type IAA: 375 lbs
Convenience
How easy is it to set up and adjust a ladder? For some types of ladders, most makes and models work in similar ways, but this won’t be true for other types of ladders.
Brand Reputation
Personally, I prefer to stick with known and reputable brands, and even they sometimes have to issue recalls due to manufacturing or design defects.
That unknown brand on Amazon, with the wheels and fancy telescopic feature – does it have a safety load rating? One brand claims to have a 16.5 foot length and 330 load capacity, but can you trust them? Are you going to trust your life and safety to a ladder you found on Amazon that doesn’t even have a website?
Materials – Aluminum vs. Fiberglass
Aluminum ladders tend to be a little lighter and less expensive, while fiberglass ladders tend to be more rigid. Some users tend to prefer or require one type over the other, such as electricians who cannot use metal ladders where they might contact electrical conductors.
Storage
Before you buy a new ladder, think about where you’ll store it.
The Best Time to Buy a Ladder
Generally, there is no particular “ladder shopping season” or time of year when it’s best to buy a new ladder.
However, depending on what you’re looking for, there are usually big sales and aggressive promo pricing on basic step ladders, work platforms, and multi-position ladders every year around Black Friday.
Other than that, there might be occasional discounts here and there, but there usually aren’t any regular promotions on medium to heavy duty ladders throughout the year.
Safety
Note: nothing in this post should be considered as professional safety advice, please do your own due diligence and consult manufacturer safety guidelines and other safety authorities for safe usage instructions.
There are very many ladder injuries each year, with many of them stemming from improper use or setup. Learning how to use a ladder properly, and adhering to manufacturers’ safety guidelines can help to minimize the risk of personal injury. This is especially true for extension ladders, and probably more so than any other type of ladder.
Reader Recommendations
Which ladders would you guys recommend? Do you have a favorite brand or type of ladder, or have you found any ladders that you would recommend others steer clear of?
Also, if you want to request that a specific ladder brand, style, or model be reviewed in the future or considered for an update to this post, please let me know!
See Also:
Your Favorite… A-Frame Step Ladder for General Interior Use?
Addison
I really like the Gorilla work platforms, buy 2! You can run planks on top, or run them in line next to a wall. Easy step up and down. Secure when on top.
Lyle
I love my gorilla work platforms. It seems like they have gone on sale at Home Depot during Black Friday for the past 2 years. Here in Hawaii they are normally $69 but only $24 during the Black Friday sale. I have 4 and will buy 2 more again this year if they are on sale again.
Vards Uzvards
For a multi-purpose ladder I’d suggest to take a look at the King Kombo, which might be (or was, when I bought one at Lowe’s) cheaper than the aforementioned Werner.
https://www.littlegiantoutlet.com/products/king-kombo?variant=18361695535161
Leo B.
I like the Little Giant multi-ladders with the leveling legs. That type of ladder is definitely heavier, but extremely versatile. Someting I like quite a bit on multi-ladders is the ability to sit on top of them, straddling both sides. Of course, your ladders should be secure before you try it, but I’ve found it to be very comfortable. I’m also a big advocate for platforms and planks when possible, but sometimes ladders are good options, like in tighter spaces. I’ve actually been using a 2 step Werner that’s been very handy for me. It gets me to a good spot on 8’ ceilings and is super light. Overall, whatever works for you and is safe is probably a good option.
Adam
I love my little giant. It as wheels on the bottom witch makes moving it around the job site easy. It is a little noisy but the leveling feet and adjustability are awesome!
Peter Sorger
All great reccomendations. I wonder if you would consider reviewing ladder accessories more generally- including standoffs, corner stablizers, ladder jacks and aluminim platforms. This might be a fair amount of work and I am not sure how much it might cost but I would be happy to make a donation to the cause (!!) because the topic is poorly researched. I agree with Leo B that platforms and planks are often the best way to go but ladders safety is really a big deal, especially as more of us work until later in life. I have learned the hard way to tie the bottom of my ladders to a stake set 6-8 feet back from the base. Stablizers/standoffs are also essential with aluminum gutters for safety and to prevent crushing, but not always easy to use.
