Ladder Safety:

There are a lot of impulse buys that you can sink your money into, but getting a good ladder does not warrant an impulse buy. Ladders are important for a variety of reasons, both in construction and for home use. You’ll be trusting your life on this equipment and taking the purchase lightly could have irreversible effects. You’ll also want to observe standard ladder safety once you purchase your ladder.  Also, do you really need a giant ladder?  Or will a standard ladder do?  You want to make sure that your ladder is sturdy, well constructed, and can support your weight easily. When considering a good ladder you need to take a few things into account, and then move forward with the right ladder for your needs.

Extension Ladder – Step – Folding – Telescoping:

You need to be aware of all the different types of ladders that are available on the market.  Knowing this will make your ladder selection a little easier.  There are extension ladders to consider.  With your extension ladders you will also have two major options to choose from; aluminum extension ladder and the fiberglass extension ladder.  They both have their pros and cons and it’s important to research both YOUR needs and their ability to service those needs.  As far as your extension ladders go they will start as an 8 foot ladder and that length almost doubles at full extension.  So if you purchase a ladder that starts as a 15 foot ladder then it will obviously extend to almost 30 feet.  A folding ladder is a different story and has a fixed height.  These are the common household ladders and small jobsite ladders.  There are also step ladders for things like reaching into higher cabinets in your house or reaching storage shelves.  Also you have platform ladders and telescoping ladders and if you’re looking for one of those then you already know what you need.  Make sure that when you are looking at getting a good ladder you consider rung strength. The rungs of a ladder should be sturdy, and solid. They must have good connection points and be ready to support your weight plus additional weight that you might be carrying with you at the time of use. Check the connections on the ladder rung and make sure that they are single or double welded for maximum support. A second piece of information you’ll need is to remind yourself to purchase a ladder that meets all the safety standards of the USA. Make sure your ladder is stamped with the made in the USA stamp before proceeding to get the best quality ladder. The third unique tip is to consider metal strength. Most ladders are now made of aluminum. Aluminum is light weight and has variable degree of strength. Make sure that you’re getting a ladder that mixes alloys and use more expensive combinations. Getting a lower cost model because it features a lower grade alloy, could mean that over time it will fail you and cause major injury or death.

Wooden Ladder:

Wood ladders are commonly thought of as outdated, however there are still a lot of people who swear by them.  Some people believe that an aluminum or fiberglass ladder is no match for the safety of a wooden ladder.  My personal choice is an aluminum ladder.  But everyone has their own opinions.  I can’t see myself spending all day on a wood ladder, I just wouldn’t feel safe.  But as I stated before, some people are “old-school” and simply don’t want to conform to the newer “ladder technology”.  Buy a ladder that you feel comfortable with.

Discount Ladder:

It is not recommended to buy the lowest priced ladder. Trust in good overall brands and make sure that you inspect each ladder and rung before purchase. Remember that this tool will be holding your weight in mid air, and in the case of extension ladders up to 30 feet, and you don’t want to fall from that height. If you’re not sure what ladder to get, visit a respected hardware store and ask a clerk or talk to a professional that is in the area. You’ll find that the processionals are not swayed by clever marketing and speak from a place of experience. They’ll steer you to the right ladder for the purpose that you have. Do not simply buy a ladder you see advertised on a late night infomercial without testing it or speaking to someone that knows about using ladders on a regular basis. 

Ladder Companies and  Accessories:

Some of the companies that are major players in the ladder market are Werner, Kartell, Krause, Louisville Ladder Company and many more. Making sure you get behind a trusted company could be the difference between life and death. Ladders can range from $150 to $300 for quality ladders, but you might find better deals at your local hardware store or even online. Make sure you don’t just go for a cheap brand, get one from a trusted company and make sure it will support your weight with no problem.  Also depending on what you’re going to use your new ladder for you may want to review ladder accessories.  There are several ladder accessories that can save you several trips up and down your ladder during your projects.