Best Extension Ladders in the UK

Older Than You Think

Even though their design hasn’t changed much for a long time, we still tend to think of ladders as of something relatively modern. You don’t really stop to consider the fact that medieval sieges relied on climbing the steps to conquer the walls or that pirates used them to cross from ship to ship. Sure, nowadays we have metallic models that offer more stability and higher weight capacity, but how old is the concept of a ladder really?

Well, according to the ancient pictures that were found in a Spanish cave, these tools might just be older than 10,000 years, a pretty crazy number. Of course, back then they weren’t made of stainless steel and didn’t have many folding sections. But the concept idea of the product was pretty much the same.

They Came a Long Way

The oldest known models were made out of rope, the most accessible and most reliable material available back then. And it’s not a bad choice, really, and some countries still use them because they are cheaper and/or because they look very unusual and interesting. While you might view a rope ladder as something from an adventure movie, they can still be seen outside of museums.

Another popular choice was, of course, wood. The longest wooden ladder, or at least the tallest one that was fixed in the Guinness Book of World Records, was the ladder extending for a mind-blowing 41 metres. Of course, you will not call that ladder safe or useful but agree, the length is impressive. The tallest models that are actually being used belong to American firefighters. They measure approximately 32 metres but unlike the ladder from the Guinness Book, they are sturdy and reliable.

Closer to the Modern Models

The US citizen John Basley, a professional carpenter and inventor, created the first prototype of a modern step ladder back in 1862. Putting hinges on the tool, he made sure that it could be folded for added portability, thus making life easier for many handymen all over the world. So the “grandfather” of the modern extending models is over 150 years old, having made some significant leaps in that time.

Having Fun With It

Being a mundane appliance in every household, ladders attracted more and more attention to themselves. Which is why it's not surprising soon people have started to invent new ways how to use ladders. Today you can find many fun games and records that involve a ladder. One of the most unusual records was set by Iya Traore and was called “Most steps climbed backwards while controlling a football with the feet”, set by Iya Traore. The Guinean football player ascended 75 steps in Beijing, China, in 2007.

Another strange record is known under the name “Greatest distance climbed on a ladder in 24 hours”, which has not only been set but also challenged numerous times and, finally, beaten. The original record was set by a group of New Zealand firefighters. They climbed a 10-metre ladder 10959 times in the span of a day in 2005. 12 other teams from all over the world tried to beat that result but failed without ever getting close to beating the record. However, the thirteenth attempt by a fire brigade from the Isle of Man ended up highly successful as they absolutely demolished the existing record, climbing the ladder 11417 times in just 23 hours. To put it in perspective, that is around 133 km or the equivalent of climbing the famous Mount Everest 14 times.

Q: Is it okay to carry items with me when climbing up or down a ladder?
A: Remember that to safely ascend or descend a ladder, you need to keep both hands and at least one foot on the appliance. This means that carrying anything with you poses a risk and is definitely not advised. There is a variety of ways to bring something up or down with you, just not in your hands. It’s quite possible to hang something on your belt or use a rope to raise something or bring to the ground. And, of course, the easiest way would be to have someone assisting you.

Q: Is it safe to use a ladder in any weather?
A: The majority of models you’ll find on the market are made out of some sort of metal. This means that it is incredibly dangerous to use them during a storm due to the risk of a lightning strike. No work is urgent enough to risk your life like that. Moreover, any rain, even a slight drizzle, should put your chores on hold. If the steps get slippery your chances of falling increase exponentially. Besides, even the best caps won’t keep the ladder from sliding if the ground is wet and you put your whole weight on the product. Just consider whether the task at hand is important enough to take the chance on such a risky endeavour.

Q: Why not just use a step stool instead of this huge appliance?
A: If something as small as a step stool is enough to get you where you need to be then, of course, you can use it freely. But a lot of times you need extra height and that is not something you can get with a stool. Besides, the extending ladder is adjustable, so you can match how tall it is to your preferences. That way you can have one handy tool for a variety of jobs, chores, and tasks, no need to get several different products for different days.

Q: Do I need a second person to help me, like holding the ladder while I’m on it?
A: It is not strictly necessary but, as always, safety is priceless and if you can get a friend or a relative or a coworker to help you out - all the better. Remember that a good product won’t wobble or slide but you can’t account for accidents. Having someone to help will not only make your work safer but also cut the time you spend on it substantially.

Q: What else can I do to make work on or with ladders safer?
A: An easy way to minimise the risk of slipping is to clean off the soles of your shoes before getting on the ladder. That way you reduce traction and are less likely to fall off. A more time-consuming way is to keep to the 4:1 ratio when you’re leaning the tool against the house or whatever you plan on climbing. For every metre of height, shift the base away from the structure by 0.25 metres. That way you get maximal reliability and the ladder is supported well. If there are any wires around, it’s best to steer clear of them, especially if your ladder is made of metal. It’s the same as with a lightning strike - be smart and take the time to set up properly before you begin work. A couple of extra minutes won’t make much difference in how fast you complete the task but they might just save your life. Remember: safety always comes first.