Ladders are an essential piece of equipment whether you are a painter, electrician, contractor, or just a general handyman or gal. Ladders allow us to access high up places, but they are not exactly easy to move from location to location. This is where telescoping ladders come in handy. They can extend out far enough to get the job done, but fold-up compact enough to easily transport. However, telescoping ladders have their pitfalls. That is why I’m so excited to review the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder. Not only does it extend over 12 ft. and fold-up to a fourth of its size, but it’s packed with safety and stability features that promote safe use each and every time you step on a ladder.

Today we’re taking you through these key features on the new Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder, and an honest review of my experience using it.

Overview of Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder

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• Model Name: Werner Telescoping Ladder
• Model Number: TS1250
• Key Features: Ladder fully extends out to 12.5 ft. and collapses down to 35 in. and has a 300 lbs load capacity. Storage strap and handle make it easy to move ladder when compacted. Great stability from 20 in. wide base and slip-resistant non-marring feet. Smooth close from one-click locks and speed controlled lowering. Non-marring XL bumpers prevent buffing on surfaces.
• Price: $369
• Where to Buy: Coming soon to The Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Features of Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder

The Werner TS1250 is a telescoping ladder for professionals. It’s designed to be versatile and portable without sacrificing stability and safety.

Ladder Sizes & Load Capacity

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The TS1250 is approximately 20 in. wide, which provides ample space for climbing up and down any ladder. The full extension height is 12.5 ft. but collapses down to only 35 in., or about a fourth of the fully extended size. It also has a four-step partial extension option (top step is approx. 45″ off the ground). This ladder can hold up to 300 lbs., which is average capacity for this size telescoping ladder.

Portability

When collapsed the storage strap wraps around the steps, and a carrying handle allows you to easily carry ladder from site to site. The ladder is made from a lightweight but durable aluminum and weighs 33 lbs.

Stability & Safety

Again, this ladder is 20 in. wide with a five step “wide work zone” on this model. In addition to the stability you get from the width, the ladder also has anti-slip non-marring feet to prevent the ladder from sliding out from under you.

The Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder is ANSI-rated and OSHA-certified.

Easy to Use

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Let’s take a moment to focus on the locks. Before you step on the ladder you have the lock indicators that provide a visual cue that the ladder is locked and safe to step on. When you’re done, these same locks have one-click unlock and speed controlled lowering.

Performance Review

I’ll be honest: telescoping ladders are kind of scary to use. In my experience they all have some flex to them because they don’t have the added support of a traditional ladder. However, I’m happy to report that the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder had the least amount of flex that I’ve experienced with this kind of ladder. All-around I found this ladder to be very sturdy. You can feel the non-marring feet and bumpers working with the locks to keep the ladder stable and prevent slips.

There are other convenience features I like about this ladder, but I wanted to talk about this first because stability and safety are the most important features when it comes to ladders.

However, I’m also happy to report that this was easy to extend and fold back up. The storage strap held it together, the handle made it easy to carry. The one-click unlock worked and it closed smoothly.

Where to Buy Werner TS1250

The Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder is not available yet but will be available for $369.99 at The Home Depot and Lowe’s. This price is slightly higher than some of the telescoping and extendable ladders of the same height, but Werner is a well-known and reputable ladder brand. So, you may pay $20-30 more, but you’re getting a brand you know and can trust.

Hopefully, the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder will be available soon so you can use it to help with those spring and summer projects.

Read more Werner reviews

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When it comes to ladders, you have a lot of choices.  However, for me, there is really only one choice when it comes to multi-position ladders and that is Werner.  Now I am not knocking any other brands but I have been using Werner for years and have trusted them.  I have found far less flex compared to other ladders which means better safety for me.  People falling from ladders is all too common so when I am on a ladder, I want the best.  So let’s take a look at the Werner Multi-Position Ladder.

Werner Multi-Position Ladder Overview

A while back we reviewed the Werner MT-26IAA.  For me, that was and is still the best ladder around.  I used it for my whole house project, inside and outside.  The ladder was strong, didn’t flex, has great build quality, and is easy to use, plus it was lightweight compared to their generation before.  How could they possibly make better on this ladder? Well, turns out they did.