Stuart
I can’t make promises, but I’ll see what I can do to start looking into it. The least I can do is to create a “feedback and recommendations wanted” post to start the conversation.
Koko The Talking Ape
Could you say more about how you tie the base of the ladder down? You say you put a stake 6-8 feet out from the base. Do you run a rope to the ladder? Hard to see how that would add stability. Or am I missing something?
Frank D
There’s a couple ways I have secured ladders.
Eye bolt anchored in structure, 6-8-10 feet up, lashing tie down to it.
Two rebars pounded in the ground just outside of the feet.
Top ladder rung touching the tree, lashing tie-down around the verticals and ratchet tight. ( I should get a ladder with custom top rung like the utility workers, but $$$ and too heavy for me )
So what I think Peter is saying is, if you have your ladder extended and setup making a big (wall) ||, \\ (ladder) then drive a big stake in the ground at an angle where I have the , and rather tie down to it.
Frank D
( auto correct ) — ratchet
Frank D
And … the tie down would be a few feet of the ground, making a 45? ( as to not simply pull the feet in )
Peter
Here in New England we are always setting ladders up on leaves (there are always leaves except when there is snow and leaves, or snow and leaves and light rain). This leads to an unpleasant situation, even when the angle is optimal, of the ladder base slipping away from the wall as the user rides it downward. The agile user might make it to the top, but faces a unpleasent choice for the climb down. A stake placed half way between the ladder base and the wall (as Frank describes), and then tied using a rope to the bottom rung, will prevent this. As others have noted, it does not help with other problems.
Koko The Talking Ape
Ah, I get it. The stake is between the wall and the ladder. That makes sense. Somehow I read your earlier post to mean that the ladder was between the stake and the wall.
Chris S
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-Ladder-Systems-13906-001-dp-B08JC8CJZ4/dp/B08JC8CJZ4
This is way better than the Werner.
Though I can’t find my exact model, my 6′ ladder came with the accessory tray pre installed and it is awesome.
Here is a 5′ model that looks exactly like mine.
https://tools.woot.com/offers/little-giant-king-kombo-combination-ladder-1
I bought a Werner first and broke it in the parking lot outside of the store.
Tried to load it on to the ladder rack and the plastic squeeze handles broke off when I went to latch it down. Didn’t seem like a very contractor friendly design.
P.S. – The green looks wicked on a job site and stands out, nobody is stealing it without being noticed instantly .
The Werner looks like a scrap bin special with the two different colors, but maybe that’s just me…
Stuart
Will consider it for next time. Honestly, a lot of Little Giant’s products always seem to have an “as seen on TV” essence to them that has prevented me from taking them seriously.
Matthew
I never thought too much about Little Giant ladders, but recently needed a ladder for a new house that was flexible so I looked into this multi-use category. The Little Giant King Kombo ladders are made in the USA as compared to China for Werner if country of origin is important to you at basically the same price.
Lowes is the place to see both Little Giant and the Werner side by side and the 6′ does well for multiple uses and fits in a car. If you don’t need the height Walmart seems to carry a 5′ version at $10 less or so.
Brock
I own a Little Giant 6ft King Kombo and like it (and it’s made in USA.) Recently I noticed on their website that same ladder now says made in China. What a bummer.
Chris S
I get where your coming from with the “as seen on TV” reasoning, but you should reconsider.
I would also bet money that Werner copied Little Giants idea because I’m pretty sure it appeared shortly after.
Most of the Lowes around me carry a 6 or 8′ base version of the king kong and it is worth checking out.
They also made my model with extension ladder feet.
These are SO awesome when working on the outside of a house in the grass. They’re spring loaded and you can flip them out with your feet easily.
The lower step also has a “clicker” to indicate your on the lowest step. I’ve stepped off the 2nd step before and got lucky, but it could have been a lot worse, so I appreciate this feature.
