Fiberglass extension ladder...
- Thread starter matt123
- Start date
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kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
What have you been using?
Brand is not as important as selecting a good rating. I wouldn't go with anything rated less than 300 lbs.
Volta
Senior Member
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
If I was only going to have one I would go with a 24'. Tall enough for most things, easier to wield than a 28'.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
I have a 20 and a 28. The 20 gets used most of the time. The 28 is too heavy to lug around if most of the length isn't going to be needed.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
How long was the old business one, and how well did it work out on average??
My point here is experience should tell you what length would work best for you,
PetrosA
Senior Member
- Location
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
I bought a 28' for my first ladder since it would cover the 24' range and almost up to the 32' range and that flexibility has paid off a number of times. A downside is that if you need it inside a house or other structure, it may be too long even when closed. That being said, I think a 24' is also an ideal length. I'm not the smallest guy, but a 32' is hard for me to maneuver by myself, so I don't plan on getting one anytime soon. I could see getting a 16' or 20' at some point for situations where a 24' or 28' is too large.
As far as brands - I have a Louisville which tend to run a little cheaper than Werner. Some Werner models are nice in that they have the rungs covered (inside the rails) and don't whistle as you're driving. I solved that by spraying foam into the rungs and shaving it flat after it hardened. Those Werners are considerably more expensive and heavier than other ladders.
As far as brands - I have a Louisville which tend to run a little cheaper than Werner. Some Werner models are nice in that they have the rungs covered (inside the rails) and don't whistle as you're driving. I solved that by spraying foam into the rungs and shaving it flat after it hardened. Those Werners are considerably more expensive and heavier than other ladders.
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
No matter what you get you will no doubt find some situation you end up in where it is not ideal or just won't work.
The longer the ladder is the harder it is to maneuver. Not a big deal outside, but inside it can be a real problem.
The longer the ladder is the harder it is to maneuver. Not a big deal outside, but inside it can be a real problem.
- Location
- Massachusetts
I just changed from a 24 to a 28 but I work in big box stores all the time and the 24 was just a bit short to safely reach things up on the trusses.
growler
Senior Member
- Location
- Atlanta,GA
Either a 24' or 28' is a good size to keep on the van but I prefer a 24" for everyday use. If I have to go any higher than that there is going to be an extra charge anyway.
I don't think it's practical too haul around a very big ladder all the time. If you know you are going to be dealing with flood lights you can ask about height before going on the call.
junkhound
Senior Member
- Location
- Renton, WA
- Occupation
- EE, power electronics specialty
Sooner or later you will have 5 or 6 ladders, as no one size is best.
I weigh over 200# but use a 200# rated lightweight 16 foot ladder for short stuff, taller you do need 300# or higher rating just for stability.
Too big is a bad as too small. Have inadvertently broken windows moving a too tall ladder into position - not too bad if on your own house, pretty pricey mistake if on a customer house.
My grandfather died from a ladder fall, so I am very careful with ladders.
You can find some good deals on good sturdy ladders on CL and other classified venues. Unless you work a lot of live circuits, you do not need all sizes to be fiberglass.
I weigh over 200# but use a 200# rated lightweight 16 foot ladder for short stuff, taller you do need 300# or higher rating just for stability.
Too big is a bad as too small. Have inadvertently broken windows moving a too tall ladder into position - not too bad if on your own house, pretty pricey mistake if on a customer house.
My grandfather died from a ladder fall, so I am very careful with ladders.
You can find some good deals on good sturdy ladders on CL and other classified venues. Unless you work a lot of live circuits, you do not need all sizes to be fiberglass.
readydave8
re member
- Location
- Clarkesville, Georgia
- Occupation
- electrician
Heavy and expensive 28' fiberglass for when I need it, cheap and light 20' aluminum for when I don't.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
That is because a man lift costs more than a ladder:happyyes:
I have a 16' and 24' Extension. I had a 24' Werner that my dad gave me, but an employee lost it going down the road. I HATED that ladder....weighed about as much as I did. I only buy Louisville ladders. Both of 300Lb "Orange" Extension ladders I could probably hold up above my head with one arm, and Im no buff guy either. 4 years into my business I own a 4' , (2) 6', 8' 10' step ladders, a 12' single ladder (like 1/2 of an extension ladder-love that thing) plus the 16' and 24' Ext ladders. All orange, and all Louisville. Not to mention the 34' Bucket Truck 
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
- Location
- Massachusetts
I hate aluminum ladders and lucky for me the two companies I have worked at since 1997 do not allow them for anything.
- Occupation
- Licensed Electrician
Why? They are lighter and age well.
We have a 28' fibreglass ladder and I hate it. It is so heavy it wears me out just setting it up; and after using it I go home with road rash up and down my arms from the stray fibres that find their way into my skin. The corresponding aluminium ladder doesn't.
- Location
- Massachusetts
The top four reasons I hate aluminum ladders.
1) Conductive
2) OSHA issue in many cases*
3) Flimsey
4) The ladder of choice for drunken painters. I don't want to be mistaken for one.
And seriously if your fiberglass ladder is giving splinters you should toss it out or see if it is a canadate for refinishing.
*
1) Conductive
2) OSHA issue in many cases*
3) Flimsey
4) The ladder of choice for drunken painters. I don't want to be mistaken for one.
And seriously if your fiberglass ladder is giving splinters you should toss it out or see if it is a canadate for refinishing.
*
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- Location
- Massachusetts
readydave8
re member
- Location
- Clarkesville, Georgia
- Occupation
- electrician
As to Aluminum I guess I use it to get on relatively low roof or to hang floodlite, anything serious I like my fiberglas better.
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