They took a ladder that was already the best on the market and they changed the way we think and use multi-position ladders.  Werner designed a ladder like no other and really created the best of the best.  So let’s jump into some of the features.

Werner Multi-Position Ladder Features

The ALMP-20IAA is still made from aluminum which means it doesn’t weigh a lot and is easier to move around.  Since this is a multi-position ladder, you can still set it up like the previous model and use it on stairs and more areas.  You can pretty much reach any area and set it up in a wide variety of ways.

The Werner ladder has a holster top that securely leans against walls, poles, corners, and wall studs. The 5-in-1 design easily converts to an extension ladder, leaning ladder, double-sided twin step ladder, stairway ladder, or 90° wall ladder. Best of all, it has a Duty rating of 375 lbs.

As with their previous model, they offer the same rung style and each rung has four points of contact holding it into the rails.

The old model had J-hooks on both sides.  The new model only has J-hooks on one side and I will explain shortly why the ladder has this design.

The ladder offers a safety catch to help keep the ladder together when using or transporting.

Remember the older ladder where you had to push into buttons to open up the ladder.  Well, that is a thing of the past.  Now just press the levers together and you can open up the ladder with ease.

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Here is one of the best features of this ladder.  Instead of trying to use the J-Hooks and open the ladder to a tall position, then try to raise the ladder.  Now the ladder only has a single J-hook where the user can pen up the bottom part of the ladder and then lean the ladder making it easier to use.

Once the ladder is up against the wall, you can now use it as an extension ladder and pull the rope down to raise the upper half of the ladder.

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Here is an example.  You can see how it is leaning against the wall and then how the upper half will raise up with the rope.  No more struggling to raise a tall ladder.

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As always, you can still set this up in the A-frame style.

*Do not use a ladder this way.  This is for demonstration only.  Only to show what it looks like.

We have all had a ladder on uneven ground and that can be dangerous.  Werner designed it will a simple push-down foot and you can now make your ladder level.  Best of all, this is a design on both sides of the ladder.

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Werner designed this ladder with a useful and practical top.  Not only does it help when you are using against a wall or corner or 2×4″, but you can hold tools and small parts when using the ladder.

You can check out the Werner Multi-position Ladder specifications on the Werner website.

Werner Multi-Position Ladder Performance

When it comes to performance, this ladder is head and shoulders above the rest. While there is a lot to love about this ladder, I want to touch on a couple of cool new features that make this ladder perform better than the rest.

Point 1 – When you extend a ladder, it should be stiff and not have much play while you’re walking up or working from a high point.  As with the previous model, this is very stiff and secure so there are no issues of any bouncing while walking or working from above.

Point 2 – By removing the second set of J-Hooks and using an existing ladder rope, working with this ladder just became so much easier.  No more trying to lift a long ladder by yourself.  Now you can truly use this as an extension ladder.

Point 3 – Having the quick press-in hinge lever also makes this much easier to open the ladder to the A-frame style instead of trying to press in the buttons like the older version.

Point 4 – The ease of extending a single leg to make the ladder more secure is a huge feature.  Not only does it add to ease of use but it adds to safety.

Sure there is a lot more to this ladder that makes it perform like no other but again, I just wanted to touch on a couple of key features of this ladder.  Werner has really done a great job by improving the overall use, feel, and design of this ladder.

Here are a couple of videos Werner released that really go over some features and also how to use this ladder.

How to use the Werner ALMP-20lAA

Werner Multi-Position Ladder Value

The ladder retails for $329 at The Home Depot.  So here is the deal.  I am just as money-conscious as the next person and I like having a good value and don’t like overpaying for something.  Yes, $329 is a big chunk of change. But when it comes to ladders and safety, I don’t cut corners.

So for me, I have no issues paying $329 for a ladder.  Because when I look at the quality, the convenience, the safety, and ease of use, $329 is a steal for this ladder.