There’s just a lot to like about these.
Check out the folding tray/corner adapter under the top step, It works well for holding wire nuts and screws while on the job then you can fold it down to empty the contents into your hand for clean up.
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-Technical-Fiberglass-13610-074/dp/B086MG1518
Stuart
There’s always the potential. In the meantime I emailed them to see if there’s a press distribution list. That way I can at least consider looking into any future models. They seem more keen on influencer endorsements these days (which only amplified the as-seen-on-TV tones), but I’ll try to keep an open mind.
Ryan
They’re made in USA too. Much better release mechanism than the Leansafe. Higher weight rating as well and more accessories.
Frank D
I have a plaftorm (not sure which brand, as I am not near it) that is height adjustable and has a tool tray / paint bucket stand accessory. People used to the basic fixed model one, have commented how great my adjustable one is.
All those other ladders seem very hefty. I am more into lighter weight, getting it off the vehicle, carrying it around the property, through the house without breaking anything, getting it into position safely … rather than the heavy duty weight rating and injuring myself trying to set it up.
Norm Huizenga
Have you seen the Murphy Ladder? Humor aside in this video, I like the idea of it being so compact. Something a bit easier to travel with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI2BnJ3W1vE
MikeH
Wonderful, I’m buying one just based on the ad, that’s fantastic
Josh
I second this!
Chris S
Top notch commercial. 🙂
Frank D
I forgot to say that I hate ladder manufacturers and their imo deceptive labeling.
I wish that had never started or had been allowed … ladders being 3-4 shorter at max length than the stated number because you can stand on it and reach with your arm. Great, now I need a 28ft ladder instead of 24ft. A 16 ft folding one instead of 12.
What is next?
That 6ft straight edge is only 4ft because you can reach?
Your 10 foot paint pole is only 4 foot, because a person standing on the ground …
Sigh.
Avi
Actually next on the chopping block is standout for tape measures
Mac
The reach is a secondary label and they have to assume some sort of average size of human, or else just not include maximum reach. A 6ft ladder is ~6ft tall with ~10ft average reach.
OSHA regulations don’t allow your to stand on the top 2ft of ladders (top and next rung, unless platform surfaces), hence the ‘not a step’ labels. You technically can reach higher if you’re confident, your balance is good, and you’re not on a job site. The top steps are technically a brace for your legs to lean into the frame.
Falling off doesn’t hurt, but the landing can really suck. Sitting on the top or straddling an a-frame is comfortable and safe in my mind, but can get you in a lot of trouble on a large job.
Fazal Majid
For regular home use like accessing the upper shelves of my floor-to-ceiling storage units, I have an IKEA 2-step and a Rubbermaid 3-step stepladders. My in-laws need one, but when I looked at the Rubbermaid one, it’s suffered from quality fade: instead of steel steps with a non-slip rubber covering, they are now plastic. I haven’t been able to find any 2 or 3-step stepladder built as well as my old Rubbermaid from 10–20 years ago.
W00dy
I really like and can recommend the Vikingstep from Wine, they are only 35 mm or 38 mm thick when folded. Such a nice carry with you small step ladder they have 3 sizes I have the smallest easier to carry then my folding A ladder: http://www.wibeladders.com/ladders-and-scaffolds/trestles-stools/step-stools/step-stool-vikingstep/
W00dy
Wibe! Not wine.. damn that autocorrect Wibe it is!
Dave P
If you’ve the coin, Little Giant can’t be beat. Hands-down the best there is.
Unless you’ve overhead power lines you’ll be working near, fiberglass extension ladders are unnecessarily heavy. Try putting a 32′ fiberglass extension ladder up on a building by yourself….
Those “multi-position” ladders are like about anything that’s really versatile–they’ll do a lot of things but none of them well. They have their place… I have 4 of them in remote places where I don’t want to inventory several different types of ladders but I’ve yet to find a job they’ll do as well as a specific ladder made for the application at hand.
