Ladder Features
An important consideration when selling a ladder is its construction.
• Wood ladders are non-conductive when clean and dry, but heavy.
• Fiberglass ladders offer a favorable blend of the more desirable qualities of wood and aluminum. It’s non-conductive (like dry, clean wood) but made of sturdy modern materials (like aluminum). If you are planning to use the ladder in a variety of circumstances, a fiberglass ladder is the best choice.
• Aluminum ladders are lightweight, provide excellent strength and offer reliable performance. Aluminum ladders are corrosion-resistant and require little if any maintenance. They conduct electricity, however, so they should never be used when working near electrical lines.
Step Ladder
• A self-supporting device used for climbing that consists of two rectangular frames
hinged at the top with one side containing the rungs for climbing.
• Non-adjustable in length and folds closed for storage.
• Available in increments from 2’ to 12’ in height.
• Steps are flat and riveted and are generally 3” or more in width.
• Most models include a plastic platform on top for storing tools or loose fasteners.
Extension Ladder
• Use for working in high areas and primarily for exterior applications.
• A non-self-supporting type of ladder with two similar sections that are linked with inter- nal guides on the bottom of base section and external guides on the top.
• Sections are pulled apart to increase length.
• Available in heights ranging from 12’ to 40’.
• Smaller extension ladders are extended manually and secured with gravity spring lock brackets
• that rest on the selected rung.
• Larger extension ladders are extended by means of a rope and pulley running down the
side of the ladder.
• Rungs can be round or flat and are usually serrated for enhanced slip resistance.
• Ladder shoes pivot to allow full contact with ground. Shoes can also be turned up to
penetrate soft ground for extra stability.
Platform Ladder
• A type of aluminum stepladder with three steps for ordinary household climbing tasks.
• Some models feature extra wide non-slip treads for comfort during long periods of use.
• Common step heights include 10”, 20” and 30”.
• Most have a 200 lb. duty rating.
• Most have a platform above the steps for resting tools and materials and a high handrail.
• Folds easily for convenient storage.
Attic Ladder
• Folding ladder that pulls down from attic access hole to permit entry.
• Three sections unfold to rest on floor, and then fold back up to store on top of pull-down
access door.
• Generally made of wood or aluminum. 90° wrap-around hinges allow legs to completely
fold up when not in use.
• Different models accommodate different floor-to-ceiling height ranges.
• Steps are usually double riveted for extra durability.
• Generally rated either at 250 lbs. or 300 lbs.
Articulated Ladder
• Also called a combination ladder.
• 3-position, multi-lock hinges offer many different arrangements and combinations to become a step ladder, an extension ladder, a stairway ladder (modified step ladder) or a scaffold.
• No tools needed for conversion between ladder types.
• Most models extend between 12’ and 16’ and carry either a 225 lb. or a 250 lb. duty rating.
Work Platform
• Provides an ideal platform for painting or a variety of chores where you need some extra height as well as mobility.
• Folds for easy storage.
Ladder Accessories
Ladder Mitts
• Attach to the top rails of extension ladders to prevent marring of the surface the ladder is
leaning on.
• Generally made of tear-resistant and weather resistant urethane foam.
Ladder Tool Holders
• Tool holder that drapes on both sides of the top of step ladders.
• Contain separate pockets to hold different hand tools and fasteners.
• One pocket generally snaps off to enable it to be used with extension ladders.
Paint Pail Shelf
• Attaches to step ladders to provide a tray for paint cans.
• Generally constructed of a molded plastic shelf with aluminum arms.
• Some models automatically close when step ladder is folded for storage.
• Usually contains a built-in rag rack.
Ladder Paint Tray
• Similar to paint tray for step ladders but designed for extension ladders.
• Can fit on aluminum or fiberglass extension ladders with round or flat rungs.
Ladder Levelers
• Can be mounted to one or both legs of a ladder to allow it to remain level on uneven surfaces.
• Consists of two swivel shoes that adjust between 3-1/2” and 8-1/2” (depending on the model) so that one leg can stand on the ground and one can stand on an elevated surface, such as a step.
Ladder Stabilizer
• Attaches near the top of extension ladders to help stabilize the ladder and make it safer to use.
• Most models provide a wider or more stable base and protective rubber end cap to pro- tect the work surface.
• Can be used on both aluminum and fiberglass extension ladders and even articulated
ladders to hold ladder 10” away from the wall.
• Some models include spring loaded locking latch for quick installation and removal.
• Commonly used to span second story windows to center ladder when working on windows. Some models span double windows.
• Some models also designed for use on corners.
Ladder Hook
• One end hooks over the ridge of the roof to prevent the ladder from slipping, while the other end fits between the top two ladder rungs.
Ladder Jacks
• Convert a pair of extension ladders into a working platform.
• Ladder jacks can accommodate 12”, 14” and 20” wide planks, depending on the model,and can be attached to either 2 or 3 rungs.
• Clamp secures platform to ladder jacks and ties supporting ladders together to help secure entire ladder jack system.
• Can be mounted to either side of an extension ladder.
