Tips for choosing an aluminum ladder

Criterias of choice

Manufacturers of step-ladders indicate in the brochures the main parameters that the buyer can be guided by when choosing a device.

Dimensions and height

How to determine the required step ladder height? Too tall or too small will be inconvenient to work with. The dimensions of the stairs are selected depending on the height of the ceilings in the house / apartment

The main indicator that you should pay attention to is the working height of the ladder

It is defined as the sum of two values: RV = RVP + RF, where:

• РВ - working height;
• RVP - height from the floor to the top of the stairs;
• RF - the height of a person in full growth with a hand raised up (is a constant value equal to 2 meters).

Thus, if a working height of 3 meters is indicated in the instructions for the ladder, then the maximum rise above the floor level (RVP) is 1 meter.

By RVP (size), devices can be divided into 3 types:

1. The distance from the floor is up to 0.6 meters. Products are convenient for painting. The stairs are of a stool construction, with 2-3 steps and a wide upper platform.
2. Distance - 0.6 to 1.5 meters. Stepladders for interior decoration and renovation.
3. Distance from 1.5 to 1.8 meters / 1.8 - 2.5 meters. Ladders for outdoor use are not folding / folding.

People whose height is less than 170 centimeters should take this into account when choosing a stepladder. In order to be able to safely reach the ceiling, it is necessary to have a stock of 30-40 centimeters for the RVP.

Manufacturing material

In the production of ladders, steel, metal alloys, plastic, wood are used. The materials have been tested in practice, which makes it possible to choose the appropriate option. Wooden stepladders are made according to individual orders. Due to the original design and texture, the products are also used as part of the home interior. Low devices, 2-3 steps, are disguised as high stools, stands. In terms of durability, they are not inferior to metal ones if they are used inside an apartment.

Ladders made of aluminum alloys, duralumin, silumin are the most popular home ladders. The advantages of such products are low weight, no corrosion, and ease of repair. Insufficient strength of the material is compensated by the thickening of the steps and bowstring. Nodal connecting elements, corners are made of steel or stainless steel. The size of plastic ladder stools does not exceed 0.7 meters. Lightweight products are used for painting.

Technical specifications

In addition to the working height in the advertising application, indicate:

• the width of the foot bar;
• the distance between the crossbeams in height (step height);
• section width.

Comfortable and safe when working on a stepladder are considered to be steps wider than 12 centimeters, a step - up to 20 centimeters, a platform width - at least 35 centimeters, a frame width - more than half a meter.

Additional design features

A sliding ladder can be:

• in the form of a stand with 2-4 steps (on one or both sides), without an upper limiter;
• with a safety arc at a device height of 0.7 meters and above;
• combined (ladder-scaffold, with a retractable section).

Changes in the design are designed to solve specific problems, the main goal of which is convenience and safety in work.

Optional items

Ladders can be equipped with additional equipment to make their use more reliable and comfortable. Rubber heel pads are installed on the legs of metal products, which exclude slippage after installation on the floor. The metal steps have a rubber / rubber-plastic / plastic anti-slip coating.Stands, hooks or loops for the tool are installed on the safety bow.

Materials and additional components

Increased safety design

For construction with a working height of 6 meters or more, aluminum is the optimum material. Ladders can withstand a decent load (about 150 kg), but they remain quite mobile. Wooden and steel with such dimensions, it becomes problematic to budge alone.

You can expand the functionality of the equipment with the help of various auxiliary elements, such as:

• Rubber pads. Self-adhesive surfaces are suitable for covering steps or reinforcement. They significantly reduce the risk of slipping and impart dielectric properties to the supports.
• Additional sections. For most ladder models, you can increase the working height by attaching a few more steps.
• Safety supports. Usually not included in the standard package, but can be purchased separately. Legs increase stability by eliminating staggering.

Components can significantly increase the price of products. Most of them are easier to do it yourself or buy separately.

Best one-way stepladders

These are classic stairs with a support, which on average have from 5 to 12 steps. Usually this element is quite wide and comfortable for placing feet, and there are often platforms on top for placing instruments. We looked at the 6 most interesting options and selected the 2 best models based on efficiency, ease of use and versatility.

