Hello all. New to the forum. I am working my way through the Internachi certifications. My question is pertaining to buying my first inspection ladder.
I’d like to buy my first non- step ladder.
What should my first inspection ladder be? Articulated or telescoping? What length?
The inspectors who I have had ride-alongs with seemed to use 15 ft telescoping… But some part of me feels that a multi-position would be more versatile? Would be using to access roof and attic openings… Further down the line I would consider taller ladders, etc.
The most versatile ladder that fits Telescoping and little giants are good options. Seems to me a little giant solves most issues if it fits. Or a telescoping and a 6ft A-frame. Don’t be cheap. You should expect years of good service and safety.
well that will certainly help with Your decision as You are limited , I always preferred step and extension ladders but then I always drove a truck when I was inspecting…others will have better opinions for ladders in small vehicles…
I would read this and make sure your ladder reaches to the heights you expect at a roof’s edge or to mount a roof (with a few rungs above the roof edge). You will need to know the deployed length of the ladder, (not always the same as advertised) You should be able to find that in the ladder specs section.
Edit: You can see that @mpictaggi uses a 26ft which is much larger than your 18ft. Something to talk about and maybe he will chime in.
I use a Werner ladder outside, has lasted about 15 years, I lube the articulating and moving parts every couple years and it still works like new. Little Giant is a good ladder as well but you’re paying for the name.
I use a 24’ extension ladder. It is more technique than strength. Mainly because I always drop the extension down before moving it.
I guess that does not really apply to little giants or telescoping ladders. Those suckers are heavy and awkward for me. I would definitely have to use a shorter one or look like a fool onsite. Or maybe I just need more practice.
Exactly Brian, because you have to get it fully extended and then lift it into place, where as with an extension ladder, you have it in place already and you just pull the rope to extend it up.
My fully extended 22 almost got away from me a couple of times and I’m a 6’4" healthy guy.
I have a 16’ extension ladder that I’ll be replacing soon with a 20’. Sometimes the 16 doesn’t quite make it. Then I have a 30’ for the occasional need. I use a Little Giant 6’ step ladder for attic access and it works great because I can open the hatch then flip up the smaller side and stick it up inside the hatch. It’s not an articulating one, technically.
I have the 22 feet gorilla ladder. It is sturdy built and much better than the werner ladders(I had one and I broke it lol), The latch/hinge mechanisms are also better. Only problem is the thing is heavy as hell and unwieldy to take out of my truck bed. If you have a ladder rack on your truck, I’d imagine it could possibly be even more of a pain. It will wear on your arms, shoulders, and joints taking it on and off the truck every day. Nowadays, I leave it in my truck bed for certain conditions and use an Xtend telescoping ladder, which is still heavy but more compact and versatile. You do not want to drag that gorilla ladder into the house and try to get into an attic with a scuttle hole, you will very likely damage something in the house(did I mention the beating on your body?).
If you want a long inspection life, stick with lighter telescoping or extension ladders. Wear arm, knee, body, and respirator protection in a crawlspace.
Telescoping and little giants are good options. Seems to me a little giant solves most issues if it fits. Or a telescoping and a 6ft A-frame. Don’t be cheap. You should expect years of good service and safety.