Werner Multi-Position Ladder Wrap Up

The bottom line, ladders are necessary but they can be dangerous so always practice ladder safety and understand how ladders work.  So as with any tool, always be smart.  The older Werner ladder was already awesome in regards to safety, build quality, and use.  The new ALMP-20IAA is beefed up with steroids making this a no-brainer.  The ladder is just as high quality as the previous model but much easier to use and offers more features.  So if you are looking for a multi-position ladder, look no further, this is the ladder to own.

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What do you think of when you think Multi Ladder?  Do you think heavy, do you think practical or do you think Little Giant?  I know for a lot of people when I tell them about Multi Ladders, everyone brings up the Little Giant.  People are surprised when I pass up the Little Giant and right away tell them about the Werner.  When it comes to ladders, Werner is the name I trust.  Sure Little Giant did an awesome job at marketing a ladder, but there is more than just marketing.  So let’s jump into the Werner Multi-Purpose Ladder Review.

Werner Multi Purpose Ladder Review Overview

So here is the deal.  When I first heard about Multi ladders, I saw it on late-night TV.  I thought it was a joke and a sale gimmick so I had no interest.  Then we had a chance to try one out.  While I could see that it has some advantages, I still wasn’t sold, well that was until I used the WernerMT 26.  I liked the LIttle Giant, but the MT 26 had a much better build quality and felt better.

The biggest knock the MT 26 received was the weight.  Sure it’s heavier than the Little Giant but it’s actually a good thing.  You really don’t want a very light ladder since it’s easier to knock around and fall over.  Each year the emergency rooms see tons of people from ladder accidents, so this is something you can’t take lightly.  You need to understand ladder safety and ladder rating before you buy or use a ladder.

I liked the Werner much better because it felt more stable.  Currently, I am working on my house addition and have used my Werner MT for so many different projects and I absolutely love the ladder.  So when Werner reached out saying they have another Multi-Position ladder that is lighter, I really didn’t have any interest.  Sure lightweight is great when moving it around, but when I am at top of a ladder, I want a heavy, stable ladder that doesn’t have much bounce.

Well, I ended up trying the new Pro series ladder and the one thing I can say, I am glad I did because it has everything about the MT ladder, but it holds 75 lbs more and it’s lightweight.

I am not going to get into everything a Multi Ladder can do because that is an article all by itself.  But if you would like to learn more, check out the Werner Video.

Werner Multi Purpose Ladder Review Features

This ladder is the MT-26IAA so it’s comparable to the MT that I have been using for years.  The ladder has a reach of 26′, with 41 adjustable positions.  Basically this is a 5 in 1 ladder. The ladder weighs in at about 50 lbs.

The ladder can support up to 375 lbs. which is 75 lbs more than my current MT 26. I know what your thinking, I don’t weight over 375 lbs so why do I need such a large capacity.  There are plenty of times where I have two people on a ladder.  When it’s set up on a step ladder mode, I will be on one side and have someone on the other side holding something I am trying to fasten to a wall or hang.

Werner uses a large push knob to open and close the ladder.

They also increased the durability of the j-locks, please they are very smooth and easy to adjust.

The rails seem to be the same as the older MT 26 ladder which I always liked.  I like the grip and aren’t bad working on, even when on there for longer periods of use.

The ladder uses anti-slip feet.

Comparison vs the Previous Model

So as noted, I have the older model and wanted to see how it compares against the new model.  The new model weighs in at about 50 lbs while the older models weigh in at about 54 Lbs.

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So the ladder is lighter but considering it holds 75 lobs more, that is a big plus.

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I never have had a problem with the older model push knobs.  I have left this ladder outside in the snow, rain and other elements and it has always been rock solid.  The newer push knobs do seem bigger and they are smoother but it’s also newer.

The design and ease of use are the same between the two ladders.  The main thing that stands out to me it the j-lock which seems to have a different design and is extremely easy to move and use.

Werner Multi Purpose Ladder Review Performance

So this is my back of the house.  You can see the ground sucks and the top is extremely high.  Even for someone like me who is not afraid of heights, this is tall and one slip, your toast.  I used this ladder for putting up the beadboard, the supports, sheathing, and house wrap.

