Hi Ray, Thanks. Lots of grate info here.
At 04:52 AM 5/16/2008, you wrote: >Hi Kevin > >I have posted this before but there is some good advice here so happy >reading. > >No thanks to that stubborn force of gravity, we earthlings are stuck on the >ground. This means that to reach a lot of overhead work, like window >cleaning, house painting, or roof and gutter repair, we need to drag out the >ladder. But these days, many ladders go far beyond just side rails and >rungs. Some models can be configured as a versatile workstation or >accessorized with tools to make the job easier. On my visit to the Hardware >Show last spring, I was struck by the numerous ladder designs, tool holders, >stabilizers and other innovations in the ladder market. This overlooked >staple of the garage deserves a little more attention, so here's a look at >some of the most interesting ladder products on the market. > >Telescoping Ladders > >Traditionally, homeowners use a stepladder for around-the-house jobs and an >extension ladder for roof work. Telescoping ladders present a single >solution for both jobs. > >The original telescoping ladder was invented in Europe and introduced to the >U.S. by a man named Hal Wing. He was impressed by the ladder's versatility, >which allowed it to take the place of several stand-alone ladders. "Thirty >years ago Hal Wing started selling telescoping ladders in the States, and >over time he added some key innovations that make the Little Giant what it >is today," says Mel Huffaker, national sales manager for Little Giant Ladder >Systems. > >Today, that original telescoping ladder has evolved into the Little Giant >Ladder. The Little Giant can replace five different size A-frame ladders, >nine different size extension ladders, two scaffolding trestles with five >heights, ten staircase ladders (for working on uneven surfaces, as shown in >the lead photo), and four 90-degree ladders (for getting close to walls). > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders3.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders3.gif >http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders2.gif > >The Little Giant can be folded down to 5' 7" or extended to 19 feet. Simply >lock the ladder frame into position with the heavy steel lock tabs. > >And, it's as strong as a bear. The Little Giant is made of heavy-wall >6005-T5 aluminum to be four to five times more durable than ordinary >ladders. The Little Giant Type 1A has a rated workload capacity of 300 >pounds, but according to Huffaker it has been tested to withstand four times >that amount without structural failure. "Little Giant goes the extra mile to >provide welded rungs for additional strength," says Huffaker. "Plus, this is >the only telescoping ladder that is manufactured in the USA." > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders4.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders4.gif > >The Little Giant can be separated into two A-frame scaffolding supports. > >Extreme How-To had the opportunity to test the company's Type 1A Model 22 >ladder (5-foot), and we have to admit-it really is all it's cracked up to >be. The ladder can be folded down to 5 feet, 7 inches, and extend up to 19 >feet. This is achieved in part by a hinge in the middle of the ladder, which >has positive stops when the ladder is straight (in extensions mode), when >the ladder is folded in half (for easy storage), and when the ladder is >angled like an A-frame. The hinges lock with two heavy 1/2-inch steel pins >for plenty of durability. However, aside from that center hinge, the ladder >also telescopes by allowing its two-part frame to slide for different ladder >heights. Simply stretch the frame longer or push it shorter, and lock it in >place with the steel lock tabs. These sliding frames move independently of >each other on either side of the center hinge. This means you can extend one >side of the A-frame at a different height than the other for working on >stairs or uneven ground. And, the frame even separates to be used as two >A-frame supports for scaffolding. > >I can see a ton of uses for the Little Giant, which would make a great >one-size-fits-all ladder for the professional or serious DIY'er. At only 42 >pounds, it's easy to transport and beats the heck out of storing multiple >ladders for different jobs. > ><<http://www.littlegiantladder.com/>http://www.littlegiantladder.com/> >http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/lilgiant10397710.gif > >After the success of the Little Giant, Werner has launched its own >multipurpose ladder called the 12-Step Telescoping Multiladder. And, to be >fair, the Werner edition owes a lot to the design of the Little Giant. >Available in four models from 13 to 26 feet, the Multiladder quickly >converts into a wide range of different working heights or positions. The >13-footer has 13 different heights or positions; the 26-footer has 37 >working positions. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders5.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders5.gif > >Werner offers a similar design with the Telescoping Multiladder. > >A unique spin on the telescoping concept comes from Telesteps. Muck like an >actual telescope, the side rails of the Telesteps ladders are constructed of >tubular aluminum that automatically lock in place at 1-foot increments, >providing multiple sizes in one small package. Telesteps is basically a >"ladder in a box" that combines strength with portability. The Telesteps >Model 1600W is rated at 300 pounds but weighs only 27 pounds and converts >from a 30-inch storage length to 12-1/2 feet when fully extended. Several >sizes and models are available, and each has a 12-month warranty. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders6.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders6.gif >http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders7.gif > >Telesteps offers a unique spin on the telescoping design with collapsible > >aluminum side rails. > >Project Ladders & Specialty Models > >One handy feature-wait . make that features-of many of today's stepladders >are the multi-faceted, built-in workstations that hold tools and materials >right at you fingertips. > >For example, the new 5-foot Signature Series from Cosco is a lightweight >aluminum ladder that offers a deep top-step platform for comfortable working >space. The ladder's large, self-folding working tray includes recessed areas >for paint cans and tools; a locking drawer with cover; drill holder; and a >paper towel holder. Plus, the ladder easily folds up with a simple >one-handed motion. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders8.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders8.gif > >The new Cosco Signature Series ladders feature large work trays and various >tool holders. > >Werner also has a line of project ladders with convenient top hand grips and >an oversized tool platform with multiple storage pockets. Both the Werner >and Cosco project ladders have non-marring, skid-resistant, feet to protect >floor surfaces and make great choices for light-duty DIY work in and around >the home. > >Werner also manufacturers the Equalizer. Offering a solution for ladder work >on uneven ground, the bottom of the ladder rails adjust in length with an >8-1/4-inch range. If the ground is lower on one side of the work site, just >extend the corresponding leg to level the ladder. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders9.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders9.gif > >Werner's Equalizer ladder can adjust for work on uneven ground. > >One new innovation from Werner is the company's telescoping ladder designed >specifically for attic access, dubbed the Televator. The ladder's >telescoping design makes it ideal for tight spaces, unlike the folding >sectional attic ladders of the past. The Televator is designed for >one-person installation for quick, hassle-free attic access, enabling >homeowners to use untapped storage space above closets, hallways and >garages. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/Ladders10.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/Ladders10.gif > >Werner's new Televator is designed specifically for attic access in confined >areas. > >Just in time for hunting season, Louisville Ladder has launched a new line >of camouflage ladders. Perfect for hunting and military enthusiasts, the >camouflage ladders will be available in a 6-foot stepladder and 16-foot >extension ladders. The fiberglass stepladders feature a molded top with tool >slots, slip-resistant feet and pinch-resistant spreader braces. Rated at >Type II means the stepladder safely supports the user and materials up to >225 pounds. The fiberglass extension, also rated at a Type II, features >Louisville's exclusive Quicklatch rung locks, D-shaped rungs and swiveling >safety shoes. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders14.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders14.gif > >Perfect for hunting and military enthusiasts, Louisville Ladder offers a new >line of camouflage ladders. > >Accessorize It > >You can enhance the versatility of your existing ladder by retrofitting it >with some workstation accessories similar to those mentioned above. For >instance, the HANDy Paint Pail serves double duty as a sturdy paint bucket >attachment or a tool basket. The unique fixed bracket on the pail secures to >most step and extension ladders and holds more than 1 gallon of any paint, >stain, liquid or solvent. A built-in paint grid is designed for use with >rollers up to 9 inches for large painting projects. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders15.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders15.gif > >The HANDy Paint Pail serves as a sturdy paint bucket attachment or a tool >basket. > >The EHT staff recently tested the new Professional Ladder Utility System >(PLUS), an innovative accessory kit containing a tool bucket, paint tray and >universal ladder mount, which position tools and equipment close at hand for >speedy completion of all sorts of home repairs. The PLUS system, from >Creative Sales Company, is designed to fit on step, multi-use and extension >ladders. The ladder mount secures the tool bucket, paint tray and a >universal tool holder at working level. It features a safety latch, safety >strap and leveling adjustment block. The PLUS kit is a handy upgrade for any >ladder. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders11.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders11.gif > >Accessorize your ladder with the Professional Ladder Utility System (PLUS). > >And, when it comes to ladder work, you can't overstate the importance of >ladder stability. It doesn't take a wise man to know that a shaky ladder can >lead to an accidental fall punctuated by a sudden bone-crunching thump. To >prevent this, many professionals use a ladder stabilizer, often called >"stand-offs." Several manufacturers offer ladder stabilizers, but the most >widely sold stand-off is called the Ladder-Max. The Ladder-Max attaches to >the top of a ladder for more positive contact with the wall it is leaning >against. It helps stabilize the ladder by preventing sideways movement. The >Ladder-Max clamps securely to the ladder by means of a large knurled nut, >and comes complete with a large work-tray area for holding paint, power >tools and more. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders12.