Nika CM6

Stepladder "Nika CM6" is the best in the rating in terms of price-quality ratio. It is made of high-strength steel that can easily withstand prolonged exposure to high humidity. Compared to ladders, this model has very large, wide and comfortable steps for a comfortable fixation of the legs. This also ensures the safety of use of the structure. At the top, it has a spacious tool platform and a handle that you can hold on to if needed. Its stability is given by a strong base with crossbeams.

Advantages:

• Withstands up to 120 kg of weight;
• Platform height - 1.2 m;
• Number of steps - 6 pcs.;
• Working height - 3.6 m;
• The surface is not slippery due to the plastic inserts in the supports;
• Reliable locking mechanism.

Disadvantages:

Profile thickness - 1 mm.

Stepladder Nika CM6 is very convenient when installing stretch ceilings or pasting walls with wallpaper. It can also be used in the garden for harvesting.

Krause Stabilo 124524

This model can be called professional, it is suitable for use on construction sites, although it will not be superfluous in the house. The product is made of aluminum and has a strong flared connection of the steps with the sidewalls, which ensures the long-term use of the structure. Additional reinforcement of the frame in places of increased load also contributes to this. The bolts have anti-slip support plugs, and the metal hinges can hold the straps for safer work.

Advantages:

• Deep and spacious tool tray;
• Quality seams;
• Stability on the surface;
• Withstands up to 150 kg of weight;
• Consists of 5 steps located at a convenient distance from each other;
• Weighs 7 kg.

Disadvantages:

• Maximum height - 1.2 m;
• The price is above average.

Varieties and tips for choosing

By design features, three-section step ladders are:

• three-knee sliding;
• retractable lifting;
• folding;
• attached sliding;
• knee;
• universal folding with hooks;
• reinforced professional.

In fact, the third section serves as an additional link designed to improve the functionality of the structure.

The stepladder deserves special attention. There should be a platform on it. This type of ladder is simple and convenient. Its compact size makes it easy to transport to the job site.The main material for manufacturing is aluminum. Products from it are lightweight, reliable. Three more types of materials are used for the production of stairs:

1. Steel structures (cheap but also heavy).
2. PVC stairs (lightweight, comfortable).
3. Steel structures with aluminum steps.

For greater reliability of the stairs, spacers or lance tips are used.

A wide range of lifting structures from foreign and domestic manufacturers is presented on the market. Among them, the products of the Efel and Krause companies are especially popular. The products of these brands are distinguished by the quality of materials and reliability in work.

In addition to them, good ladders are also produced by other companies, namely:

1. "LRTP".
2. "TTX".
3. "Granite".
4. Sibrtech.
5. "Vira".
6. "KRW".
7. "Krosper".
8. "Svelt".
9. "DWG".

What should you look for when buying a lifting structure? Presentation is not the main thing. The following indicators should be decisive:

• required height;
• material of manufacture;
• ease of carrying, storage, transportation;
• slip resistance;
• reliability of fastening of structural elements;
• availability of the necessary accessories.

If funds allow, it is better to purchase an aluminum step ladder. No other material can match it. Storage conditions should also be considered. Steel stairs will rust quickly in humid conditions.

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Professional and household models

Now let's start choosing a suitable transforming ladder

The first step is to decide for what purposes it is needed: professional or economic (household). Professional models are much more expensive and hardly need to overpay for them if they are used infrequently, not intensively and only for light work.