I have had a few Gorilla ladders and I found them to be flimsy, “homeowner” quality. I gave mine away.
Lowes often has Werner platforms for about 20 bucks on Black Friday.
Mac
I’ve never understood why homeowners and the other trades get fiberglass. As you say, its way heavier and also can degrade in sun and give nasty glass splinter rashes. Wood isn’t allowed in my area anymore and electricians can’t use aluminum (even though the additional risk of shock is non-existent if the ladders have rubber boots. You’re either going to get shocked or not. Metal steps isolated by fiberglass sides is functionally no different then all metal isolated by rubber boots. *end mini rant)
Chris S
As an electrician, I’m not touching an aluminum ladder.
Your example assumes I won’t be near a metal stud wall (very common in commercial), gutter, puddles, etc.
Rubber feet also wear through.
Had to rescue a guy that was on an aluminum ladder once (one of the ~24′ fold out ones as listed above) because he was leaned against a gutter and reached for flood light through the rungs without turning off the circuit. His arms were touching the ladder and not his chest when he seized up. We shoved the ladder and he dropped about 10-12′. I think he’s lucky he only got a broken foot and a dozen bruises. If we didn’t see him, he probably would have cooked…
Mac
You lean against the bare metal framing?? I can’t even look funny at metal framing until they hang drywall or it’ll shift. I absolutely hate when I have to put holes in the stuff.
Worn footings (equipment not in proper condition) will get you an OSHA violation, not to mention is unsafe even not working around electricity. As electricians, or other trades, it’s also your responsibility to make safe work environments. Circuits ‘should’ be off. Aluminum does not increase damage or likelihood of shock if you are already going to touch the circuit with your body. The logic behind not allowing the ladders seems to be similar to the logic behind not jabbing 10ft poles into ceiling boxes. As an electrician, I don’t ram things into my junction boxes, and I’d still prefer to occasionally zap myself than lug the heavy, itchy fiberglass everywhere.
Proper procedure is to kill the circuit, by the way, not touch either the person being shocked nor any equipment in the vicinity. I’d be livid if you shoved a ladder out from under me, especially to ‘save’ me from a small branch circuit.
Unless there’s an important reason to leave circuitry energized, it should be opened before boxes are. Some stated require a lot of paperwork for allowing hotwork. Almost anything except diagnostics can be accomplished faster on an open circuit than a live one. Few trips back and forth to the panel is both smart and professional
Mac
Speaking of commercial settings, it is common and acceptable to use all metal scissor lifts – isolated by tires. Also perfectly normal and acceptable to carry said 10ft metal poles (pipe). Just can’t carry aluminum ladders around, because they gotta sell the fiberglass to someone
fred
We have a number of ladders scattered about our properties. My days of climbing an extension ladder have long past (I have been advised that it can be unhealthy for octogenarians). But I still feel OK on a step ladder . Beyond the Craftsman, Gorilla, Keller (a Werner Co.), Scanton and Werner Ladders that we have – we also have 2 so called Orchard Ladders. The Orchard (aka tripod ladders) are very hand in and around the garden. The most recent one I bought was a Stokes
https://www.zoro.com/stokes-14-ft-aluminum-tripod-orchard-stepladder-not-rated-capacity-1114/i/G3326989/?q=G3326989
fred
I also have a Little Giant 11580 tripod ladder – that extends. It is a bit more stable than a typical Orchard ladder – because the single leg flares out to 2 feet at the base. Unfortunately it is no longer made:
https://www.hand-tools.com/product-detail.php?prodnum=LG-11580
fred
I might also note that twin step ladders can come in handy. We have a short one at our winter place – that we use all the time for hanging stuff
https://www.amazon.com/Werner-T7404-375-Pound-Fiberglass-Multi-Use/dp/B00004RKDH
Kent
I bought that Werner “multi position” ladder back in the 90s when I bought a house and owned an SUV. It’s heavy and takes longer to set up, but it’ll do things no other ladder can. If I could only have one ladder, it would be that one.
