Ladders « Cole Hardware

Hours and Locations

Main Navigation

Hours and Locations
  • AT YOUR SERVICE
    • Delivery
    • Locksmith Services
    • Recycling
    • Paint and Color Matching
    • Sharpening Services
    • Cut to Size
    • Tool Rental Services
    • UPS Shipping Services
    • Commercial Sales
    • And So Much More!
  • WHO WE ARE
    • History
    • Green Business
    • Our Credo
    • Window Displays
    • Community Partners
    • In the News
    • Videos
    • Contact Us
    • Coins for the Community
    • Nuts & Bolts
  • STUFF WE SELL
    • Paint
    • Hardware & Tools
    • Electrical
    • Storage & Shelving
    • House & Home
    • Cleaning
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Furniture
    • Big Green Egg
    • Weber
    • Pet Supplies
    • Water Bottles
    • Coolers
    • Muni, Clipper & Stamps
    • Seasonal
  • HIRE A PRO
    • 24/7 Locksmith
    • Repair Referral Service
  • Events
  • BLOG
  • SHOP

Ladders

Question and answer section

Ladders

Ladders

The three basic types of ladders are extension (straight), step and step/extension. Ladders are rated by load capacity, into household, commercial and industrial grades (see table).

Ladder rungs are either flat, round or “D” shaped. The minimum size considered acceptable for round rungs is 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ for “D” rungs. To insure safety, rungs are required to be capable of carrying a much higher load than the rated load for the entire ladder.

When choosing a ladder, consider:

Type of activity involved: The type of activity dictates which type of ladder you’ll need. Use a stepladder for interior painting, drywalling, spackling and wallpapering. Stepladders include stepstools and platform ladders, generally for home or light commercial use. Stepladders are self-supporting and may include a pail hook or shelf. Extension ladders are best for painting exteriors, cleaning gutters, replacing shutters and siding, etc.

Demands of the application: Make sure the ladder is suitable for the physical demands of the application. The rated load capacity must exceed the maximum aggregate weight of the user along with his or her clothing and tools. Duty ratings are also color coded. Look for the proper duty ratings to match the highest level of use.

Height the ladder must reach: For a climber to work from a safe position, the ladder’s top should extend about 3 feet above the working surface when in use. Stepladders should be high enough for the user not to have to stand above the second step from the top. On extension ladders, stand no more than four rungs from the top.

Basic material: The most common ladder materials are wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Wood ladders are nonconductive when clean and dry. Wood also provides a natural firm grip for feet and hands. However, wood tends to be heavy, and is vulnerable to moisture/rot.

Aluminum is lightweight and strong, but does conduct electricity — aluminum ladders should never be used when working near energized electrical lines.

Fiberglass offers a blend of desirable qualities. It is non-conductive and strong — and excellent choice for a variety of circumstances.

Ladder safety tips

DO

  • Learn the proper methods for working with a ladder
  • Keep your ladders well-maintained (for wood, treat with a wood preservative that leaves a clear surface)
  • Choose duty ratings to match the highest level of use

DON’T

  • Use or repair a bent or damaged ladder
  • Test a ladder by jumping on it
  • Use a ladder on slippery surfaces or uneven ground
  • Place ladder feet on power cords or come in contact with electrical current or power lines
  • Climb down a ladder with your back to the ladder or carrying a load in your arms
  • Overreach, lean to one side or stand on one foot
  • Hurry or skip steps when getting on or off the ladder
  • Leave a ladder unattended
  • Position the ladder where it blocks foot traffic or where it could be bumped by a door
  • Place the ladder on boxes, chairs, furniture or other moveable object to try to climb higher
  • Climb from one ladder to another or try to move a ladder while on it
  • Climb a ladder when ill or using drugs or alcohol
  • Drop or throw ladders
  • Paint a wooden ladder (paint hides damage and can create a slippery surface for climbing)

 

Extension Ladder Length Chart
height to eaves buy this length max. working length
9-1/2′ max. 16′ 13′
9-1/2′ to 13-1/2′ 20′ 17′
13-1/2′ to 17-1/2′ 24′ 21′
17-1/2′ to 21-1/2′ 28′ 25′
21-1/2′ to 25′ 32′ 29′
25′ to 28′ 36′ 32′
28′ to 31′ 40′ 35′

Ladder Duty Rating Table
GRADE TYPE RATED LOAD COLOR CODE
Extra-Heavy-Duty Industrial IA 300 LBS. BLACK
Heavy-Duty Industrial I 250 LBS. BLUE
Medium-Duty Commercial II 225 LBS. YELLOW
Light-Duty Household III 200 LBS. RED

– Hardware Hotline  February, 2000

Related Articles

  • Meet Marc: Our Master Locksmith
  • Traeger Pellet Grills
  • Hardware Hot Deals
  • A note from Rick Karp
  • If I had a hammer…

Stay in the loop!

Sign up to receive our emails!

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Cole Hardware, 956 COLE ST, San Francisco, CA, 94117, https://www.colehardware.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

© 2019 Cole Hardware

Quick Links

  • AT YOUR SERVICE!
  • WHO WE ARE
  • STUFF WE SELL
  • Home 2
  • Blog
  • WHAT’S HAPPENING
  • SHOP
  • OUR POLICIES
  • REWARDS
  • CAREERS
  • FAQ
  • CONTACT US

© 2019 Cole Hardware

TOP