Best step ladders according to redditors

My list (in addition to what others have said):

1. Tools: quality hammer, screw drivers (regular and Phil), ratchet set, and pliers/vice grip/channel lock set (preferably one that comes with needle-nose pliers, and a few adjustable wrenches);
   
   
2. Corded drill (I like DeWalt), preferably one that comes with a set of bits, and a grounded extension cord;
   
   
3. One of those multi-position step ladders (like this)
   
   
4. A big cast-iron skillet, the biggest you can find, and an enameled dutch oven (Le Creuset preferred);
   
   
5. Smoke detectors for every room and hallway (maybe a few CO detectors as well if you're in a climate that has a furnace);
   
   
6. Fire extinguisher for the kitchen;
   
   
7. A few of those cheap LED flashlights sprinkled around the house;
   
   Those are the things you don't think about until you really, REALLY need them (with the exception of the cookware; those you'll wonder how you every went a day without). Everything else you can buy as you need.
   
   

Really? Did you check the surrounding Home Depots on the website? The bigger ones usually have them in stock.

Alternatively, free shipping on Amazon.

Buy a ladder?

I will say that I bought one of those do it all ladders 2 years ago. I personally think it is a nice to have because they last so long and you never know when you might need to get into a weird corner. This is coming from someone that isn't a handy man by any means.

$150 may disuade someone from purchasing the ladder, 50' of rope is better than nothing

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01MAVQEXN/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518358084&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=telescopic+ladder&psc=1

Another $80 and you could get a Little Giant off amazon. Free shipping if you have prime.
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-14016-001-22-foot-Ladder/dp/B004G7TAEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484700913&sr=8-1&keywords=LITTLE+GIANT+LADDER

Trust me I’m no stranger to getting things done but I really can’t think of any reason I’d be climbing on a desk or dryer. May I suggest one of these? Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Steel Frame Stool with Hand Grip and Plastic Steps, 200-Pound Capacity, Silver Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EYVF7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M-lBCbWA7V2AA

You are definitely cracking me up lol!

I have a tripod. I was working freelance for someone using their equipment who specifically requested handheld footage from me. I'm still relatively new to professional film work so figured I'd ask what is generally a supportive community for any pointers. Was it worth taking the time out of your day to be unhelpful and rude to me for asking for help? Amazon have $20 tripods but if you're willing to spend $5 more you could buy yourself this lovely stepladder to get down of your fucking high horse.

I love this ladder: Little Giant 14016-001 Alta One Type 1 Model 22-foot Ladder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004G7TAEA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2PMczbN3QXRA9

It's heavy, but great to have an adjustable ladder for different internal height ceilings, and the folding ladder means you can get up onto your roof. Also invest in a light weight step stool for every day jobs (getting stuff off high shelves, changing bulbs, etc)

I have two of the Little giants. I found the 17' was good, but occasionally I couldn't quite reach stuff. The 22' has been great though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1AQE46/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

People I know that have the 17 Ft. Type IA Multi-Task Ladder say it is branded Vulcan and is fine.

I find that style immensely heavy. Using it in trestle form is OK, on stairs or uneven surfaces it is great, and as an extension ladder it requires a couple of helpers to get it lifted into place.

Little Giant ladder

Ive installed a telescoping attic ladder before. They sell them at HD and Lowes and are meant for close quarters. It could work with what you have. Youd have to add a new header beam to make the opening a little smaller. (The new opening would be square not rectangular) The only downside would be navigating your head around the closet opening while climbing.

Maybe something like this at amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Cosco-Step-Folding-Stool-Rubber/dp/B0032JRVPI/

If the bar isn't willing to have one of these for ya, that would probably suck to work there anyways, it's cheap and it helps people do their job.

Sturdy step stool ($40) - not the rickety tubular kitchen chair ones, I mean one where you can stand on the top. a Buy it for Life item, not inexpensive, but safe. https://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Ladder-AS3002-6966014-2-Foot/dp/B00182TWL2

Leatherman multi tool (around $50), which i keep in the junk bowl because I can never find a screwdriver fast enough. Pricey new, less expensive when you buy it second hand or in a pawn shop. they don't really break, but you do have to clean and oil them once a year. https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Wingman-Multitool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/

Cordless drill (under $50), mine basically has the screw driver bit in it 90% of the time. the rest of the time I drill lots of pilot holes. pay attention to the battery... if you can get one with a battery that is shared by other tools in the line, then it is easily replaceable and if you buy another tool in that line you can swap batteries. I like to have 1 battery in the charger and one in the device. https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Cordless-Driver-BDCDD12C/dp/B0111N8L7I/

Spirit, bubble or torpedo level. (under $10) the Hanging kit usually contains just the wires and hooks, but you need a small spirit level for hanging pictures and shelves evenly. doesn't matter the brand they all work the same https://www.amazon.com/WilFiks-Leveling-Resistant-Different-Visibility/dp/B07M62GJYP/

