Have you ever experienced a faulty bulb and wanted to replace it on your own? Even if you had extra lights at your house, you would need a good multi position ladder for this purpose.
This guide will contain the review of the 10 best multi-position ladders in 2020. You will also find the following information in this post:
- Uses of multi-position ladders
- Benefits of keeping ladders at your home
- Ways to ensure safety while using ladders
- Recommendations on the best multi-position ladders to buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
People have always associated ladders with construction and their use in households has been limited for the most part. However, in recent years, the development of technology and Do It Yourself (DIY) ideas, users want everything to do themselves which saves time and money. Instead of calling a plumber or technician for small things at your home, you can work on most of the problems yourself if you have a reliable ladder with you! So, let’s search for the best multi-use ladder in 2020.
What is a Ladder?
A ladder is an inclined set of steps with pipes or metal sheets on both of its sides. A ladder is used to reach high places safely and easily. Most multi-position ladders are made from steel, aluminum or fiberglass. The steps are lined with a special material to hold your shoes and avoid slip from the shoes. Height is adjusted through hooks and clips which can be attached on the sides and ladder is firmly secured in place. Wooden ladders are also used in some places but they are not adjustable and their use is decreasing for this reason.
Ladders are divided into two types: Rigid ladders mostly are portable i.e. they can be carried anywhere while some of the rigid ladders are fixed. They are mostly used to reach high vertical places such as a wall. Rollable ladders are usually made up of aluminum or even ropes. Rope ladders are used in helicopters in a rescue mission because of its lightweight. The stairs of a rigid ladder are called rails in the United States and are called stiles in the United Kingdom.
History
Step ladders were invented in 1862 by a carpenter named John H. Basely of Dayton. This was a foldable ladder because it had hinges on it. There is evidence that ladders had been used in the past and they were used to reach height where the person could not reach. The ladders were made up of wood or rope with a different overall but had the same purpose. John Balsley invented a more practical and safe version of it, it was a more “conventional version”
Uses of Multi-Position Ladders
Let us see the common uses for multi position ladders at homes and outdoors.
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Painting
Painting is one job that requires people to work at heightened areas in large buildings or houses. Every painter uses a ladder because the work requires it. Therefore, they are on the search for best ladder for painting. Instead of using wooden blocks or stands, people need to invest in good, adjustable ladders which improve the safety and productivity of painters.
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Electrical Operations
Most lights and fans are placed on ceilings which means that you cannot access them without a piece of equipment. Appliances such as air conditioners are also placed on the top of the walls so they also need sturdy multi position ladders to work on. Therefore, users need the best adjustable ladders to support them in their work.
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Storing items on shelves and cupboards
Have your mom told you to put unused clothes or blankets on the top shelf. If you don’t have a ladder at your home, you would probably stack up chairs on tables and then try to reach the top of the shelf while keeping someone to hold the chairs to keep balance. This problem can be solved if you have a multi position ladder at your house. You can easily set it to the required height and keep whatever you want in your shelves or cupboards.
Types of Ladders
Let us observe the various types of ladders and their specific uses below:
1. Step ladders
These are one of the most common types of ladders used at homes. They are compact in size and safe to climb on. You can place books on your shelves, clean them, change your light bulbs or perform other daily tasks easily through step ladders. Women and kids also feel safe while climbing on them.
2. Step stool
Sometimes, you do not need extra large ladders and then find unnecessary trouble in storing and maintain them. Step stools provide you with 1 to 2 feet of extra height which can be very useful to reach certain areas in your homes. If you are a tall person, step stools will suit you very well. They can also be used for sitting or placing decoration items like pots on them when not in any other use.
3. A-frame ladders
These are probably the most common types of ladders around. Most households have this type because it is simple to use and comes in various sizes. Being a two-sided ladder, it is relatively safe in operation and can have storage spaces for tools as well. The width of the steps and height is different in every model so users have a lot of choices in this type.
4. Extension ladders
If you like to work on your roof or poles, extension ladders will suit you. They are basically vertical ladders that are placed at an angle with the walls and users climb them to perform their tasks. Being single sides, they are considered unsafe by many people so they are mostly used by professionals like construction workers, repairmen, etc. The benefit of these ladders is that they provide extra height for various activities.
5. Telescopic ladders
These ladders are completely foldable into small pieces. They are usually held by lightweight nylon material and the steps are made from an aluminum or fiberglass. Once again, these are not very safe because they are relatively flimsy ladders. However, they are mostly used in emergency operations like fire rescue because they can be attached to any window or ceiling. This makes them quite significant in the ladders industry.
6. Attic ladders
Some attics or rooms have fixed ladders that can be opened up when climbing on. These are basically extensible ladders and the only difference is that they are mostly fixed in one place.