When I first started using the ladder, I didn’t have the top section on the ladder.  For some reason, I put the top section on and what a difference.  So when working up high, even if you don’t need it, I would put the top section on.  Besides giving it a wider surface area against the wall, it also gives you more working room when higher up.

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For me, this ladder is the best for three reasons and it all has to do with the build quality.

Reason 1 – This ladder has very little flex and bounce when you set the ladder up the right way (75-degree angle).  I have been on some ladders where you get above the midway point and it feels like every step is going to bounce you off, which I won’t use or go on any of those ladders.  The Werner, for some reason, doesn’t have the bounce like others we have tried over the years.  Just this is enough to buy this ladder for me.

Reason 2 – The ladder always closes.  When changing the shape of the ladder or extending the ladder, the j-locks and the push knobs always snap into place.  The last thing you want to do is start climbing a ladder and realizing that a j-lock or push button didn’t seed correctly.  Werner has never had an issue.  I still always double-check that everything is seated correctly but it’s a nice feeling to know that it’s designed correctly and for my protection.

Reason 3 – The ladder just feels good.  If you go on a ladder and feel nervous, the best thing to do is get off.  If you’re not feeling comfortable, don’t use it.  For me, when I high up, I feel comfortable and confident that I can work safely.  I don’t know if it’s the wider base at the bottom keeping it stable or the wider base at the top giving me stability and more working room but it just has the feeling where I am comfortable to work.

Werner Multi Purpose Ladder Review Value

You can pick up this ladder at The Home Depot for about $300.  Here is my thought.  This ladder is worth every penny.  Sure you can find other manufacturers but when it comes to ladders, don’t worry about the price.  This is your life and your safety.  I was a firefighter for 13 years and I have seen people get hurt on ladders because they aren’t using them right or they bought junky ladders.  I think some products are ok to go cheap on and buy the off-brand but when it comes to being high up, go with the best.  $300 is worth the money.  If you want to save a couple of bucks, go with the smaller versions of this ladder.

Werner Multi Purpose Ladder Review Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about this ladder without sounding like a salesman.  I just love this ladder and it’s a ladder I trust.  When it comes to my safety, I am trusting Werner.  They have been around since 1963, they have the knowledge and the know-how to make the best ladders on the market.  When it comes to any ladder that puts me more than 10′ of the ground, I am going with Werner.

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A couple of months ago, we were introduced the Gorilla ladders.  We had a chance to check out their Hybrid ladders and were very impressed, not only by the quality, but the ease of use.  I know what your’re thinking, “ease of use.”  Yes, we have tried other ladders and they seem flimsy and hard to open or close.  Not only were the Gorilla ladders easy to open and close, but you can do it with one hand,  Anyways, we are not here to talk about the Hybrid ladders, we are here to talk about their smaller ladders, the 2 and 3 step ladder.

I listed the different stats below for each ladder, however they do have something in common.  Both ladders have a tool organizer on the top, plus a place to hang a paint can or something else.  Each ladder also has no mar feet, so you don’t scuff up any surfaces.  Here is the best part of these ladders, they are sturdy.  The top step is extra wide and is extremely comfortable even after standing on it for long periods of time.  These are the type of ladders that you can climb and you just feel comfortable.  You don’t have the wobble or sway on the Gorilla ladder, that you have on other ladders.

Gorilla Ladder 2-Step Aluminum GLA-2

• Material Aluminum/Poly
• Max Load: type II – 225 lbs.
• Folded Dimensions: 42.8 in x 17.75 in x 3.25 in
• Top Platform Dimensions: 12.75 in x 12.5 in
• Product Weight: 6.7 lbs
• Platform Height: 1 in 8 in
• Reach Height: 9 ft 2 in
• Certifications: ANSI, OSHA

Gorilla Ladder 3-Step Aluminium GLA-3

• Material Aluminum/Poly
• Max Load: type II – 225 lbs.
• Folded Dimensions: 53.75 in x 18.4 in x 3.25 in
• Top Platform Dimensions: 13.25 in x 12.5 in
• Product Weight: 8.15 lbs
• Platform Height: 2 ft 6 in
• Reach Height: 9 ft
• Certifications: ANSI, OSHA