Here are a few signs by which it is easy to distinguish a professional model from a household one:

1. Price. As is the case with any other professional and household equipment, it is better to compare prices within the products of one brand (brands will be discussed a little below). It is likely that a "professional" Chinese transforming staircase will cost less than a "household" European or American one.
2. Materials. Professional models are often made of steel, fiberglass, or a combination of steel and aluminum.
3. Maximum permissible stage load. For professional models, it should not be less than 150 kg. For household models, a value of 100-150 kg is allowed.
4. Profile wall thickness. For metal models, the thickness of the steps should be 1 mm for steel and 1.5 mm for aluminum.
5. Functionality and equipment. The functionality of professional hinged ladders is often extended with additional accessories that expand the possibilities of working at height: bucket hooks, organizers and tool holders, painting trays, etc. Solid metal decks, removable work platforms and shelves can be supplied as standard.
6. Number of steps and length when unfolded. As a rule, the number of steps in professional models is higher than four in one section. The length of a fully expanded staircase sometimes reaches 7–8 m. For domestic purposes, a length of up to 4–6 m is sufficient.
7. Elements of connections. Professional “transformers” use forged elements, while household ones use stamped ones.

Indirect signs of the professional purpose of the articulated ladder may be the inscriptions “heavy duty” and “professional”, however, you should not strongly believe them, because this may be a marketing ploy. This is especially true for the products of little-known Chinese brands.

Criterias of choice

In order for the transforming staircase to fully meet your needs, last a long time and be safe, the following criteria should be taken into account:

• the expected load (taking into account the weight of the working person, tools and materials);
• operating conditions (indoor or outdoor, on what surfaces, etc.);
• the maximum height of the work;
• dimensions in various positions;
• required number of sections;
• number of steps;
• the distance between the steps (sometimes it is selected taking into account the anatomical features of the operator);
• own weight of the ladder-transformer;
• material of manufacture.

Estimated load

It is important to answer the questions: “Do you need to work for one person or for several? What tools and materials will they use? " At the same time, you should be aware that in addition to the permissible load per step, the product passport often indicates the load on the entire structure, which can be several times higher

Load on the ladder-transformer

Operating conditions

For working outdoors and in wet rooms, it is better to choose stairs made of fiberglass or stainless steel, in extreme cases - aluminum. Galvanized steel models will quickly become unusable. When working with electricity, fiberglass models are the best choice. Unfortunately, they are rare for "transformers".

Maximum height of work

The length of the ladder must be sufficient for efficient and safe work. To correctly determine the working (achievable) height, it is necessary to take into account the angles of inclination, the average height of a person and the fact that you cannot stand on the last two steps. Practice shows that usually the working height is 1–1.1 m higher than the ladder height.

Usually manufacturers indicate the height for each configuration (see table).

Work height for different configurations

Dimensions in various positions

It is worth remembering that not every transforming staircase is suitable for use in a tight space or in a room with a low ceiling. For transportation, you need to know the folded length - as a rule, it is equal to the length of one section.

Required number of sections and steps

The more the number of sections, the more applications. For example, 4-section models are transformed into 6 configurations. For 2-section models, only 3 configurations are possible: a double-sided step ladder and a short or long extension ladder.

The more steps, the stiffer and stronger, but also the heavier the structure.

The optimal distance from one step to another is 25-28 cm

Self-weight of the ladder

Professional installers, builders and finishers rarely work alone, and if they do, they are usually in good physical shape. Therefore, for professional models, weight is not so important. However, the smaller it is, the better it is for operability and performance. For household purposes, it is better to buy lightweight aluminum models that older people, adolescents and weak women can handle.

Manufacturing materials

The steel has high structural strength and load-bearing capacity. Aluminum alloy is less durable, but up to 3 times lighter than steel, but the walls of the aluminum profile must be made at least 1.5 times thicker, so aluminum ladders are only up to 2 times lighter than steel ones.

Aluminum ladders are two times lighter than steel ones

Fiberglass (fiberglass) is the most technologically advanced and perfect material. It is as strong as steel and light as aluminum, and yet it has dielectric properties. The disadvantages of fiberglass stairs lie in the limited choice of models and high cost.

Dry and clean wood is durable and does not conduct electricity, but it is difficult to make a high-quality hinged ladder, which is why such models are rare. In addition, they need constant care so that they do not become damp or deformed.

The best side ladders

These ladders resemble an ordinary ladder that can be installed against the wall at different angles. They are usually used to clean windows and carry out minor repairs at a height of up to 3-5 m.They are made of steel or aluminum, and this category includes the top 3 models of this type.

