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Ladders + Stepstools

Ladders + Stepstools

Ladders + Stepstools

Sturdy telescoping ladders provide you with the reach needed for heavy loads. Reach any height your project requires with a reliable ladder or stepstool from Northern Tool + Equipment! Our selection offers units ranging in height from just 1.4 ft up to 47.6 ft and weight capacities between 200-500 lbs. Shop brands including Vestil, Cosco, and Werner, among others. Learn more about the types of ladders available below:

Step Stools + Step Ladders
Step stools and ladders are manufactured with an A-frame design or closely resemble a small, portable set of stairs. The units support themselves and usually have steps on only one side. Step ladders and stools are frequently used for indoor projects such as light installation, painting, and more due to their size, portability, and adjustability.

Extension Ladders
This style requires a surface to lean against, such as a wall or roofline. Extension ladders also reach greater heights than other types. For this reason, they are used most often for outdoor applications. Extension ladders are expandable and feature locks to secure the unit at the desired height. Besides standard extension ladders, we also carry telescoping units which collapse down onto themselves for convenient storage and transport.

Articulating/Multi-Position Ladders
If you are looking for the Swiss-army knife of the ladder world, look no further than an articulating ladder. This style can take on the role of either a step or extension style and be positioned in a variety of ways to safely reach tricky spaces such as areas above a staircase. In addition, they are also more compact and easier to store. Articulating ladders feature multiple hinges and locks which allow users to position the unit in a variety of configurations. They are truly an excellent all-around option.

Ladders Frequently Asked Questions:

What size ladder do I need for a 2-story house?
According to OSHA, if your 2-story house is 17ft.–21ft. tall, you’ll need a 28ft. extension ladder or a 24ft. straight ladder.
Which kind of ladder is better: fiberglass or aluminum?
The answer depends on your individual needs. Aluminum ladders are lighter, and therefore easier to transport, but they are also conductive and don’t withstand the elements as well as fiberglass ladders. Fiberglass, although they are heavier and a bit harder to transport, are stronger and more rigid than aluminum. They are also non-conductive and withstand the elements better than aluminum. If you work near electrical hazards or in a very hot environment, a fiberglass ladder is a better choice. If you are not exposed to electrical hazards or very hot temperatures, an aluminum ladder could be a better choice.
How does telescoping a ladder differ from a traditional extension ladder?
A telescoping ladder uses special technology to extend and lock by the foot to a desired height. An extension ladder is usually comprised of two or three one-section ladders connected to extend reach by section, so each extension is considerably larger than a foot. The sections extend as a cascade and lock into position. Typically, you can extend an extension ladder as far as possible minus 3ft., as 3ft. is typically required to keep the extensions of the ladder together.
What safety features should you look for when purchasing an extension ladder?
Look for durable, smooth-operating ropes, pullies and secure extension locks (including rung locks on rails of the top section to ensure it won’t fall) and secure, in-position extension guide brackets. Also, be sure to check features that meet OSHA’s standards for extension ladders: at least 8in. rungs, cleats and steps at the base section that are no more than 18in. apart between the center lines of rungs, cleats and steps. Also, according to OSHA, the rung spacing on an extension section may not be less than 6in. or more than 12in. While using an extension ladder, position it so that the base of the ladder is 1ft. away from a building for every 4ft. of height at the point the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule for extension ladders.
What are the different configurations available for a multi-position ladder, and how do you adjust it?
A multi-position ladder typically offers at least five or more configurations, including an extension ladder, a twin step ladder, a stairway step ladder and two scaffold bases. A multi-position ladder is usually height-adjusted by easy-to-use, spring-loaded j-locks and angle-adjusted by soft-touch push knobs.