The post Gorilla Ladders – The Ladder That Will Make You Stand Tall appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

According to a stat I found online more than 6,000 people die each year and another 30,000 people get injured from falling off ladders.  While this make the lawyers smile, this is an alarming stat and one to take seriously.  If you know me, you know I like to save money.  I have no problems buying generic items, well except for my Hellmanns mayo.  Another thing I would never cut corners on is a ladder.  I get amazed how many people talk about ladders and why they bought them.  I hear things like it’s lighter, it doesn’t weigh as much as other ladders, it cost less than some of the other ladders. I rarely ever hear people talk about how they bought the ladder because it was stable.  Sure we all want a stable ladder. Listen, we should all save money and think about weight, but when it comes to a ladder, this is not the time to think about saving a couple of bucks.  We don’t want to lift around a heavy ladder all day, we want to save our back.  But we all know that for most of the time, the heavier the ladder is, the more stable it is.  The more expensive it is, the more stable it is.  Well let me introduce you to Gorilla ladders as they have shattered that train of thought.  They actually have a sturdy ladder, that doesn’t weigh a lot and it won’t break the bank, but most importantly, the ladder is stable.

I have never heard of Gorilla ladder before Dan told me that we were going to try some out.  I have to admit, when I started researching them, I wasn’t too impressed.  Not because of what I read online, but because I have seen a similar design in the past.  The ones I have tried in the past seem to be flimsy and not sturdy, basically a junk ladder.  However when we first got these ladders, my mind did  a 180.  Let me tell you these Gorilla Ladders are definitely not your typical ladders.  We had a chance to take a look at both of their hybrid ladders, the GLA-5X and the GLF-5X.  The difference being the GLA-5x is aluminum while the GLF-5x is fiberglass.

I know ladders aren’t an exciting topic, so I am going to hit the main points that I really like about these.  First, Gorilla Ladders are sturdy (did I mention that before?)  Next, they are light, which makes carrying them from place to place a snap.  Folding is another pro to these ladders.  While some ladders it seems like a fight to close them up, these fold extremely easy, plus they are very slim once folded up.  Another plus is the top two steps are extremely comfortable working from.  As you can see by the picture, they are larger, so naturally more comfortable.  I also want to note that both ladders are ANSI and OSHA approved.

Gorilla Ladder GLA-5X

• MATERIAL: ALUMINUM / ALUMINUM
• MAX LOAD: TYPE I – 250 LBS
• FOLDED DIMENSIONS: 68.5 in x 22 in x 4 in
• TOP PLATFORM DIMENSIONS: 13 in x 10 in
• PRODUCT WEIGHT: 13.15 lbs
• PLATFORM HEIGHT: 4 ft / 3 ft
• REACH HEIGHT: 10 ft
• CERTIFICATIONS: ANSI, OSHA

Gorilla Ladder GLF-5X

• MATERIAL: FIBERGLASS / ALUMINUM
• MAX LOAD: TYPE I – 250 LBS
• FOLDED DIMENSIONS: 69 in x 22.25 in x 4.25 in
• TOP PLATFORM DIMENSIONS: 13 in x 10 in
• PRODUCT WEIGHT: 18 lbs
• PLATFORM HEIGHT: 4 ft / 3 ft
• REACH HEIGHT: 10 ft
• CERTIFICATIONS: ANSI, OSHA

Check out our Ladder Guide to learn more about ladders and ratings

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Ladders are a must for any homeowner or contractor.  In fact, there have been so many ladders developed over the years, it’s hard to keep track.  There are step ladders, attic ladders, roof ladders, extension ladders, stair ladders, rope ladders, pool ladders and the list goes on.  I would have to say the coolest ladder is the Multi-Ladder.  For me the Multi-ladder is the best for a bunch of reasons.  Currently, I have an extension ladder, a large step ladder, a short step ladder and a small platform.  If I had a large garage, it would be no big deal, but I hate storing all those ladders.  All they do is take up room.  However I can’t get rid of them because I need one ladder to get on my roof and another ladder for stuff inside the house.  Now with a Multi-ladder, I can ditch all those ladders and just store my multi-ladder.  Another reason the multi-ladder is so cool is because when I go to a job, I don’t have to worry about what ladder I need.  I can just toss one ladder in the back of my truck and be on my way.  No more trying to haul two or three ladders around.  Okay, enough whining about my ladder problem, let’s jump into why you are here and that’s the Werner MT 26 Multi Ladder.