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders12.gif > >Shown is the Ladder-Max stand-off, which stabilizes ladders > >by preventing sideways movement. > >Another take on stabilizing ladder attachments comes from Australia. I >learned of the Black Adda accessory at the 2007 Hardware Show. The product >is a ladder leveler that installs at the bottom of the ladder in minutes. It >is lightweight, rustproof and durable, and fits all aluminum and fiberglass >open-rung ladders. The Black Adda works by adjusting the length of the >ladder rails, just like Werner's Equalizer ladder. > ><http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders13.gif>http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/hotprod_images/ladders13.gif > >The Black Adda is an attachment that stabilizes ladders by adjusting the >length of their side rails. > >As you can see, in many cases, a ladder isn't just a ladder. These days you >can choose one that serves as versatile work station, or accessorize the >ladder you own to make your next job easier than ever. > >Side Note > >Ladders: Shopping and Safety > >Like a car, buying a ladder is an important investment. You want to ensure >it's a good fit for your lifestyle, it can handle the work demanded of it, >it's reliable and safe, and it comes with a good warranty. To help you crack >the code on ladder systems, here are a few tips from the experts at Cosco: > >. Take Measurements: Measure the height from the ground to your top support >point (where you hope to reach). Due to the angle of the ladder when it's in >working position, a 9-foot working height requires a 16-foot extension >ladder. A 9- to 13-foot height requires a 20-foot ladder, and a 13- to >17-foot height requires a 24-foot ladder. > >. Identify Duty Ratings: There are five ANSI duty ratings assigned to >ladders. Type 1AA accommodates up to 375 pounds; Type 1A, 300 pounds; Type >1, 250 pounds; Type 2, 225 pounds; and Type 3, 200 pounds. > >. Consider your Use: Common household chores, such as gutter cleanup, >painting and window washing, require a Type 3 (or light duty) rating. More >involved DIY projects, such as installing windows, hanging awnings or >replacing shutters, require a ladder rated medium- to heavy-duty (Types 2 >and 1, respectively). Types 1A and 1AA are typically reserved for heavier >work; roofing, construction, utility work, etc. > >. Choose your Finish: Most ladders you'll find at your local retailer are >aluminum-a lightweight choice suitable for most home uses. However, many >ladder manufacturers are now offering a fiberglass option. Like their >aluminum counterparts, these ladders are lightweight and durable-with the >added benefit of non-conducive side rails for those working around >electricity. > >. Select your 'Must Have' Features: Like your car, ladders come with a host >of extras: slip-resistant footing, tool slots, work tray, carry handles, >etc. Choose the options that make the most sense for you and your budget. >For example, if you like to paint, you may find a ladder with a recessed >area for paint cans and tools particularly useful. > >. Be Mindful of Ladder Safety: Read and follow all ladder labels and >instructions prior to use. Always keep your body between the side rails, >working with one hand while holding the ladder with the other. To maintain >balance, never push or pull on anything as this may cause the ladder to tip. >Use a line to haul essential items up the ladder; do not carry tools and >other paraphernalia while climbing. And never exceed the maximum load >capacity of your ladder. > >Ladder Supplies > >Black Adda > >www.blackadda.com.au ><<http://www.blackadda.com.au/>http://www.blackadda.com.au/> > >Cosco > >www.coscoproducts.com ><<http://www.coscoproducts.com/>http://www.coscoproducts.com/> > >Creative Sales Company > >www.creativesalescompany.com ><<http://www.creativesalescompany.com/>http://www.creativesalescompany.com/> > >Ladder-Max > >www.buyladder-max.com ><<http://www.buyladder-max.com/>http://www.buyladder-max.com/> > >Little Giant Ladder > >www.littlegiantladder.com ><<http://www.littlegiantladder.com/>http://www.littlegiantladder.com/> > >Louisville Ladder > >www.louisvilleladder.com ><<http://www.louisvilleladder.com/>http://www.louisvilleladder.com/> > >Telesteps > >www.rewci.com <<http://www.rewci.com/>http://www.rewci.com/> > >Werner > >www.wernerladder.com ><<http://www.wernerladder.com/>http://www.wernerladder.com/> > >From: ><mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com>[email protected] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >On Behalf Of Kevin Doucet >Sent: Friday, 16 May 2008 4:51 AM >To: <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com>[email protected] >Subject: [BlindHandyMan] buying extension ladder > > >Hi list, > >I want to get a ladder to help me with getting on top of my house. Don't >ask! >I might want an extension latter. Don't know what is the safest option. > >I know if I get an extension latter I want one which has stand-offs >so I don't crush my gutters. I was doing research on line and am now >confused. Some makes and models have bad reviews. Can you all direct >me to a good safe way of getting up to clean gutters and attach an antenna? > >I am open to sugestions. > >Thanks. > >Kevin Doucet ><mailto:contactme%40kevindoucet.com>[EMAIL PROTECTED] ><mailto:contactme%40kevindoucet.com> > >confuse as says > >Blind man with unmarked forehead has large belly! > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG. >Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1445 - Release Date: >5/15/2008 7:25 PM Thanks. Kevin Doucet [EMAIL PROTECTED] confuse as says Blind man with unmarked forehead has large belly!
