Characteristics of 5 step ladders

Any person at least once, but had to balance on a table or a pyramid of chairs in order to get to objects located under the ceiling or even higher, if we are talking about the street. This situation can hardly be called comfortable or safe. Although the solution is quite simple - to purchase a stepladder. It must be among the inventory and can come in handy at any time. Therefore, the choice of a step-ladder must be approached thoroughly, having evaluated all its characteristics. The most popular model is the five-step ladder. Popular recognition is not accidental, since it has a lot of positive features.

In a broad sense, a step-ladder is understood as a folding ladder, after the installation of which a structure resembling a triangle is obtained. In the simplest models, one of the sides is lifting and the other is supporting. Lifting consists of:

• parallel racks;
• steps and platforms (we are considering models with 5 steps, including a platform);
• safety arch, which is a handrail.

Additional parts include:

• shelves for household and construction items;
• holders for tools and buckets;
• rubber or plastic pads.

If the steps for lifting are located on the supporting part, the step-ladder can be called two-sided. To make it convenient to work on both sides, the product is usually completed with a platform, without a hand support.

Often in the accompanying documents for the stepladder, its parameters are indicated. The key is height. In an already installed product, the height to the upper platform is just over 100 cm (this value depends on the distance between the steps). Moreover, the length of the product itself when folded can reach 170 cm (depending on the size of the safety arc). This indicator is rather important for transportation and storage.

There are two more heights that can be indicated on the package - these are working and reach. Depending on the manufacturer, they may differ slightly, but the principle of calculation is the same for them. Working is the height to the level of outstretched arms, when the person takes the upper position on the ladder. And attainable - the height to the level of the fingers raised up. Usually, the average height of a person is taken for the calculation. Take the height to the platform - 103 cm. And the height from the floor to the raised hands of a person is 197 cm.By adding these two values, the maximum mark that he can reach is 300 cm (or 3 m). This maximum can be easily calculated for yourself.

The five-step ladder has a lot of advantages.

• It is this height that is equally convenient for working both indoors and outdoors. It is suitable for both household needs and professional activities.
• To install a stepladder, you do not need any special skills or efforts.
• As a rule, the size and weight of the product when folded allows it to be easily transported by transport and moved by hand.
• Compared to a regular ladder, it can be used in an open area, as the support is already included in the kit.
• For uneven surfaces, there are models with stabilizers that allow you to adjust the stepladder to the terrain (for example, on a staircase).
• There are a large number of models that differ in material, cost and function. You can find a quite affordable ladder with the right parameters.

The disadvantages are mainly related to the features of a particular model. For example, due to the desire of the manufacturer to save money, the fasteners and design of the steps may not be reliable enough. However, this is more a matter of choice. In addition, problems may arise with the correct installation and subsequent operation.

In addition to the design, the ladders differ in the material of manufacture.

• Aluminum. Most popular stepladders. Very lightweight and relatively inexpensive. Weakly susceptible to the influence of the external environment. Despite the fact that the strength of aluminum is low, ladders made of it can withstand a fairly large weight. However, with intensive use, the service life of such a product may turn out to be very short. Therefore, a thorough condition check is required before each use. Unsuccessful falls or bumps can bend the struts, which is fraught with loss of stability.
• Steel. They are considered the most durable. In different configurations, they can weigh almost twice as much as aluminum ones. This makes it difficult to transport, but at the same time provides greater stability. Typically, products are processed in manufacturing to increase their resistance to corrosion. The design of steel ladders is quite extensive. All metal parts are painted, step pads and palm rests can also be colored. Stepladders made of steel are considered the most reliable.
• Wooden. They are less and less common due to the capriciousness of the material. Moisture or too dry air damages the wood. If cracks appear, it will be unsafe to use a stepladder. Like all wood products, it costs an order of magnitude more expensive than the above. But due to its attractive appearance, it is often left as a decorative item. Especially in those places where the help of a stepladder is needed constantly. For example, in a library, exhibition center, etc. In addition, they are practically not inferior in strength to steel products.
• Fiberglass. They can be called a novelty. They have almost all the advantages of the above - strength, long service life, moisture and UV resistance. It can be used both at home and outdoors - in any weather. All products have a pretty nice design. In addition, this material is safe when working with electricity and is most often chosen by professionals. The only negative is the high price.

Before choosing one or another ladder, you need to determine what characteristics, in addition to the five-stage design, it must have.

• First you need to find out where the ladder will be used. If only at home, you can ignore what it is made of. For outdoor use, the material must be moisture resistant.
• If more than one person will be using the ladder, use the strongest model, designed for weight up to 150 kg. The same goes for the intensity of use. A woman of average build who installs a stepladder to hang curtains three times a year can choose almost any.
• Special requirements apply to repair equipment. Do not neglect additional platforms and holders - they will not be superfluous.
• Heavy models lack maneuverability. To rearrange them less often and spend less energy, you should pay attention to the stepladders, where the steps are located on both sides.
• The wider and deeper the steps, the easier it is to climb them. The same goes for the site.It is better if they have raised notches or anti-slip coating.
• Inspect the product immediately before purchasing. No part should bend. The fasteners deserve special attention - they should not be loose. All sharp edges are usually protected with plastic. The same goes for the bottom of the frame posts - without the plastic caps, they can damage the flooring.

See below for an overview of the 5-step fiberglass ladder.