Werner basically owns the ladder market.  Go to any store, look at the ladder section and you will see a Werner ladder.  So why do they own the market?  First, they have been making ladders for a long time, so they know what their doing.  Second, they make quality ladders.  They don’t cut corners, they don’t make junk, they just make a quality ladder, plan and simple.  The MT Multi ladder is no exception.

The MT 26 is their largest of the Multi-ladders and allows a user to set the ladder up in 37 different positions.  Because this is a multi-ladder, it can take the place of four separate ladders.  This ladder can be used as a step ladder, extension ladder, stair ladder and two scaffold bases.  This is a heavy duty ladder that is Type 1A rated which means you can support up to 300 lbs.  Each Rung is double riveted to the rails.  The ladder is made out of aluminum so you don’t have to worry about rust, plus it cuts down on the weight of the ladder compared to other materials.   There are several really nice features to this ladder.  First, is the wide base of the ladder.  At each end of the ladder, it flares out making the base wider and giving the user more stability.  At the bottom of the base, each foot has a slip resistant covering to help protect your surface and prevent the ladder from sliding out when the ladder is properly set up.

Now I have to say this is one of the most comfortable multi ladders I have used and one of the easiest to set up.  The rungs are 1′ wide, so stepping up and down is very easy.  The Rungs are flat where you step which also makes it comfortable.  The rails are 2-5/8″, smooth and curved which makes it comfortable holding onto when climbing up or down the ladder.  The best part of this ladder is how easy it is to set up.  Werner designed this ladder with J-Hooks which makes it very easy to adjust the height of each section.  They also lock into place in a snap.  In the middle, there is a push button on each side of the ladder which allows the ladder to be moved from a step ladder to an extension ladder.  Just push them in and walk the ladder out.  They will automatically lock into place once it’s set up.  Even though it locks into place, it’s always good to double check, just in case.

Step Ladder

Setting up this ladder to function as a step ladder is a piece of cake.  The ladder can be set up anywhere from 6′ to 11′.  Even when we had the ladder set up at the highest point, it was stable and I felt comfortable being towards the top.  You can really feel the difference with the base being flared.  You can also have a load limit on each side of the step ladder of 300 lbs. (Only when the unit is together as a whole, you can not use them as two separate step ladders).

Extension Ladder

The Mt 26 can also be used as an extension ladder and can be set up from 13′ to 23′.  When placing this against a wall, both the top and bottom flare of this ladder make it very stable.  Even at it’s high point of 23′, we didn’t feel much flex in the middle like we have seen with other ladders.   I am going to bring this up, but don’t take my word, check the owners manual.  Using this to get on a roof is great, but for me, I took the top flare piece off the unit.  I will leave it on if I need the extra height.  The reason I took take it off is because it was easier for me getting on and off the roof without the flare.  With the flare on, it is still extremely easy, it was just about comfort for me.  I didn’t feel like I had to step around anything to get back onto the ladder.

Stair Ladder

Stair ladder is the third type of ladder this unit can be set up as.  I don’t use that function much, but it’s great knowing I have the ability if I need it.  The unit can be set up anywhere from  6′ to 11′ which makes it perfect to access anywhere on almost any stairs.  Again with the J-Hooks, it is very easy to set up and adjust.

Scaffolding Bases

Here is the best option of this ladder, the ability to set it up as a scaffolding base.  You will still need a plank, but having the option is awesome.  I can’t tell you how nice it is to be able to work on steady ground, not having to worry about moving ladders and just saving time.  A user can set this up to use at 4’10”.  When we set the scafolding up, this was very solid.  Partly because the flare of the bottom of the ladder and partly because we were using a Werner PA206 plank.  Another nice item when setting this up as scaffolding is you don’t need extra pieces to turn this into two bases like you do with other systems, so nothing to lose.  You can not use these as two separate step ladders.  If you take them apart you can only use the step ladder that is one unit with the push button locks, not the one that has two separate pieces that go together with the J-Hooks.

