Telescoping Ladders

Telescoping ladders are a special type of extension ladder that consists of short lengths of concentric tubing that can be slid inside each other for easy and compact storage. Ladders are useful in a myriad of places even though they are clumsy difficult items to store and carry. Since the traditional extension ladder is always going to be at least 8 feet long, it makes it difficult and clumsy to use indoors. They can also be too tall for some jobs and will extend past the work height. Telescoping ladders are an innovative solution. Because they open and lock by the foot, you only need to open as many steps as you need. This makes it deal for inside work or working outdoors. Out of the box, these ladders can be stored anywhere, but you won't believe your eyes once it extends to 12-1/2 feet from its closed height of 30 inches. Telescoping ladders can be used as a step ladder and are a great ladder for builders, remodelers and painters.

Selecting a Ladder

Selecting the right ladder for your job involves four things: choosing the style, height, load capacity, material of construction and versatility.

Style
When it comes to choosing the right style of ladder, there are about as many styles as there are applications. Designed for a particular application, a style of ladder is chosen to ensure the highest safety and productivity. Most people are aware of the step and extension ladders. Other less known styles include the platform, telescoping and tripod ladders.

Height
Choosing the right height of ladder depends on what you might use it for and what style it is. Extension ladders, for instance, should at least be 7 to 10 feet longer than the highest point of contact between the ladder and whatever it is leaning against, i.e., wall or roof. This will allow enough length for proper setup, overlap of ladder sections, height restrictions of the highest standing level, and where appropriate, the extension of the ladder above the roof line. The highest standing level is four rungs down from the top. The highest permitted standing level on a stepladder is two steps down from the top. Any higher is not safe. A person's maximum safe reaching height is approximately 4 feet higher than the height of the ladder. For example, a typical person can safely reach an 8 foot ceiling on a 4 foot ladder.

Load Capacity
Ladders are typically designed to hold a specific amount of weight. Ladders are usually rated in terms of the maximum amount of weight that it can handle. In fact some ladder manufacturers rate their ladders in terms of how much weight a single rung on the ladder can bear. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that a ladder's load capacity is greater than a person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of any tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder. Ladders are also designed to handle the demands of various applications. For example, a ladder used frequently on a construction site should be stronger and have a corresponding higher load capacity than a ladder used by a lighter person in a warehouse.

Material
There are really only two ladder materials to choose between: fiberglass and aluminum. Each material has characteristics which make it best for certain applications, or one material may simply fit the personal preferences of the user. Both materials are light making it easy to carry or move a ladder around. Fiberglass ladders are usually recommended if there is a remote chance that you will be working with electrical wires, or in a hostile environment such as exposure to certain chemicals.

Versatility
Its hard to go wrong with a ladder that can be used for a variety of applications. Versatility, therefore, has to be something to look for in a ladder. Some of the most popular brand name ladders include Werner, Little Giant and Cotterman. The Little Giant Ladder Systems are safe and extremely strong. Made from 6005-T5 aluminum, the same material used in aerospace construction, their ladders are super strong. Its their versatility, however, that is a real selling point. Capable of many different configurations, a single ladder combines 24 different ladders into one convenient system.

Ladder Accessories

Ladder Stabilizers: help to steady your ladder in those awkward locations.
Ladder Platforms: fits on top ladder rung for supporting anything from paint to people.
Ladder Leg Levelers: helps to balance uneven legs.