7. Flexible ladders
If you want to know about the smallest ladders, you should check out these flexible ladders which can be folded and packed into tiny pieces. They are made from light material which is not very strong but can serve the purpose well. They are usually used for training purposes in police and military to test the strengths of the candidates. They can provide good support in the emergency as well.
8. Multipurpose ladders
Modern ladders come in variety of shapes and sizes. Some have the option where you can convert them into multiple positions like extensible ladders, horizontal ladders or step stools. This increases the practicality of these devices. They are connected through special hinges and hooks which can be adjusted according to the requirements.
9. Articulated ladders
Sometimes, you may have seen zig zag type ladders. These are known as articulated ladders as they can be altered in different shapes through the hinges. They are usually used for playgrounds or physical training purposes.
10. Platform trestle ladders
Some ladders have a large platform at the top where one or more persons can stand freely and do their work. If users have to do the tasks for several hours, then the trestle ladders are ideal for them because there is enough space to sit or stand at the top. When opened, they resemble the “A” letter so they are also known as A ladders. The best ladders for painting are of this type.
Top Ladder manufacturers
Here is the list of top ladder manufacturers in 2020:
- Werner Co.
- Michigan Ladder Company
- Bauer
- Cotterman Co.
- Metallic Ladder
- Little Giant Ladder
10 Best Multi position ladders in 2020
Now that we have seen the types of ladders in detail, let us move to the review of the best products in the market right now.
1. Little Giant 22 Foot
This is a true multi position ladder that can be converted into an extendable ladder as well. It is 22 foot in size and can be used by 2 persons at a time with an overall weight capacity of 300 pounds. At the bottom, you have wheels to move it around easily. Special hinges at the top convert it into an extensible ladder of 19 feet which can be used in construction works like roof lining, painting, etc.
It is made from a light metal alloy which is 20% lighter than the standard ladders on the market. You can use it normally, extend it to 90 degrees or convert it to 180 degrees flat to make the best possible use of it. Costing $200, this is one of the best Little Giant multi position ladders in 2020.
2. Flip N Lite Ladder
If you are looking for a sleek and light weight ladder, this is the one for you. At 12.5 pounds, anyone can carry it to different places and use it for different purposes. The height of this ladder is 6 foot and it has a large platform on the top where you can place your tools or stand freely during your activities. It is made from aluminum material which is rated at 300 pounds weight capacity.
Costing $120, this is one of the best multipurpose ladders out there. Being compact in size, it is best suited for household uses like putting the curtains, storing items on kitchen shelves or just cleaning your lights!
3. Delxo Folding 4 Step Ladder
The Delxo Folding Ladder is a 4 foot ladder which is made from high quality steel material. It has 4 steps which are lined with special rubber to prevent slipping. The contrast of white and black look very good in this item. The ladder can support weights up to 300 pounds which means that you can even place heavy suitcases on the steps while storing them.
There are no additional locks that are needed while opening the ladder which means that it is a one go operation to take it out from storage space and start using it. The steel bars at the back provide firm support it. At $55, this is truly one of the cheapest ladders to buy from the market!
4. Best Choice Folding 3 Step Stool Ladder
Small and sturdy, this would describe the product by Best Choice. Completely blacked out, this is a stool ladder made from tough steel that can support 330 pounds of weight. The ladder has a weight of 15 pounds only which is nominal for such equipment.
The steps are lined with rubber to prevent slipping. The top most area is specially designed to hold tools and paint buckets so that you do not have any problem while working. It costs $55 which is on par with other foldable multi use ladders on the market.
5. Fire Escape Ladder
This is a special purpose ladder by the Fire Alert brand. Made from steel and nylon straps, it can be used for escaping from houses or building during fires. It is totally foldable which means that you can carry it easily in your bags if you to stay at a hotel or rest house. The ladder is 14 feet in length when fully opened and has a weight capacity of 1125 pounds which is incredibly high for such a piece of equipment. The hooks at the top can be attached to any window which increases the versatility of this product.
Costing $60, this is a must have multi position ladder both for safety and practicality. After all, you want to be safe in case of fires so you must keep this product with you all the time.
6. Louisville Ladder
This ladder is made from fiberglass which is an extra strong material for this purpose. The height of this ladder is 6 foot and weight capacity is 300 pounds. Users can rest assured that it is extremely safe to climb on it. At the top, there is a tray to hold your important tools while you are working on various tasks. Steps are held firmly through specially constructed bolts and bottom shoes are made from anti slipping material.