Ladder Safety

While ladders can make your life easier, they can also be dangerous if you don’t treat them with care.  I am not going to go all into ladder safety, (Check Ladder Safety to learn more), but I do want to bring up three items you should always consider.

1. Correct Angle – When you place a ladder against a building, make sure you always have the correct angle of about 75°.  To get this angle, place your feet at the butt or bottom of the ladder.  If you can touch the rails with your amrs being straight, you are close to a 75° and are in the correct position.
2. Rungs – Rungs of the ladder should always be 3 to 5 rungs above the roof line when going onto a roof
3. Check Ladder – Always check your ladder before you use it.  Make sure there are no bends, breaks or other dangerous problems with your ladder. I know, who does that?  It’s the same thing as you are always supposed to do a walk around of your car and check for bubbles in your tire wall etc, but who does that?  Well….

Multi Ladder Weight

Looking around I see a lot of people complaining about weights of different Multi ladders.  Before you buy a Multi ladder, you have to ask yourself, what will you be using this ladder for?  What is the highest point you will need?  This will help dictate what size ladder you will need.  The smaller the ladder, the less it will weigh.  If you don’t need the MT 26, go with another ladder in the MT line.  It will save space, lower the weight and save you frustration.   For me, I wanted the MT 26 for a couple different reasons.  First, I like the ability to get into higher places with the Step ladder and the extension ladder.  Also, the Scaffolding can sit higher, which helps me on a lot of certain jobs. Personally I like a heavier ladder, well not when I am carrying it around, but when it’s set up.  If I am using an extension ladder, I like the extra weight, it’s more down force on the ground and I feel like less chance of the ladder walking away or sliding out from underneath me.   The Werner MT is a light line considering everything you can do and the stability and safety it offers, plus ease of use.

   Werner MT Series Ladders

Overall I think this is the best multi ladder on the market.  When Werner designed the MT series, they hit a home run.  The ladder is comfortable, easy to use and I feel safe using it.  The ability to have four ladders in one, makes this a perfect ladder to own and with the Werner name behind this ladder, I know it’s quality and it will last me a lifetime.  There isn’t much flex compared to other brands, so if you are looking for a safe, easy to use and functional ladder, the Werner MT Series is it.

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We recently had a chance to review the Werner MT26 Multi-ladder.  If there is one thing Werner knows, it’s ladders.  The ladder is solid, well built and stable. One great thing about this multi-ladder is the ability to use it as a scaffold, which can be very useful.  However to use it as a scaffold, you need a plank, which brings me to the PA206 Aluminum Extension Plank by Werner.

Now you don’t have to have the MT 26 to use this plank, but it sure makes it a nice set up.  Before I go on, I do want to note there are two other planks in this series, PA208 and PA210 which all have the same features, except they have a larger slide length.  The PA206 is an Aluminum plank which reduces the weight, plus you don’t have to worry about it rusting.  In the past I have used other planks, but always found them harder to open and close.  With the Werner, there are thermo-plastic spacer guides which makes this very easy to open and close.  Another nice feature is the positive stops.  When in the closed position, the unit is 6′ long.  When fully opened, it will reach 9′.  The positive stops are 7′, 8′ and 9′ making this easy to adjust.  With the positive stop, you have the ability to open it from 6′ to 9′ and don’t have to worry about the positive stop getting in the way for shorter lengths.  Just pull the pin, turn sideways and open.

Again, the unit is pretty lightweight considering it can hold 250 lbs.  Even when the plank is fully open, there is not much bouncing going on even in the middle.  The plank is made of 2″ deep box section extrusions.  Also there is an extruded cross member riveted with solid aluminum rivets.  So this is built to last and built to withstand tough conditions.

Overall this is a great plank.  Lightweight, built for heavy duty use and easy to open and close.  Using this with the MT ladder system, it’s hard to beat.