Eiffel Granite

Such a ladder is designed to perform short-term work at a height of up to 3.5 m. The design has proven itself well both in production and in households. The product has 7 steps located at a convenient distance from each other for the user. They have a stable surface on which the feet do not slip, which reduces the likelihood of falling. Also, its corrugation is very useful here, which eliminates the risk of slipping legs. The product is made of an aluminum profile that lasts a very long time and is resistant to corrosion. Its width is optimal - 34 cm, there is room for "maneuvers".

Advantages:

• Rolling of the steps into the guides;
• Weight is only 3.36 kg;
• Thick profile;
• Withstands weight up to 150 kg;
• Compactness;
• Can be installed at any angle of inclination.

Disadvantages:

• Does not stack;
• No stabilizers included.

New height

This ladder is as simple as possible in execution and use. It consists of one section, so it does not take up much space in the room. With a length of 3.15 m, the working height is more than 4 m, which allows it to be successfully used for repair work. Thanks to its strong frame, the product can withstand people weighing up to 150 kg. The structure consists of 12 steps spaced 26 cm apart. Thanks to this, it is much easier to use, which is also facilitated by the low weight of the product at 4.4 kg.

Advantages:

• Thick profile;
• Materials do not rust in high humidity conditions;
• Good stability;
• 3-year warranty;
• Corrugation on the steps;
• Easily becomes at any angle.

Disadvantages:

• Rounded steps;
• With a large foot on the platform, there may not be enough space for it.

Ladder "New height" is not suitable for applications away from walls, for example, when a lamp needs to be replaced

In this case, you should pay attention to the stepladder with support from our rating

Alumet P1 9110

It is a good choice for work in the garden and construction sites, as well as in the home. It has a compact size and does not take up much space in the room. The width of the structure is 42 cm, the height is 2.97 m. The product is equipped with 12 steps, which, like the frame, are made of corrosion-resistant aluminum. Due to its low weight of 6.5 kg, it is easy to carry it even in one hand, including a woman. Anti-slip foot protection ensures safe ascent and descent, but it is best not to use it in wet shoes.

Advantages:

• Compact for storage;
• Lightweight crossbars;
• During the ascent and descent, it is convenient to hold on to the profile with your hands;
• The palms do not slide on the surface;
• Strong, high quality connections.

Disadvantages:

The price is above average.

The Alumet P1 9110 structure in the ladder rating is distinguished by a long service life and good stability on the surface, but it is still not recommended to install it in sand and other loose types of soil.

What it is?

The transforming staircase combines several types of staircase modifications at once: a stepladder, a ladder, U-shaped and conical structures. This becomes possible due to the fact that such ladders consist of a series of small ladders, which are also called sections, and hinges that hold them together. As a result, such models are easy to assemble and disassemble. Such ladders are used in cases where there is a need to perform various types of chores and rise to a certain height. They are used in everyday life and in industrial enterprises. The first case can be attributed to their use in repair and garden work, and to the second - for finishing manipulations at a height.

A transforming staircase has many properties and is widely used, which we will discuss in more detail below.Such constructions are an indispensable tool for a number of such professions as a worker for the repair of various devices and equipment, communication systems, a cable installer, a specialist in installing a pipeline or various furniture racks. Often, such stairs can be found in large libraries, warehouses, large grocery stores, exhibitions and other collection halls. Transformers are also convenient in that they allow you to use a certain part of your length, depending on what height you need to climb.

Selection Tips

When selecting a transformer step-ladder, take into account the length of the structure when unfolded, its working height and dimensions when folded:

• the total length consists of the sum of the lengths of all sections;
• working height - the height comfortable for the user's actions (approximately - at the shoulder level of the person standing on the top step).

Its weight directly depends on the length of the product. The largest household transforming stairs weigh no more than 20 kilograms, and models for 2-4 steps in a section weigh only 10-15 kilograms. The maximum ladder load is indicated in the technical documentation. For high quality models 4x4 or 4x5 (if the platform steps are taken into account), it is 150 kilograms.