The advantage of fiberglass material is that there is no risk of electrical shock. Users can work on their electrical devices without any worry. The orange colour of this ladder makes it stand out amongst others. The price of this ladder is $120. In this guide of multi position ladder reviews, this is definitely one of the products that is worth buying!
7. Werner MT-22 Telescoping Ladder
This ladder by Werner brand is a 3 in 1 device that can be used as a double person ladder, extensible ladder and a sturdy scaffold. It is 22 foot in size and can be used by 2 persons at a time with an overall weight capacity of 300 pounds. At the bottom, you have wheels to move it around easily. Special hinges at the top convert it into a extensible ladder of 19 feet which can be used in construction works like roof lining, painting, etc.
It is made from an aluminum material which is lighter and stronger than the standard ladders on the market. You can use it normally, extend it to 90 degrees or convert it to 180 degrees flat to make the best possible use of it. Starting from $210, this is one of the best ladders for painting, electrical works, repair works or any other task that you can possibly think of!
8. Comie Aluminum Folding Step Ladder
If one ladder could take all possible shapes, this is the one. Made from high quality aluminum, the Comie ladder can be used as a normal step ladder, a flat extendable ladder and a horizontal step ladder that can be used for low height operations or a platform to sit or stand. The normal height is 6 foot but it can be extended to 12.5 foot for heighted use.
This ladder can hold 330 pounds of weight easily and has rubber protection on the bottom shoes to hold it firmly on the surfaces. It comes with two metal slabs that can be used as a platform in the horizontal position. Fitness enthusiasts can even use it as a bench press machine! At $75, this is one of the best multipurpose ladders in 2020.
9. Louisville Ladder 8 Feet
If you want an extra long ladder for your home or workplace, you must look at this product by Louisville. The height of this ladder is 8 foot and weight capacity is 250 pounds. Users can feel confident while climbing on it. At the top, there is a tray to hold your important tools while you are working on various tasks. Steps are held firmly through specially constructed bolts and bottom shoes are made from anti slipping material. It comes with SHOX system that provides extra strength to the ladder.
The advantage of fiberglass material is that there is no risk of electrical shock. Users can work on their electrical devices without any worry. The orange colour of this ladder makes it stand out amongst others. The price of this ladder is $70. In this guide of multipurpose ladder reviews, this is definitely one of the products that is worth buying!
10. 4 Step Stool Ladder
This is a 4 step ladder which is made from high quality steel material. The size is 4.6 feet in height which is enough for household uses. Bottom side is lined with rubber to prevent slip or scratches in the surfaces. The ladder can support weights up to 330 pounds which means that you can even place heavy materials on the steps while using them.
It is completely foldable which means that you will have no problem in storing it even in small places. The product costs $45 which makes it one of the best adjustable ladders on the market today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are multi position ladders safe?
Yes, multi position ladders are fairly safe provided that the user takes relevant precautions. Most modern ladders come with rubber shoes that prevent them from slipping. However, the user must place the ladders on flat, hard surface and avoid sudden movements while standing on them. If your ladder is shaky, ask someone to hold them while you are working to be extra safe.
Which ladder is better fiberglass or aluminum?
Both materials are widely used in ladders and are fairly strong. Fiberglass ladders are a bit sturdier than the aluminum ones and they provide good insulation from electricity which means that you can easily use them for electrical purposes. Aluminum ladders provide better resistance to weather conditions so they are best for outdoor uses.
This is a standard rule that is used when working on ladders. It states that for every 4 feet that you climb up on the ladder, the base of the ladder must be moved 1 foot away from the wall. The reason is that you have a wider surface area in front of you when you climb up so you have to move backwards every time you go up.
Which size ladder should I buy?
The simple rule is that if you have to reach 10 foot height for your work, you need a 6 foot ladder to do that. This means that the average reach of a person is 4 foot more than the highest point in the ladder. If you are using extension ladders, they typically have a 3 foot extension above their maximum level so you can buy an even smaller ladder for your activities.
Conclusion
Most people would not bother to spend money and time on ladders because they think that it is the need of handymen. However, in today’s world, you can find everything on the internet including the normal household tasks for which you would have spent hundreds of dollars. If you have a reliable multi position ladder, you would not need to worry about small tasks like cleaning the shelves, replacing a light bulb, cleaning the air filters of air conditioners, etc.
In this review, we have explored the 10 best multi position ladders by finding out their highlight features, prices, pros and cons. Different types of ladders were studied such as stool, foldable, extensible, steel, aluminum and fiber glass ladders. Each one has specific benefits over others which are described above. Users must choose the best one according to their requirements. The main thing to note is the height that will be required to reach because you would not want a small stool ladder for tall areas because it will not suit you. Therefore, make sure to read this article carefully and choose the ideal ladder for yourself!
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great blog thank you