Extension Plank PA206

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Ok who hasn’t seen a Little Giant Ladder Infomercial?  They are plastered all over our TV late at night and I have to admit I like watching them.  But do they work?  Well I have to say right away that I am a firm believer in the Little Giant Ladder.  My father has had one for years, it has never failed and the versatility of it is un-matched.  The lifetime warranty is awesome!  From home owner to contractor this ladder is a must have.

The only downside I see to the ladder is it is a bit bulkier and heavier than most other ladders, but then again no other ladder can do what the Little Giant can do.  You can split the ladder into 2 step ladders that hold up to 300 lbs each.

The Mag4 hinges have 4 locks for added safety.  They are spring loaded and automatically lock into the desired position.  The Rock Locks easily lock into the open position until you reach your desired height.  Then a slight smack of the palm engages the lock back into position.  In all the Little Giant Xtreme pictures we have seen the Rock Locks were orange, ours just had a steel look.  Although the ladder did not pinch us it certainly looks like it could, be careful around the locks and ALWAYS make sure the ladder is locked into position before operating it.

The Xtreme comes with the AirDeck safety handrail and tool tray, this helps you retain your balance when you’re on a high step and also hold your paint and tools.  A really cool thing is the magnetic tray, so if you’re replacing a ballast or fixture it will help you retain your hardware.  The AirDeck is easily attached via 2 orange locks on either side.

The Comfort Step is great for when you stand for long durations.  I felt confident putting all my weight on the step thanks to the thick cable and quality hardware.  The step folds up when you fold the ladder.

The Tip and Glide wheels allow you to easily maneuver the 34.5lb  ladder to where you need it.  This is great for electricians in big buildings when they have a lot of ground to cover.  The wheels are rubber and did not mar up our wood or tile floors.

The steps on the ladder have awesome grip.  Every step has precise grooves that grip your shoes.  You feel firmly planted walking up this ladder.

The ladder fully extended gives over 17′ of reach.  The ladder flexed a little bit at the length, but nothing that was a concern.  The ladder is wider on the ends which give it unmatched stability.

The ladder is great for stairs and almost any situation you throw at it.  You can even use it as a plank platform. When used correctly it is one of the safest ladders on the market.  For the home owner this is the only ladder you will ever need and for the contractor it’s a blessing!  I truly believe in the Little Giant Ladder and the Xtreme is feature packed.  It has a lifetime warranty and is a quality tool.

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When we were in Vegas at the hardware show we saw a pretty cool invention called the Ladder Hand.  Basically it is a small shelf that attaches to your ladder and gives you a place to temporarily hold items.  How many times have you tried to head up a ladder when you have too much stuff in your hands.  Then you get up there and try to find a place to put it all.  Only for it to fall down on the ground.  Now you have to climb back down and get it.

The Ladder Hand is made from an ABS plastic, so it is durable and strong.  The unit can hold 15 lbs which is cutting it close to a gallon of paint.  A full gallon of paint weights around 13 lbs.  As you can see by the pictures below, there is a support arm that swings into place, so we would suggest putting any heavy weight items over that area and not on the outer area of the unit.

We do like the fact that the unit folds up and doesn’t take up a lot of room when not in use.  While it does fit a lot of different types of ladders, we did notice some ladders it was more loose on.  While it still stayed in place and was easy to attach, it sometimes had a little more play than we would like to see.  One feature that would make this a great ladder accessory is if there was a clamp on the side of the Ladder Hand.  So when you attach the Ladder Hand to the rails, you could use a thumb screw and it would tighten against the rail and make it very secure.  The current design is already secure as it hugs the rungs, but isn’t there always room for improvement?

The tray is very nice as it measures 14″ x 11″.  There are places to place loose items like screws and more.  You can also put a screwdriver or other tools in small holes to keep them in the upright position for easy access.

All in all it’s a cool invention.  While it does what it is supposed to do and it is worth the $20, we would really like to see a clamp version.  For anyone who is working on a ladder and needs some extra places to store stuff, the Ladder Hand is truly a cool invention and one that not only helps store things, but improves safety.  Check out the ladder hand and see what you think.

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