Small tool boxes vary in quality. I don't know if this is for you or someone else. But don't buy anything unless it's a NAME BRAND, cheap metal tools bend and can break with too much torque. Even the Stanley line that Walmart sells isn't fabulous, but it's better than a nameless brand. I don't like SETS of tools, but you need to start someplace, buy GOOD tools one at a time, I love finding $$$ tools at thrift stores. https://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-94-248-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/(i bought a cheap socket set 4 years ago to replace my stolen ones and they already have rust)

Bucket organizer. (around $15) If you buy a SET of tools, take the plastic blow molded container and put it in the recycling. You will never bother putting the tools back in and when you get more tools they won't fit. Bucket Organizers are pockets that fit around a 5 gallon bucket. You shove your tools into the pockets and everything else in the middle. And keep it in the bottom of your closet and carry it to where you need the tools. https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-10030-Bucketeer-BTO/dp/B00GK4TOWK

Tack Hammer. (under $15) You won't need a big 22 oz hammer, but a smaller 16 oz one with a normal handled and then a Tack hammer, these have a narrow head and sometimes are magnetic and hold the nail in place. Tack hammers are easier to use for hanging things exactly where you want them. https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-54-304-5-Ounce-Magnetic-Hammer/dp/B00002X1XD

Stud finder.(under $20) uses a battery, and lets you know where the studs are behind drywall. BEST PURCHASE EVER. https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Stud-Finder-Wall-Detector/dp/B07VLDTVFQ/ any brand will work fine.

Digital Infared Thermometer (under $20) Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun - ALSO BEST PURCHASE EVER... works in the kitchen for food and oven temp, fridge temp, and for locating drafts and cold spots around doors and windows. https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-1080-Non-Contact-Thermometer/dp/B00DMI632G

Toilet Plunger - the sort with the extra bit on the end. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Bats-Out-Plunger-Bathroom/dp/B00ODD5MD0 you do NOT want to be waiting around for someone to unblock your toilet. It may be disgusting but scoop out some of what's in the toilet before you start plunging, it's less disgusting than having to mop it off the floor. You want the plunger that makes a seal around the bottom.

BUCKET. (under $10) mine is constantly in use, i keep it in the tub and toss wet things into it. I have gone through EVERY TYPE on offer...I was so sick of plastic buckets, that warped and stained, where the handles ripped out. But the BEST and cheapest one I have ever found is a flat back duraflex bucket for watering horses. Not kidding. Made of a hard polyethylene these things are designed to be flung around and stepped on by 2000 lb animals. https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-GIANT-Flat-Back-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B000HHLHPS/ these are cheap if you buy them in a feed store, but even with the shipping on Amazon it is WELL WORTH the money. You will need a bucket when you empty the back of the toilet tank to change the flushing flapper or gasket, and you will need it when you empty the commode itself, if you have to change out the wax seal underneath.

Blanket hangers. (6 for $27) yeah this is obscure, but when I moved I lost a LOT of storage space. These saved my sanity. I use them to hang up quilts and sleeping bags in the back of the closet OFF SEASON. I also use them to hang blankets, sheets curtains and stuff once they come out of the laundry aren't quite dry. I didn't even know there was such a thing before now I wouldn't give them up. https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Your-Home-Comforter-Organization/dp/B00EUG51JU

Flashlight. ($30-50) I've written about these before. Until I bought a GOOD one, I had no idea how bad the others were. Cheap flashlights are great to have scattered about in the cellar, or in the junk drawer. but if you really want TO SEE, get a great flashlight. I gifted myself one for christmas one year and I love it. It hangs by the door and if I am going to be out very late or the weather is bad, I shove it in my bag. It will also illuminate Well past the end of the porch and into the yard if I hear a noise. https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Carded-SabreLite-Flashlight-Yellow/dp/B01CKAIYV4 any very good brand will do, but I found Maglites to be dangerously useless.

Not sure id it would help in your perticular situation as i havent seen the stairs, but i typically use this type of ladder when im doimg stuff on stairs, its a godsend. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004G7TAEA/ref=pd_aw_lpo_60_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RE26R9MWV10SFCH58WB4

yes they do Little Giant Ladders 10121 SkyScraper

I have a small step ladder, like 3 feet tall. I set it up and rest the door on it, align the hinges and only have to raise it a few inches to get them inserted.

http://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Ladder-AS3002-300-Pound-Stepladder/dp/B00182TWL2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1457520060&sr=8-5&keywords=small+step+ladder

Time to stock up on these bad boys.

Little Giant 22-foot ladder - listed weight: 55lbs.

I'm 5'. I bought this

This!

and this!

Maybe buy something like this http://www.amazon.com/Giantex-Aluminum-Platform-Drywall-Folding/dp/B018A2YJ42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457466177&sr=8-1&keywords=aluminum+work+platform to help you out?

I watched my friend’s 3 year old this weekend and we accomplished the same result with a step stool.