When choosing transformer ladders for work at height, safety is the most important factor. It is advisable to check the quality of the weld, the reliability of rivets or bolted joints, the mobility and strength of fixation of the hinge locks. The surface of the steps should be grooved to prevent the sole from slipping.

The quality mark of the product can be considered the presence of the European standard mark:

• for industrial step-ladders-transformers - Class I (allows a maximum static vertical load of 175 kilograms);
• for commercial models - Class EN131 (with a load up to 150 kilograms).

There is also a Class III marking for household products that can withstand 125 kilograms of weight, however, experts, for reasons of reliability and safety, advise even for household or garden work to purchase stairs with a class of at least EN131.

When choosing a transformer step-ladder, you should also pay attention to the popularity of the brand and the warranty period that the manufacturer gives for its products (for well-known companies it is at least a year). Share link:

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Constructions

Construction types can be combined depending on the model.

Single sided step ladder

This type of construction is typical for stepladders. It is also found at racks with platforms.

Peculiarities:

• steps are located only on one side, the opposite part serves as a support block;
• these models weigh less than counterparts with double-sided filling;
• structures are unsuitable for paired work;
• less stable than double-sided models due to uneven weight distribution.

This type of ladder is included in the budget, since it requires less material to manufacture. Lightweight designs are convenient for hand-held transportation.

Double sided step ladder

The two-sided version differs from the previous one only by the presence of steps on the opposite side. This has several advantages:

• Time-consuming processes that require third-party support can be carried out by two people, being at the same time on a ladder from different sides.
• The support side often replaces tool attachments - for example, during wallpapering, steps are used to hang different types of rollers.
• Double-sided split type is the most stable design option.

It can be found in all models of stepladders, racks and transforming ladders.

Step ladder

Structurally, it consists of two support beams (rail) and steps. High-height models are equipped with platforms or handrails. Folding can be provided depending on the type.

Peculiarities:

• Full stability is achieved only by fastening to building elements or other supporting surfaces.
• It is permissible to work while standing at a height of at least 1 m from the top.
• The total construction length of household models is less than 5 m.

This type is often supplemented with accessories, since the basic kit is not suitable for comfortable work.

Sliding step ladder

Sliding models can be used as extension or one- and two-section ladders. They have at least one additional block, which is fully or partially extended, depending on the model.

Peculiarities:

• convenient for work at high altitudes;
• quick adjustment in 1-2 clicks;
• the upper block is often equipped with rollers for unfolding along the walls;
• sections can be used as independent stairs.

Self-locking hook fasteners and latches prevent the blocks from disengaging.

Articulated stepladder

The hinge type is universal, adaptable to working conditions. It can be used as a detachable structure. A popular variety is the transforming step ladder, which is also used as a platform.

Peculiarities:

• When working on a structure in the form of a platform, on top of the ribs of the steps, for convenience and safety, a flooring, usually wooden, is installed.
• Assembly and change of shape are carried out after unclamping the fixing elements - structures in the form of dogs or buttons next to the hinges.

In most cases, red / green markings or “Lock / Unlock” inscriptions are provided.

Telescopic ladder

Retractable or telescopic ladders are used for work at heights. They consist of two or three overlapping parts that can be moved apart to provide the required height adjustment.

Peculiarities:

• the design can be fully extended, turning into a variation of the attached type;
• when assembled, the ladder is compact, easy to carry and store;
• usually presented in the form of 2-3 sections, the length of which is from 2.5 to 3.5 m.

The two-section retractable ladder can be extended to a length of about 8 meters. In models with 3 or more sections, the standard overall length is 10 meters.

Mobile stepladder

The mobile type resembles a one-sided split type in appearance. Their functionality is identical. These ladders are equipped with small wheels on the support side.

Peculiarities:

• In the basic position, the wheels are locked for stability.
• The latch is removed when you need to move the ladder.
• In addition, the front (without rollers) part of the structure is raised.

This provides mobility. If necessary, the stairs are fixed with additional screw stops, which can be folded or stationary. Models often include a playground.