I don’t remember the brand (Werner?) but I have three of the small work platform “ladders”. I use them all the time, and even take them camping for little tables, or extra seating.
Mike
Last November, picked up 18″ Gorilla multi-position aluminum ladder (on sale at HD for $80) to replace an old extension ladder. Great ladder – solid and really versatile.
Also picked up the Gorilla slim-fold platform ($23) although wasn’t sure what I would use it for. Next day, used it when painting a storage shed.
mla
For in the house, we got this guy:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla-Ladders-4-Step-Aluminum-Ultra-Light-Step-Stool-Ladder-with-225-lb-Load-Capacity-AS-4G/205546689
Absolutely love it. Very lightweight but sturdy. No problem reaching our 11′ ceilings.
Koko The Talking Ape
Great article, great topic Stuart!
I’m wondering if you or anybody can recommend an extension or multi-position ladder for sloped ground. Recently I had to do some work about 14′ up on a wall, where the ground sloped both left to right and away from the wall, and the ground was pretty soft too. I couldn’t get my ladder to feel safe, so I abandoned the job.
I see that Little Giant has some ladders with leveling feet, but hoo boy, they are pricey!
fred
You may know that many of the manufacturers (like Louisville and Werner) sell leveling legs to add onto their extension ladders.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/WERNER-LevelLok-Ladder-Leveler-with-Base-Units-PK70-1/100658844
In our business – we preferred to work off of steel staging or extension planks supported by poles tied into the roof and pump jacks – when possible
Koko The Talking Ape
lol Thanks fred! I didn’t know that. Well, if I came here to look smart, I’m failing.
Those levelers aren’t cheap either, but I guess they’re better than a broken neck. I’m sure planks or scaffolding is a lot safer.
fred
Of course a simpler solution can sometimes be just using a shovel to do some excavation to level the ground or dig a hole (to be filled back in later) on the high side – recognizing that it my not always be practical
Koko The Talking Ape
It wasn’t. 🙁
Shawn
Appears to just be a list of ladders you own.
Stuart
A ton of thought and comparisons went into each decision. For every ladder I buy or continue to use, there are many others that I don’t.
We’ll start here and if you have any particular requests for the next year or two regarding ladder reviews or assessments, chime in.
This is also way to more easily answer many of the “which do you currently recommend” questions that I get via email and DM. It is increasingly difficult to answer these of questions individually. So, here’s a starting point.
Ned Boudreaux
If the Werner 22 ft now can be separated into two 6 1/2 ft step ladders, that is an improvement. The top of the lower sections of my 22 ft ladder do not accept the accessory hinges that came with my son’s 17 ft Werner. The two ladders are similar in other respects. I attached 4 inch wheels to sides of mine, level with the bottom of the legs. The closing mechanism was not robust enough, so I created a mini spreader to stabilize the ladder when dragging it. I also made a grip that slips between the legs when folded because holding either the outer or inner leg causes a shift in the center of gravity which results in a clumsy carry. I too believe the Little Giant was first, and did not know the Werner was made in China. I would have paid the extra.
Matt
The Gorilla work platform is awesome. Got it for $24 at HD last Black Friday and for that price I should have bought at least 2.
I always viewed multi-position ladders as gimmicky but Lowe’s had a Little Giant Leveler 18’ for like $150? Something like that, deep discount off regular price so I thought yeah, ok, I’ll try it. That thing has been super impressive as an A-frame, extension, and the leveler legs are legit. If you don’t have one, keep an eye out for a deal and I highly recommend it.
MtnRanch
I’d take the 4-step Little Giant “step stool” ladder over the Gorilla because of the short extension on top that provides a lot of extra safety plus a place to put bits and pieces while still using the top step.
https://www.littlegiantladders.com/products/safety-step
Having size 15EEEE feet, I love the big generous steps.
blocky
Those steps look luxurious. As a starting point, having size 15EEEE feet, I imagine you have a pretty good reach.
