Getting up to high places can be a challenge indoors and out. Whilst it can be tempting to try out our gymnastics skills to reach the ceiling or get into ungodly positions to reach the corners, a better way is to use a ladder. More precisely, the best way to reach those hard to reach places is actually with a telescoping ladder. But what is a telescoping ladder? What are the top-rated telescoping ladders? And what should you look out for when buying a telescoping ladder?
In this post, we will take you through the answers to these questions and more. We’ll arm you with everything you need to know about telescoping ladders before heading to the shops. Then, we will answer some common questions people ask about telescopic ladders. Finally, we will run help you choose the right ladder for your needs with 5 telescoping ladder reviews of our favorites for different budgets and requirements.
Our Top Picks
Best telescoping ladder for home use: OxGord’s 12.5 feet Aluminum home use telescopic ladder
For an affordable and lightweight telescopic ladder meeting European safety standards, this ladder is great for home use including cleaning windows, getting into the loft, and painting.
Best telescoping ladder on the market: Xtend & Climb’s Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder
For a telescoping ladder that is top of the range, look no further than this heavy-duty 12.5ft and ANSI/OSHA compliant bit of kit.
Best telescoping ladder for contractors: Telesteps’ 16ft Reach Telescoping Ladder
For those looking for a professional ladder offering extra height that is OSHA compliant, this find ladder is fully automatic and ticks all the right boxes for professional equipment.
Best telescoping ladder for RVs: Luisladders’s Multi-Purpose Extension Ladder
For a telescoping ladder that is ideal for accessing the roofs of most RVs, this affordable option with impressive safety features is great for people who love getting out on the road and keeping clutter out of sight.
Best value telescoping ladder: CCYX’s Multi-Purpose 8.5ft Folding Ladder
For those looking for a cheaper option that doesn’t come at the expense of safety regulations, this 8.5ft ladder gets plenty high enough for most home tasks, is cheap, and meets European safety standards.
What are telescopic ladders?
Telescopic ladders are just like any other ladder but with one clever little twist – they have sections that collapse down into themselves when needed. This means that a huge telescopic ladder can offer huge reach whilst taking up much less space. For example, you can easily find a telescoping ladder of 15-feet that can collapse down to just 30-inches. They are also easier to transport than normal ladders, or extension ladders, as a result of this nifty design feature.
What material are the best telescopic ladders made from?
Telescopic ladders are made in a range of materials including aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Aluminum is probably the most common material and the best telescoping ladder material for people looking for a lightweight ladder. However, it does conduct electricity so if you need protection against accidental contact with an electric charge, a fiberglass telescopic ladder would be best – although these are harder to find with decent weight ratings and expensive. Steel is the most durable material but it is also the heaviest. Therefore, each material has its specific benefits. To choose the right one, you need to consider what you will be using it for.
Top 5 Best telescoping ladders reviews
So you know the key things about how to choose the best telescopic ladder. Now, we can give you on our favorite ladders for different needs with our telescopic ladder reviews. These are our 5 top telescopic ladders for a variety of needs and with different budgets in mind.
#1 Best telescoping ladder for home use: OxGord’s 12.5 feet Aluminum home use telescopic ladder
If you are looking for a telescopic ladder suitable for tasks at home, then this ladder has you covered. This ladder also meets European safety standards making it one of the safest on the market, especially for the price. Its impressive weight rating up to 330lbs means this is able to deal with heavy loads well so there’s no need to worry if you put on a few pounds after Christmas or Thanksgiving!
Other pros of this ladder are that: it extends from just 3.3 feet up to a whopping 12.5 feet, making it portable and easy to store even if you have limited space; it is lightweight further contributing to its portability; it has safety instructions printed on the bottom legs and is designed for stability with no-slip feet and wide ladder steps, and; it comes with a money-back guarantee as well as a 1 -year warranty. The downside of this ladder is that it may not be high enough to clean upstairs windows without an extendable window cleaning squidgy.
#Telescopic_Ladder #Aluminum_Ladder #Light_Ladder #Home_Ladder #Collapsing_Ladder
#2 Best telescoping ladder on the market: Xtend & Climb’s Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder
If you are on the hunt for the very best telescoping ladder to buy and have the cash to splash, then this is the ladder for you. The heavy-duty design means you can count on this ladder year after year. Thanks to its compliance with ANSI and OSHA standards means you know it can be used safely in the right hands. This extendable ladder closes to just 36.5 inches and is suitable for professional contractors and home DIY lovers alike.
Other benefits of this ladder are that: it has a so-called ‘no-pinch’ closure system that helps to protect you from any nasty and painful accidents when opening and closing the ladder; it has a useful handle for portability; it is made with airplane grade aluminum so you can be sure of its durability, and; it has super secure feet. The downside of this ladder is that it is much more expensive than others on this list and is only 12.5ft.
#Telescoping_Ladder #Aeroplane_Aluminum #Extending_Ladder #Ladders #Collapsible_Ladder
#3 Best telescoping ladder for contractors: Telesteps’ 16ft Reach Telescoping Ladder
Finding a telescopic ladder that reaches the heights professionals need that is also OSHA compliant can be a challenge. Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further than this excellent piece of kit. With automatic setup operated with a single-release mechanism, this telescoping ladder is also impressively easy to operate. Recognized by the North American Retail Hardware Association for its superb design, this ladder is a contractor’s dream.
Other good things about this retractable ladder are that: it has safety indicators installed on each step so you can be sure of a secure set up; it has adjustable silicone feet that give added security and grip; it is made with the same quality of aluminum as an airplane; it is rated to 250lbs; it sets itself up with the patented single-release mechanism, and; it is reasonably priced considering its innovative design and high-quality materials. The downside of this ladder is that the ANSI rating is only to 14.2 feet of the 16 feet it offers so it is important to be aware of this.
