bannertime
Active Member
We use the Werner versions and they're pretty solid. Also have the work planks that go on the rungs. They're pretty nice too. We got a Little Giant on a buy out and it's good, but not any better than the Werner.
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Fiberglass ladder care
- Thread starter Texas_Signmaker
- Start date
We use the Werner versions and they're pretty solid. Also have the work planks that go on the rungs. They're pretty nice too. We got a Little Giant on a buy out and it's good, but not any better than the Werner.
Moze
Active Member
Just food for thought: virtually every commercial construction company bans any kind of metal ladder due to conductivity concerns. The metal "Little Giant Type" (multi-position) ladders are great but a fiberglass ladder would be needed on most construction sites.
Little Giant makes some of the best ladders there are. I have the 8', 6' and 4' Microburst, the 6' King Kombo, the 6'-10' Select Step and the Xtreme 19' with ratchet levelers. They all serve unique purposes.
Little Giant makes some of the best ladders there are. I have the 8', 6' and 4' Microburst, the 6' King Kombo, the 6'-10' Select Step and the Xtreme 19' with ratchet levelers. They all serve unique purposes.
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
You must not have any employees.
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
Tex did you just add that picture? Look at that clean truck. No wonder the sun tears your stuff up before you wear it out.
Every week just walk out your back door and flip them over. That should double the life of them.
Every week just walk out your back door and flip them over. That should double the life of them.
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
Looks like they're supposed to be tie down points but looks like a good spot to tear your face open.
They do weird stuff in texas, look at that fence. Do they not sell wood posts over there or do you guys got a lot of time on your hands?
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
They are there to catch my pockets as I climb down and cause me to fall.
But I don't really know what for. I wouldn't keep extension cord hanging off it. Can't put a ladder on them because they block the upper tool box from opening.
Didn't have anywhere to go yesterday and I scrubbed the bed of that truck with a scotchbrite pad thing attached to my drill. Made it look like new. Gets the bugs off the grill easy too, just wear glasses when you use it unless you want bug particles in your eyes.
Moze
Active Member
You're correct, but why's that?
Moze
Active Member
Not federal work, commercial construction. The builders themselves....Balfour Beatty, Turner, Austin, Beck, Archer, Reed...prohibit aluminum ladders during most phases of construction.
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Yea now that you say that, I don't think I've ever seen an aluminum ladder in a construction site...maybe that's why no little giants.
Long ago a sign company I worked for had one of those multi use ladders. I didn't like it because it was heavy, a strain to setup and felt flimsy when you were on it.
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
Is it because of insulation because aluminum ladders have pads on the feet, neither are rated as insulated as far as I know. I thought it has more to do with aluminum being more easily damaged and not being able to see it. You can't miss damage on a fiberglass ladder.
Employees... you wouldn't be buying those high dollar ladders for them to use. We are constantly trashing ladders, they walk them, throw them, run em over and whatever else they can do. Good people but not their money or problem to deal with. My guys also don't like the heavy duty fiberglass ladders, too heavy.
Moze
Active Member
I believe conductivity is the primary reason but wouldn't doubt if the whole structural integrity aspect comes into play.
Mr. Sign Pro
New Member
Just get nice aluminum ladders and you will be fine. I started out with fiberglass many years ago and ran into the same problems. We switched to aluminum over 10 years ago and the same ladders are still going strong. I've been on jobsites just about everywhere and have never had my ladders questioned. Also, get a little giant ladder and I promise you it will be the ladder you use most often. We have a couple and they are absolutely fantastic for their portability and sturdiness. I could care less what anyone on a job site might have to say about them, they work.
letterman7
New Member
Tape off the cross rails and bedliner the uprights. Adds a couple of pounds a ladder, but then easier to grip and no more UV damage.
Michael-Nola
I print things. It is very exciting.
Sure you could clear them - I've had luck with One Shot 4005 sticking to weird substrates without issue. I'd strip them with ISO first. Or use a good PU with UV inhibitors.
But clears are a lot trickier than ... paint. I haven't seen anyone mention painting on here? Why not just spray or even roll on a nice coat of paint? Bam! You're protected for quite some extra time! I would never pay for a cover just to deal with one extra thing yanking off and on the truck. Plus with my luck I'll end up fighting with it in the wind or balling it up when I'm working then it's always in the way.
I'm almost positive 3M has all of Texas in their "Horizontal Warranty" section
But clears are a lot trickier than ... paint. I haven't seen anyone mention painting on here? Why not just spray or even roll on a nice coat of paint? Bam! You're protected for quite some extra time! I would never pay for a cover just to deal with one extra thing yanking off and on the truck. Plus with my luck I'll end up fighting with it in the wind or balling it up when I'm working then it's always in the way.
I'm almost positive 3M has all of Texas in their "Horizontal Warranty" section
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Just an update. I sprayed them with a clear acrylic lacquer w/ UV protection. (Werner states in the tech sheet that you can do this) The ladders have been out for a month and already started to fade. As soon as I sprayed them they went pure orange again. I think this stuff will work well, we'll see.
gnubler
Active Member
I'm shopping for an 8ft stepladder and an extension ladder. This thread is a couple years old...any changes or updates to add to the older posts?
Sounds like the Little Giants are loved or hated. Most prefer fiberglass instead of aluminum, yes? I store my ladders indoors so not that worried about sun or weather exposure. I have a 6ft Werner ladder from Home Depot and it's nice and sturdy, so might stick with the same brand for the 8 footer.
Sounds like the Little Giants are loved or hated. Most prefer fiberglass instead of aluminum, yes? I store my ladders indoors so not that worried about sun or weather exposure. I have a 6ft Werner ladder from Home Depot and it's nice and sturdy, so might stick with the same brand for the 8 footer.
Scotchbrite
No comment
I like the gorilla ladder as well.