Three-section ladder - a new solution to eternal problems

Renovation in an apartment, washing windows, revision and reconstruction of a roof in a private house, picking fruits from trees - this is not a complete list of works for which stairs are needed. Well, if you have a reliable stepladder, for example, a three-section ladder, then this is not a problem at all. Otherwise, we recommend purchasing it.

Not advertising, but objective reality

The purpose of the material is not to create advertising, but to try to understand what the market now offers, and why these products are better than an ordinary wooden sister or an aluminum step-ladder.

For your information! Of course, for residents of apartments with a stationary ceiling height, a staircase may not be needed, since there is a universal kitchen table, but for the private sector and summer residents it is still needed.

So, what are the basic requirements for stairs:

• Reliability and sustainability. The safety of work at height depends on these two factors. Reliability can be provided by wood or metal in the structure.

Stability is a more capacious concept, as it involves an increase in the base area, which is found only in modern staircase models. In old ladders, homemade counterparts and step-ladders, the area of ​​the supports was limited to the area of ​​the uprights of the ladder itself;

• Light weight and considerable length. Of course, it is difficult for the imagination to draw these two completely incompatible characteristics. How light can be, for example, an 8-9 meter iron or wooden staircase, it will naturally have a heavy weight and difficulty in setting it up.

• But modern three-section ladders use aluminum and alloys with its participation, which significantly lightens the weight, and the transformer model allows you not only to fold the stairs to a minimum size, but also to lay out it even in a place with limited access (meaning if there are suitable wires and tree branches);
• Possibility of a stable position at the top points. This idea was first implemented in step ladders, when a special platform was located at the top point. A similar solution exists in modern transformers.

The sliding three-section ladder is equipped with a special stand for tighter placement of the foot, installation of paint cans or a box with tools. In addition, the steps of such a product have a relief surface. This is a safety element, the foot does not slip.

What we have at the exit

Having gone through all of the above points, I would like to immediately note that ordinary stepladders and homemade supports will have the following disadvantages:

• Relatively small size with high weight;
• Low stability on difficult surfaces;
• The need to care for such products: in the manufacture of stairs made of wood, periodic processing from rot and staining; in the presence of metal - anti-corrosion treatment and preferably the same painting.

The three-section step ladder is free from these disadvantages. Judge for yourself:

• Let's start with the ratio of weight to length, it is clear that each product will have its own characteristics, but a ladder of 3.4 meters will weigh a little less than 8 kg, and a ladder with a height of a little less than 11 m will weigh about 27.5 kg;
• The stability of the transformer is much higher due to the so-called traverse - a cross bar, which is "shod" with additional shoes - replaceable relief supports with an anti-slip effect;
• All sections are tightly fixed with special brackets and other attributes of the fastening system;
• Anodized aluminum is used in the manufacture of these products.

Interesting to know! By itself, aluminum is a rather soft and malleable metal, which leads to a low weight of products made from it. However, mechanical stress and aggression of atmospheric influences can lead to deterioration and premature wear. Anodizing is a type of chemical attack that forms a coating on the metal surface that protects against rust and other external influences.

And now a few words about the negative qualities of the products:

• Three-section step ladders can bend under body weight, although they can withstand 150 kg. This is due to a fairly long arrow of the ladder, and its disadvantage can be called conditionally;
• The price of the product will, of course, be higher than that of ordinary ladders, but it will work out its price in full.

Not in a uniform position is used

And there is nothing surprising here, because a transformer. The three-section universal ladder can combine the functions of both a conventional extension ladder and a stepladder, it is used in the following positions:

• Two-section hut. In this case, the upper section is set aside as one support of the hut, and the two lower ones do not unfold, but are exposed as the second support of the hut. This ladder is convenient for work at a low height of 2.5 m and more, depending on the type of ladder used;

Note! Ladders 6 - 7 steps are considered household, 8 and more - professional.

• Two sections form a hut, and the third extends to the maximum height (with two sectional opening). This position is considered the most stable. Firstly, the hut itself is quite stable, and secondly, the upper section can also be resting against the wall;
• Staircase extended to the maximum. Here, all three sections work and, although the maximum extension is calculated at 11 meters, a three-section staircase of 12 meters will calmly allow you to reach.

For your information! Any instruction on the use of transformer ladders will increase the height of the work by 1 meter, since the safe location of the employee and his height are taken into account.

• The fourth option is more likely to be of practical importance., but for the sake of objectivity requires lighting. The upper section can be easily removed with your own hands and can be used as a regular ladder.

General recommendations for use

The main purpose of any staircase is construction and repair work, much less often these products are used in the garden or for washing windows, signage and other outdoor work. Construction three-section ladder is still an object of increased danger, so the rules below can be very helpful.

So:

• If you do not do horsework professionally, then you do not need a ladder that is too high, remember about the rules of size plus 1 meter;
• Each use of the ladder must be preceded by a complete check of the strength of the fasteners, a loosely fixed part can cause injury in everyday life, which is painful, unpleasant and expensive;
• When installing the ladder, make sure that both the upper and lower supports are installed tightly enough and do not "play", if necessary, rearrange the ladder, find a stable position for it;
• Pay particular attention to the slope of the entire structure. With a small slope, the ladder can fold, with too much, it will tip over;
• Requirements for a ladder worker. Although the structure itself can easily withstand up to 150 kg and even more, it is not recommended to overload it. And individual requirements for shoes. Despite the fact that the steps of the stairs have a relief surface, it is better to wear shoes with a clean and non-slippery sole.

For your information! These recommendations are not the discovery of a new continent and are equally suitable for work on any staircase and any work at height.

Finally