1 - Ladder Type
Extension Ladder is a multi-section ladder, able to reach higher than any other portable ladder.
While the ladder is retracted, it's positioned and stood up vertically.
Next, the ladder is extended to the desired height before leaning against an immovable structure.
Due to the telescopic action, this type of ladder excels when the access space is limited.
Most extension ladders are two sections, they provide the greatest reach to weight ratio.
As the ladder size increases, so does the amount of overlap required for the sections at full extension.
Compact extension ladders are typically three sections, while some can be up to four sections.
Each fly section must maintain a minimum overlap of the previous section at full extension.
This necessary overlap makes additional sections less practical because the difference between the fully collapsed state and the fully extended state becomes much less.
In other words, you end up with less usable ladder plus extra weight due to overlap.
Extension ladders are sized by the sum of the lengths of all of the sections, per ANSI standards.
For example, two 12' sections form a 24' ladder, while the actual length when fully extended is about 21' due to the engagement between the two sections.
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| Extension Ladder |
Compact Extension Ladder |
Straight Ladder is a basic single section ladder.
The only moving parts are the feet, which enables them to pivot for use on hard or penetrable surfaces.
Without any height adjustment, this type of ladder must be purchased for the specific height needed.
One variation of this ladder is a manhole ladder, which is approximately 12" wide, and has plastic rail protectors for resting against the manhole rim.
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| Straight Ladder |
Manhole Ladder |
Step Ladder or A-Frame Ladder is a self-supporting ladder.
This ladder is best suited for indoor work, the four legs require a flat, level surface for stability.
Since they don't require a wall for support, you can work anywhere in the room.
Typical uses include painting, construction of all types, wiring, plumbing, HVAC, machinery repair.
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| Step Ladder |
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Podium Ladder is a special style of Step Ladder which has a large platform for standing and a 3 feet high railing around three sides, making it safer to perform work that requires using both hands.
Each ladder is only suitable for a narrow range of heights, requiring the stock of multiple sizes.
This ladder is the most comfortable due to the platform, and the safest due to the 3 feet high safety railing.
Platform Ladder is very similar to the Podium Ladder, except the railing is only 2 feet high.
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| Podium Ladder |
Platform Ladder |
Leansafe™ Ladder is another specialized step ladder.
This step ladder is self-supporting and can also safely lean against a structure or vertical pole.
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| Leansafe™ Ladder |
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Twin Step Ladder is another specialized step ladder.
This ladder is designed to be used by up to two workers at the same time, one on each section.
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| Twin Step Ladder |
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Tripod Ladder is another specialized step ladder.
This ladder can be used on uneven surfaces and the third leg can fit in narrow spaces that are impossible for the four-legged step ladders.
These ladders find uses indoors and out.
Uses include construction, fruit harvesting, tree trimming, holiday decorating.
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| Tripod Ladder |
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Multi-Position Ladder is a "Do Everything" ladder.
This ladder can do the work of five different single-purpose ladders: Extension Ladder, Double-Sided Twin Step Ladder, Stairway Ladder, 90-degree Wall Ladder, and 2 self-supported Scaffolding Bases.
If you need two or more of these five ladder types, then this multi-position ladder can save you money.
Having this many options is very convenient, making this a good ladder to have available.
Be aware this ladder can be more difficult to setup and use than a basic extension ladder or step ladder, and some jobs will still require a single-purpose ladder.
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| Multi-Position Ladder - aluminum |
Multi-Position Ladder - fiberglass |