Ladder Recommendation

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Ladder Recommendation

networkn

Networkn
32359 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#243766 30-Dec-2018 23:46

We have a very flimsy crappy ladder which I have finally decided to replace. Seems the two best rated multi purpose ladders are the Gorilla and the Werner.

Anyone have commentary on either?

I see Atom at trade tested. Doesn't seem much price difference between them.

It's mostly for basic outdoor use, cleaning gutters, hedge trimming and other common purposes. Doesn't really need to be transportable but user-friendly would be good. Stability is a must obviously.

The Gorilla Silverback Multi 13 seems to be the best choice and big enough for us, but I can't see it sold anywhere. Only the 15 which seems big.

Bung

6500 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2152471 31-Dec-2018 00:24

I have a Gorilla19 that I move between 2 properties. As one is hillside the ability to do offcentre A frame is useful. The drawback to Gorilla style ladders is the weight. The number ~weight in kg. The ladder that I like using is an Ulrich Aluminium combination step ladder. If you don't need the transformer aspect of a Gorilla a more conventional ladder can have better treads.

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
8875 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2152472 31-Dec-2018 00:42

I had one of those old-style light aluminium ‘A-frame to straight’ folding ladders that I used for 30+ years. I hated it and used to crap myself whenever I used it in ‘straight’ configuration - especially if going high on it. Wobbly flimsy POS.

Four or five years ago I replaced it with a Gorilla Silverback (I don’t recall the height right now but it’s big-ish) and I love it. They are a bit on the heavy side to be sure - but that’s the price you pay for strength and stability. The splayed legs on the ground really make it feel safe. I don’t have many worries about going high on it.

My vote: Go for Gorilla and just get the 1.5 - you’ll never regret it.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Gilco2

1556 posts

Uber Geek

#2152533 31-Dec-2018 09:17

a few years ago I bought a Gorilla ladder and also the wall standoff you see advertised on that multiladder add on TV. It fitted the gorilla. Havent looked back. May be a little on heavy side but has been stable and durable.

RickW

298 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2152565 31-Dec-2018 11:19

The gorilla ladders are pretty bulletproof, we use them everyday and they get a really hard life we are yet to have any issues. I highly recommend them.

FineWine

2985 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Nurse (R)

Lifetime subscriber

#2152570 31-Dec-2018 11:30

Having lived in Aussie for 30yrs, I have been using a Bailey Dual Purpose Ladder (1.8/3.2m [6'/10']), all that time and which I bought back to NZ with me. Love It. My only wish is that I should have bought the next size up 2.1m/3.8m [7'/12']. Bunnings & Mitre10 both sell them here.

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

networkn

Networkn
32359 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2152673 31-Dec-2018 14:47

Went with the Gorilla 15. It's freaking heavy for a ladder!

Bung

6500 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2152733 31-Dec-2018 17:11

You'll build upper body strength that will help you hang from the gutter when the ladder goes sideways. Alternatively, when you can't cope with the ladder it's a sign you're getting past those jobs.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

pctek

807 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#2152939 1-Jan-2019 13:25

Always wanted one of those On TV ladders - mainly I like the accessories - the stand on bits, and the bit so you can have them steady on slopes. Thats all really.

Better if you could buy add-ons for your existing ladders.

Couldn't justify the price so we have continued with our 2 old ones - a fold out one, A frame type and one extension ladder that extends 5 metres.

At least they are fairly light to cart about

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2153066 1-Jan-2019 20:30

I've got two non-transformer ladders for use around the house, the one I use most is a Rhino stepladder which is really solid and has nice wide steps that you can rest tools and nails on. It really depends on what you feel comfortable with, the Rhino has nice wide steps so easy to get up on/difficult to slip off, and locks solidly into place. I've always felt a bit nervous about the transformer ladders, and the rungs look a lot less substantial than the stepladder-style ones.

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2153109 2-Jan-2019 07:01

neb: I've got two non-transformer ladders for use around the house, the one I use most is a Rhino stepladder which is really solid and has nice wide steps that you can rest tools and nails on. It really depends on what you feel comfortable with, the Rhino has nice wide steps so easy to get up on/difficult to slip off, and locks solidly into place. I've always felt a bit nervous about the transformer ladders, and the rungs look a lot less substantial than the stepladder-style ones.

I agree this is a great ladder - I bought one to replace those lightweight “kitchen” step ladders that I found too unstable. It’s only used in the house to keep it (and therefore the carpet!) clean.

But there are many times a longer ladder is required, eg the gutters on one side of our house require a decently long extension ladder to clean,

I’ve also bought one of those telescopic ladders, primarily for portability, eg can easily fit in the car.

kiwigander

231 posts

Master Geek

#2154190 3-Jan-2019 22:53

If weight is not an issue I recommend a Jaws ladder.

Quite versatile; rock-solid. The downside is they're heavy. (Probably a bit dearer than the ones you see on TV, too.)

I have no affiliation with the manufacturer (in Canada) or the distributor, but I do own three of them.

(ed: to correct faulty BBCode)

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
8875 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2154214 4-Jan-2019 04:50

kiwigander:
If weight is not an issue I recommend a Jaws ladder. www.brookings.co.nz/Brookings_Online_Jaws_Ladders.html

Quite versatile; rock-solid. The downside is they're heavy. (Probably a bit dearer than the ones you see on TV, too.)

I have no affiliation with the manufacturer (in Canada) or the distributor, but I do own three of them.

(ed: to correct faulty BBCode)

@kiwigander Link not working.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

jarledb

Webhead
3258 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2154215 4-Jan-2019 04:58

eracode:

@kiwigander Link not working.

I fixed the link now.

Jarle Dahl Bergersen | Referral Links: Want $50 off when you join Octopus Energy? Use this referral code
Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? Please consider supporting us by making a donation or subscribing.

Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2154228 4-Jan-2019 08:20

We ended up getting a Warthog A-Frame to straight - I am a fat b*gger and it had the highest load capacity of the larger ones we were looking at; 180kg.

It has served very well and feels pretty stable with its flared ends even when extended.

http://www.easyaccess.co.nz/products/ladders/browse-by-range/warthog-180kg/warthog-dual-purpose-ladders/warthog-dual-purpose-6-step-1.8m-3.3m/

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2154242 4-Jan-2019 09:17

I bought a Gorilla a few years ago - not the lightest thing but solid as and super versatile. Definitely would recommend.