I suppose if you have a tippy toddler this might help keep them upright? I’m not really sure what else this gives you.

I would imagine if he had much painting experience, he would have switched to one of these. Hell, even if he was a GC, he should have one.

> It's not so much about time saving as it is back saving.

like /u/cf2121 said, I've seen a lot of step ladder workbenches like this here (Amazon link). I personally like my bucket caddies cause I hate moving shit around.

I have an old 3 step aluminum. If I was to get a new one, this: Ladder

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1AQE46/

I don’t think I’ve ever seen s version where a pole is used, always a pull rope. Is this the type of hatch you mean? Note this model has a pull down cord (last picture and first video).

Little Giant Ladders 10121 SkyScraper 300-Pound Duty Rating Adjustable Stepladder, 21-Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009H5J82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5QgyCb3S55ZS7

We’re picking this one up soon. 21’ allows us to access most of what we need, and the 300 lb. rating makes it safe. As far as I know, this is the tallest A-frame ladder on the market with this rating that doesn’t have the telescoping center, which we just will not send our guys up on.

I’ve always been told not to get the fiberglass ones, because over time the integrity of the ladder is compromised as it starts to splinter, exposure to sunlight, etc.

EDIT: because that A-frame is heavyyyy and pretty much needs two people to set up, I’d also recommend this:

Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder, 300-Pound Duty Rating, 15422-001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E1AQE46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rVgyCbT17XAX9

It also comes in a 26 ft version, can stabilize on multiple surfaces, and has wheels to roll it!

I heard they've got this new wall-defeating technology.

Does the ladder lead up to a hole on the ceiling that accesses your loft? I wonder if [this] (Louisville Ladder 22.5-by-54-Inch Wooden Attic Ladder, Fits 8-Foot 9-Inch to 10-Foot Ceiling Height, 250-Pound Capacity, L224P https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KKNRIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_l8L7BbVSNQHX7) would work, I don't think you'd need a contractor to install it and it swings up out of the way when not in use.

[Little Giant ladder for about $100 off.] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007USNAJ8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?tag=slickappfp-20&ascsubtag=bea678dab20211e6bb6c9ecfb6385ee20INT&ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

I actually know the model of ladder she's using. That little telltale orange bit in the middle is basically a lock-pin and is how it stays straight.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-Ladder-Systems-12026/dp/B007USNAJ8

Notice it doesn't have feet in the normal sense, it has rubbery caps.

You can get them for smaller openings. Instead of folding down they are more similar to an extension ladder

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006VE3WI6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1417542042&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

I use a collapsible step stool similar to this.

I could never see you needing more than 2 of these, ever.

http://www.amazon.com/Cosco-11-135CLGG1-Folding-Stool-2-Step/dp/B002AAZGQG

Field damage appraiser/adjuster since 1994 here:

1. On site on a property claim you'd be taking photos, taking measurements with a tape measure, asking questions about how the damage happened and any steps taken to mitigate further damage after the event. I use one of those brown clipboards but a lot of adjusters "storage clipboards" like this, except usually plastic instead of metal. Property adjusters usually have a car large enough to hold a folding ladder.
   
   Back in the 90's my carrier had me wearing a suit & tie, even climbing on roofs and such. We even wore leather-soled shoes on asphalt roofs and slip-on covers like Cougar Paws to keep from sliding off roofs. Nowadays we wear khaki pants, a light jacket, and light hiking boots/shoes.
   
   
2. A "Multi-line" adjuster is somebody who looks at claims from multiple lines of business, like property, auto, and casualty/injury claims. A "general adjuster" is actually a specific type of property adjuster with a high level of authority. This position is defunct at a lot of companies now but in the 90's it would usually be a property adjuster with 20-30 years of experience who handled really big commercial/homeowner losses. Like stuff so big they may get fewer claims in an average month than you could count on one hand. Most companies have their field claims staff split-up by line of business but a few still have multi-line reps. it is conceivable that one would be assigned a slip & fall at the same time as handling a hurricane damage claim. If I was creating a character for this they'd not be a CAT team member but perhaps the usual local guy who did regular multi-line claims and was helping out the cat team while they were in his area.
   
   
3. In the 90's it would normally take a couple weeks before you'd go look at a claim like somebody being injured by a door. it would take that long to filter through the system. Even for a serious car accident it might be a few days. i was a field casualty adjuster in the 90's and even very serious car and home accidents didn't reach my in-box for at least several days. Sometimes it was months.

Safest is to get some scaffolding, and set it up in the stairwell with 'long legs' on the low end and 'short legs' at the top of the stairs. Next option is this kind of ladder system if you can get one. (it's a good thing to have around..)

And then, of course, you have the roller-on-a-stick option, which I personally hate due to the mess, the difficulty of maintaining correct pressure on the end of a pole, and trying to stay steady on steps while your eyes are focused on the ceiling.

You could do it for free if you live near some train tracks.

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