JoeM
I get the heebie-jeebies just looking at a ladder. Fear of Heights. Yeah, I know that limits me quite a bit, and it doesn’t help that I’m only 5’6″ tall…
Now… Let’s assume, correctly, that I really tried in vain to look into Ladders in the past, to compensate for my height… Something I never found an answer for was really frustrating, and the two top Gorilla products seem to partially-answer it.
Can these work platforms combine with their multi-function ladders to form a high-raised platform? I get terrified on ladders, even step-stools, but I seem okay on scaffolding and platforms… anything I am positive I can both stand, and sit on, if my acrophobia gets bad.
Oh, and… Side note… I remember Little Giant actually being on TV as an Infomercial. At least here in Canada. Probably 20 years ago now, but I can easily be wrong, as the Covid Pandemic has distorted my perception of time. Anyhoo… The original Informercials for the Little Giant (I guess Version 1.0?) was being sold As a System or Kit rather than just a singular ladder. You could pick a few different sizes of individual ladder, yes, but you could also buy the deluxe bundle that came with two of those ladders, and a platform that hooked onto the top hinge on both to form a scaffolding. And, as someone asked up earlier in the post, they did also offer, at one time, various accessories like paint brush trays, and tool hangers, that you could lock onto one of the rungs of the ladder. So I believe this Infomercial may be the subconscious source of the “As Seen on TV” vibe that Little Giant has. It’s because they did once have an Infomercial when they started.
That said… I’m not sure it’s a bad thing that they are no longer doing the Informercial. They appear to have been either bought by another Ladder company for their patents, or have since gone on to become independent. Either way, I think they do… forgive the awful Dad-Pun here… Stand up to the scrutiny of other ladders. I’m not sure I’d buy them, but that’s my Acrophobia talking, not a judgment on the company itself, or their products.
Stuart
My understanding is that you need a scaffold plank, something like 6′ to 9′ telescoping PA206 that’s described as being suitable for use with multi-ladders. You cannot use a standalone work platform as a scaffold accessory.
Joe Duarte
This reminds me how surprised I am that we don’t any basic safety features on homes, obvious things like a ladder brace or tie of some kind built into the side of a house. And no roof anchors. Those are dead simple things, but for some reason they’re not common and people have this arbitrary mindset that separates pro or work settings from home contexts. The physics is the same everywhere.
It would be cool to have a ladder brace built-in at one location, which would be for getting into the roof. For all the other ladder work at arbitrary points around the house exterior, it would be neat to have some kind of railing, maybe a pull-down thing that is normally invisible. You could just loop a cable or rope around it and the ladder to prevent the ladder from falling or moving much.
My uncle took a terrible fall off his ladder, and it messed him up for a long time. It seems like any problem you can permanently solve with a few pounds of stainless steel or aluminum is a problem that you should go ahead and solve.
Frank D
In some parts of the world it is more common, due to heavy snow and/or chimney sweeping. You may even see ladders left up / attached.
Personally, being the practical guy, who can’t afford another injury, I’d put some big eye bolts in, and just paint them the color of the house or whatever trim. Maybe, depending on the house and conditions, on could have a pair of j hooks.
Mac
If photos could be added (I completely understand the many reasons not to allow them), I’d show you how roofers often ‘tie off’ by dropping a rope through the peak that’s attached to nothing but looks right if no one looks close. I have such samples after getting into a fight with a safety officer who was singling me out. I ended up showing his boss all the actual violations he was missing. I’m great at making friends 😉
Ladders are a different beast though. The best way to really hurt yourself is if the ladder itself falls and you get twisted up in it. I’ve seen some horrible results. OSHA hates ladders because a large majority of jobsite accidents are falls.
Mac
I always, second nature now, have a ‘leap path’ planned out in case of any tipping or slipping, but I also make really sure the ladder is stable both before starting up and while scaling, otherwise I’ll adjust or make a level surface with some plywood
Stuart
(I’m sorry, there’s no way to allow for any media uploads via the comments. If social media isn’t an option, https://imgur.com/ is a good 3rd party image host for personal sharing.)
