Per an adjuster I just got off the phone with “use your own ladder”. While all know this it can be tempting at times. The ladder collapsed and he broke a leg in three places and a lot of metal was used to put the pieces back together. Since it was only a couple weeks ago he will be grounded for a while. He is thankful he is otherwise OK and will be able to keep managing his growing IA firm.

Ladder Safety 101:  Lesson One

Do not use this ladder!  It doesn't matter if you weigh 80 pounds.  I repeat, Do not use this ladder!

Steve--

The next time that happens, set your receiver to the Spice Network.  The dish will heat up and give you good reception again.

Nita, he said they are unsafe.  That's about as good as any reason not to like a ladder.

I had one for less than six months of regular (not cat) claims adjusting and several of the moving parts gummed up on me and prevented me from collapsing it.  The last time I used it, it decided to collapse one rung height.  That was all the warning I needed.

I was curious, since I just invested in the ladder. Thanks

Both my daughter and I use them and love them.  They have limitations, and must be used with caution.

You must make sure that each rung locks in place, and be careful of pinched fingers when collapsing.

I don't trust them on a loose gravel surface, and they are limited in height.

But we've used them now for two years and never had either collapse or stick.  They are lightweight and easy to get in and out of a car.

Also, even though they are rated for 250lbs, I wouldn't trust them much over 200, which keeps chubby roofers and PA'a at bay!

My daughter swears they are a great distraction if you're in a scary neighborhood or one full of retirees who all want to talk to you.

She says you just whip out the ladder - they are all so fascinated with it that they leave you alone to get on with your work!

Best to all,

Betrock

Larry, thanks for the update and I will re-iterate my statment. The more mechanical features a ladder has, the more likely it can fail. I did not like the looks of the telesteps the first time I saw one. Too complicated and I felt it to be dangerous. After seeing a friend of mine fall from his collapsing, I was comfortable with my first impression of it. There have been too many collapses with this contraption. I would suggest that all users be very consceintious about using it and making sure it is secure prior to egress and digress. Your man was lucky he did not fall and break his back or neck. He was very lucky.

Of courst you have to be careful with Little Giant also, making sure all latches latch properly, prior to use, this includes the Jaws ladder. Just be certain iyour ladders are safe prior to climbing.

FYI, I was in Sam's Club or Costco (I can't remember which) and they had a 22' Little Giant for $300.

hello-

i'm the guy larry was referring to, hence the one hand typing w/ no caps. everything larry said is accurate. i was having problems getting the red latches to come completely out so i was very concientious about making sure that they were before climbing the ladder. once the ladder started collapsing there was no where to go but down. i got a temporary fix in nm and am now back in mi where i need to see a hand surgeon for extensive surgery to repair all my carpal bones that shattered. if not for my bud's and co-workers, larry and chuck i'd have been up s..t's creek. thanks guys.

I would be intererested to know if that incident was with a Telesteps or X-tend & climb. I understand that the Telesteps locks/unlocks all rungs @ once whereas the X-tend&climb you  lock/unlock each individually.

I use the X-tend & climb &damaged it the other day.  I had taken it up on a roof & went back to the eave, held it by the top rung & let it rip.  Something gave and now there are two rungs that will not lock.  It had gotten me on 4-500 roofs.  I am still using it @ its reduced height but have now ordered the new 15.5'.

Dan, we are all glad you were not hurt any worse than you were, however, wrist issues are not good. I would like to know which of the extend ladders you were using. I personally don't like any of them, as I feel they are dangerous due to so many locking and unlocking mechanisms.

We all hope you get back up to speed ASAP and wish for an uneventful recovery. If any of us can help, as others have done for you, just let us know.

Thanks, Amart & Larry...had found it on the web in the meantime.  Looks like it's easy on the back & pretty handy to fit into a trunk if you aren't a truck'n type, and have a boatload of ranch homes to inspect that don't require a taller ladder.  Also good for those interior attic inspects for the winter ice dams and roof leaks.  You can also use it to sneak back in late at night through the basement window after you told the wife you were working late...just have to dig a small hole to stand it up in. 

I have seen those before they are retired ladders from deer stands in Georgia. LOL

I know for fact that several telesteps have collapsed with adjusters ascending with them. I don't care for their latching mechanism and consider them questionable for safety. I know little giant is a little heavy and requires more storage room than telesteps, but they are certainly more safe. There again, you need to check the latch points for proper latching even with the little giant. I think we need to create check lists in our minds when working on roofs. We need to make sure our ladders are in a safe position on the roof, properly locked and tied off if necessary. I know, as a long time pilot, that check lists are vital to safety.

The proper way to hang Xmas Lights.

1) Tie 2 ladders together

2) Put it up to the house backwards

3) Have Carlos your lawn maintenance guy climb the ladder with a sting of lights and a stapler

4) Have Carlos drop the stapler on your awning freaking you out and calling the whole thing off.

Mind you - this was after the first attempt to tie the ladders together resulted in a boomerang shaped ladder when they tried to raise it.  I knew I would find something entertaining to do this afternoon.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

I'm thankful the world is full of homeowners.

Now there is an excellent way to see if your hospitalization policy is a good one, or your burial policy. I would never recommend anyone to try that stunt.

Posted By dholman on 01 Dec 2011 09:17 AM
Does anyone know where to find a 13 ft. Stapleton with the extension?  Mine is on its last leg and evidently they are no longer made. I've called around and searched the normal sites but can't find one.

......................................................

D Holman

I am all about nostalgia however the reason this Stapleton is no longer made tells me that it may be antiquated ladder tech (is a Stapleton wood or aluminum?)( I understand ladder tech is NOT rocket science) however coming from someone who has laid at the bottom of a 24 footer with broken legs pelvis,ribs jaw and fractured skull, please for your own safety ,consider something new. Granted I feel from a "new ladder" but you get the idea friend. Don't climb on a ladder that from your own admission is on it's last leg, we don't wanna bury another fellow adjuster or take up a donation for a wheelchair(make no mistake we would do so, but ,well you get the idea!)

Robby Robinson (text by Dragon) 

Posted By armorbear on 15 Dec 2011 03:30 PM
I allowed myself to get distracted not once, but several times by the Insured and did not secure my 24' ladder on the top of my van. Fortunately, I was able to catch it each time, but not before driving down the road for some distance

...............................................................................

Armorbear, please do NOT take offense my friend but professionals do NOT drive off without securing ladders!

I say with so much passion because a 24 ft projectile can, has and will no doubt in the future KILL innocent people should you get in an accident with your ladder unsecured. It could kill you as well. It is also an easy way to catch a negligent homicide charge I cannot imagine the guilt that one would feel to know their mistake caused another to lose their life. Ladders on the roadway is a killer, just google said phrase

Also ladders are criminal magnets and an unsecured ladder is a stolen ladder. It is also a HUGE fine to get a citation for driving with an unsafe unsecured ladder from the police.

We are all human and as such we are prone to making mistakes, we have all made mistakes and I personally have made a few boneheaded mistakes much worse than the above discussion material, fortunately god protects fools(IE...ME) as well and things ended up OK

Robby Robinson (text by Dragon)