Anybody have experience of cheap telescopic ladders?

[Heltor Chasca]

I bought a cheap, telescopic loft ladder. Big mistake.

I have spent as much as I can afford on my work ladders. Well worth the investment.

 

[gbb]

It means ....

1. you can get a light, cheap ladder but it will be weak.
2. you can get a light, strong ladder but it will be expensive
3. you can get a strong, cheap ladder but it will be heavy

(I don't know enough about ladders to know if this is true, but it seems plausible)

This analogy relates to almost anything you buy....
You can have two of three things....generally speaking
Cheap, quick, quality.
You can have it cheap and quick but it won't be quality.
You can have quality, you can have it quick but you won't get it cheap.
You can have quality and have it cheap but you won't get it quickly.

 

[Beebo]

Tonight Matthew I'm going to be steps.

 

[cosmicbike]

No.
I did try the expensive one in Costco. I hate going up ladders as they wobble, but the telescopic one in Costco went to 3.8m and was rock solid, very little bounce which is why I dislike the 'normal' double extension one.

Would I buy a cheap one, nope.

 

[Sharky]

Just avoid the snakes.

 

[Slick]

Sorry, I don't understand you.

It means ....

1. you can get a light, cheap ladder but it will be weak.
2. you can get a light, strong ladder but it will be expensive
3. you can get a strong, cheap ladder but it will be heavy

(I don't know enough about ladders to know if this is true, but it seems plausible)

That's exactly what that means, a contradiction of terms that almost never happen.

 

[alicat]

I did say choose two of the three....

 

[Slick]

I did say choose two of the three....

I know.

 

[Piemaster]

I've used a fairly cheap set a while ago, depends on how much you'll be using and extending/contracting them.
If you're starting a window cleaning round, then no.
If it's for clearing out a bird nest box at end of the year it'll be alright.

 

[Deafie]

This? https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-Alumi...1495838709&sr=8-3&keywords=telescoping+ladder
My mate bought one, it is IMO extremely dangerous, also incredibly difficult to use.
Buy a decent ladder!

 

[steveindenmark]

I don't think I would consider cheap when buying a piece of kit that can kill you. Check the reviews on Amazon. They can give you some idea.

 

[Biff600]

I don't think I would consider cheap when buying a piece of kit that can kill you. .

It's not the piece of kit that will kill you, it's the sudden stop when you fall off it !

 

[subaqua]

It means ....

1. you can get a light, cheap ladder but it will be weak.
2. you can get a light, strong ladder but it will be expensive
3. you can get a strong, cheap ladder but it will be heavy

(I don't know enough about ladders to know if this is true, but it seems plausible)

About right ....

 

[Levo-Lon]

I have a light weight 2 section ladder..it cost me a lot of money but i use it to clean my windows and gutters etc.
I also have a Easy Reach attachment as im not a work at height person. But i feel far safer with the ER fitted.
Transporting is usually why we need tele or folding but dont get the cheapest ladder.
Look at ladders as you look at a crash helmet..
If you have a £20 head then get a cheap one.

Go to a place like screw fix or any main builders merchant and see what you prefer.
Lift them and see how well made they are..cheap always looks cheap..when next to a good one.
Quality ladders are light and much easier to lift and manoeuvre.

 

[Dave7]

A TRUE STORY!!!
Going back to (I think) the 80s/early 90s I ran a division importing and selling tools & equipment for the roofing industry.
Telescopic ladders were first manufactured in Ireland and I was the 1st to "import" them to England. At that time the pack included a bracket..........this enabled it to be used as a fire escape from the bedroom window.
Problem..............
I sold one to a local authority architect.......and subsequently got a threatening letter together with vivid photographs.
He hadn't noticed the bracket when he first used it and it fell off, hitting him on his bald head and cutting it quite badly.
I quote.........
"upon erection I felt a sharp pain in my head"

For whatever reason he decided not to sue !