The need to perform some work at a height arises not only among professional builders, but also among ordinary homeowners. Painting the facade, screwing a light bulb into a lantern, harvesting fruit trees - it will be much easier and safer to do all this if you have a folding 4-section ladder that takes up a minimum of space in the assembled position.
What is a transforming ladder
Everyone is familiar with the design of an ordinary folding step-ladder, used both in repair and construction work, and in everyday life (see also article Telescopic step ladder - design features and application). Modern manufacturers have improved this design, made it more functional and convenient.
Design features
The described staircase consists of four hinged sections. Such a fastening allows you to easily and quickly, without much effort, change their position relative to each other, giving the structure various shapes: lengthening it, giving it a U-shaped or A-shaped position.
The same staircase, depending on specific needs, can be transformed:
- In a double-sided step-ladder;
- Into the ladder;
- Two separate ladders;
- In a platform with a console or a similar construction scaffold;
- In a retractable ladder.
The transformation mechanisms are simple and reliable, anyone can operate them, no instructions are required for this.
The total unfolded height depends on the number of steps in each section. Most often there are three, four or five. For example, the product shown in the picture above has 4 sections with 3 steps each, which is reflected in its name.
The sections can be laid out in any order.
Performance characteristics
Transformer stepladders are household and professional (see also the article Staircase-transformer 4х4 - convenient and versatile design).
They are distinguished not only by the price, but also by many other characteristics.
- The load indicator per step for household models does not exceed 150 kg;
- The maximum height in a fully unfolded position is no more than 300 cm;
- The number of steps in a section for professional models can reach ten.
For reference. Professional transforming ladders can have a telescopic structure and be supplied with additional fasteners, without which, according to safety requirements, work at high heights is not allowed. Fixing sections in a given position can be carried out both automatically and by connecting with pins.
The material for the production is a durable aluminum profile. Due to the low weight of this metal, the products are lightweight, but capable of withstanding significant loads.
How to choose a transforming ladder
The main selection criterion is the personal needs of the buyer.
- Professional models will serve for a long time to those who are engaged in construction, repair, electrical work. They should choose ladders with high load indicators, having several standard positions, with a height sufficient for carrying out activities;
- Owners of country houses, especially two- or three-story ones, will also come in handy with professional models or models close to them in terms of characteristics. With the help of such stairs, you can wash or repair the facade, provide access to the roof or attic, etc.Of course, this only applies to those who do not hesitate to do some work with their own hands;
- Residents of city apartments and owners of modest summer cottages will have enough of a simple household structure, which will make it easy to get to the mezzanine, whitewash the ceiling, screw in a light bulb, trim trees, and perform other household work.
In order for the selected product to serve you for a long time and reliably, we recommend that you carefully examine it before buying, paying attention to the following points:
- The strength and reliability of the hinge joints. Try transforming the ladder from one position to another, and make sure the fasteners are firmly in place.
- The presence of a grooved anti-slip pattern on the steps. This is a prerequisite on which your safety depends.
- The presence of anti-slip plastic or rubber pads at the ends of the supports. They also provide safety and prevent damage to floor coverings.
- The absence of distortions and the correctness of the geometric shape. Fold down the ladder and make sure all sections are the same length. Then push it apart, giving it an A-shape, and place it on a flat surface. The ladder should stand tightly, without staggering, there should be no gaps under its base.
For reference. In general, the described transformers are convenient primarily in that they maintain stability on an uneven surface. But such testing will detect defects.
- When buying a professional ladder, it is important to remember that it will constantly experience high stress. Such models must have a passport indicating the service life in it. During operation, they must be regularly subjected to preventive inspection and repair or replacement.
Conclusion
A stepladder is a necessary item in any home, even if all work in it is carried out by specially hired people or enterprises using their own tools and equipment. It is much more convenient to have a compact folding staircase at your disposal than to build a pyramid of tables and chairs in order to reach the ceiling or clean the window efficiently.
In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.