Mike S
The Little Giant Flip-n-Lite and their Xtra-Lite+ are both significantly better platform ladders than the Gorilla models, and they are both considerably lighter in weight as well. The Gorilla ladder’s “extension” is tiny (I’m not tall and it hits me barely mid-shin) – whereas the Little Giant hits at at the knee or higher – a significant advantage that makes the user feel (and I believe also are) safer and allows them to more confidently work on the platform.
The Werner LeanSafe is a nice product, but I also prefer Little Giant’s USA made KingKombo – but, unlike the Platform ladders, its close race here.
LittleGiant make excellent products – if you don’t try them all you’re missing out.
Drew
I made a set of these and for certain work they are good. Although with the price of lumber right now they might be expensive!
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2004/01/01/simple-homemade-scaffolding
The Motts
I tried one of the Werner lean safe ladders when they were on sale at Home Depot. I used it for a few weeks, then took it back. I used it mostly as a step ladder, i.e. not leaning. The feet had a tendency to spread when I was standing on it. It never folded out flat or anything but would drop 2 or 3 inches. Not a comfortable feeling when standing on a ladder.
Geoff
I use a fiberglass ladder every day at work on cable lines. Last year they replaced all our spam ladders with little giant. These are easily the worst ladders I’ve used in my almost 20 years on the job. The levelers constantly stick, the thing sticks all the time when you lower and raise it, it has a side pull which I can’t stand and they’re also quite a bit heavier than our old ladders. We’ve had little giant out multiple times to fix these issues and they just can’t. I will never buy any of their products after being forced to use this horrible ladder
Al
I don’t know the exact details for each brand. If I were a homeowner, I would purchase an extension ladder (the height matching the extent of your home), a 6 ft A-frame. As a tradesman, I’ve use Werner, Louisville fiberglass ladders. I don’t think there’s much of a difference besides the top cap having different holes /magnets for your tools, as long as they’re rated Type IA. Any ladder rated Type IA is worth purchasing. Most grown men I know are past 200lbs.
I would purchase aluminum ladders because they’re so much more lighter, affordable, and less likely to hurt your back. I routinely move 10 ft, 12ft, 14ft fiberglass A-frames and extension ladders, and they’re heavy and I know colleagues who blew out their backs and shoulders moving them around. Sure fiberglass ladders and electricians (my trade) seem to be hand in hand, but truth be told, fiberglass only used for the circumstance when power can’t be turned off, and a shutdown cannot be scheduled; I.E.; industrial settings. For a home, just flip the breaker and don’t work energized. It’s that simple. The scenario is entirely different if you’re asking a factory to stop the assembly line which costs millions of dollars.
Little Giant seems to be more Little Gimmicks more than anything; its the only brand I don’t see commonly deployed in the field. Those multi-purpose ladders have their uses, but I find them cumbersome to deploy and use. They are much heavier and one of the few ways to get elevation on staircases or stepped platforms. That said, I would consider a lean-safe ladder because most guys will use a folded up A-frame as an extension ladder in a pinch. I can’t rate them because I have not used them personally, but I see their use. In my field, 6 ft fiberglass A-frames are very popular, and heights up to 18 ft A-frames are used. The 6 ft ladder gives enough elevation for most situations and sits inside a utility push cart comfortably. Of course if the home has much taller ceilings, than get an 8ft. I don’t think there’s much reason for much taller A-frames because the reason why we use ladders is for lighting. The average homeowner I can’t imagine redoing the drywall on the ceiling, doing ceiling crown molding or something which would require a rolling scaffold.
Brock
I looked at your recommended Louisville extension ladder, but I see a deal breaker. The rung locks are a polymer (plastic.) I just can believe that such a critical component would be made of plastic. Over time I can see them breaking and then the ladder is useless.
Stuart
While fair to worry about something like this, I haven’t heard of any issues. This does not seem to be a common point of failure.