#Telesteps #Telescoping_Steps #OSHA_Ladder #ANSI #16ft_Ladder
#4 Best telescoping ladder for RVs: Luisladders’s Multi-Purpose Extension Ladder
With the average RV’s height being no more than 10-feet tall and most being slightly under this height, the 12.5ft model of this ladder is a great choice for RVs/ For taller RVs, the 15.5ft model will be a better choice. However, whichever size you go for, you are getting a great set up steps with this RV telescoping ladder.
Other pluses about this RV telescope ladder are that: it is has a weight rating up to 350lbs; it meets European safety standards so you can be sure of its safety to use when getting up high on your RV roof; it has anti-pinching rung couplings; it can be easily and safely set to any height, making it ideal for interior and exterior reach whenever you need it, and; it is super portable, collapsing down to under36 inches. The downside of this unit is that it is not as durable as more expensive units.
#RV_Ladder #RV_Telescoping_Ladder #RV #RVs #Safety_Ladder
#5 Best value telescoping ladder: CCYX’s Multi-Purpose 8.5ft Folding Ladder
Just because you have less to spend doesn’t mean you should choose a ladder that is not safety compliant. Fortunately, this great telescoping ladder is not much over 60 bucks and meets European safety standards so you don’t have to. Whilst it is a bit smaller than the other ladders on this list it gets you plenty high enough for most tasks and is lighter and more portable than many because of this compact design.
Other things to shout about this best telescoping ladder for the money are that: it has a stabilizing bar for additional security when extended; it has safe rubber covered feet for additional grip; it weighs under 16lbs making it easy to move into place wherever you need it, indoors or out; it is just 30-inches tall when retracted; it has a weight rating of 330lbs, and; it has good safety features. The downside of this ladder is that it is not made from the highest quality materials.
#Cheap_Telescoping_Ladder #Value_Telescoping_Ladder #Small_Ladders #Ladder #EN131
What to look out for when purchasing Best Telescoping Ladders
When it comes to buying any ladder, you are going to need to consider a few key things. For example, you’ll need to think about height, portability, storage, safety features, and durability. Here, we outline what will you need to weigh up when trying to find the right retractable telescoping ladders for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Telescopic Ladder Used For?
Telescopic ladders can be used for anything that requires you to get up high. This might be household chores like window cleaning, accessing the loft, or cleaning the gutters. For these purposes, aluminum or steel models are good enough and generally cheaper than fiberglass. If you are using a telescopic ladder for commercial use, such as putting in alarm systems or TV aerials, where you may need added protection form dodgy wiring, then fiberglass is a better choice. Equally, some people prefer the weight of steel when getting up really high for roofing jobs.
What size ladder do I need?
When it comes to choosing a ladder, you want to consider what is a standard size ladder? You also want to ask what size ladder you need for the tasks you have planned. Do you need a telescoping ladder for roofing, cleaning windows, painting, or just accessing the loft? The higher the task, the bigger the ladder you will need. Bear in mind, you will also need to be able to lift the ladder and transport it to wherever the task demands when choosing the right sized collapsible ladder for your needs. Ultimately, you need a ladder with at least 5 feet clearing distance of the highest point of the surface you will be leaning against.
What does a ladder’s weight rating show?
This is a vital consideration when buying any ladder. The weight rating shows how much weight the ladder can bear. Remember, it is going to need to hold your weight and anything you might carry up the ladder. The strongest ladders are of the type IAA. These can hold up to 375lbs, compared to type III which can only hold 200lbs.
Are telescopic ladders safe?
For business or personal use, ladders should meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or European standards, such as EN131, CE, and SGS. All of the best ladder brands will offer this and only ladders that meet these regulatory requirements can properly be described as safe. Even with the safest telescopic ladder, they are only truly as safe as the person using them. As such, even with a telescopic ladder that meets regulatory requirements, you should learn how to use a ladder safely. Here, we outline 7 top tips to use telescopic ladders more safely:
#1 Ascend & Descend Safely
To do this, 3 points of contact must be maintained with the ladder at all times. You must also face the ladder, firmly grip the ladder with at least one hand, and not carry objects that will cause you to lose balance.
#2 Secure placement on the ground
Ladders should not be placed on unstable objects like boxes and barrels to gain extra height. Make sure it is completely stable and at the right angle before you climb it.
#3 Take extra precautions when obscured
If using the ladder in an obscured location, such as close to a corner, passageway, or across a doorway, then they should be cordoned off or fixed in place to prevent their accidental displacement.
#4 Do not used damaged ladders
If you notice a defect on your ladder, then you should no longer use it and it should be clearly labeled as being defective until disposed of.
#5 Do not use the top steps
Unfortunately, the top steps should not be used as steps as this can cause the ladder to slip. That is why you need a suitable amount of clearance for anything you intend to scale.
#6 Use locking mechanisms properly
Do not try and adjust these when on the ladder, this is a recipe for disaster. Make sure they are securely locked in place first.
#7 Be careful when opening & closing
You should try and close ladders slowly to protect your fingers and the ladder itself. If they close too quickly, the impact can damage the ladder making it less safe.
Conclusion
Telescoping ladders are a great way to reach hard to reach places without having to lug around heavy and large ladders. When they meet suitable standards and you practice safe use of them, they are also a secure way to do this with less risk. All the ladders on this list meet either European or American safety standards, the final safe operation of them is up to you. Whether your budget is large or small, there is an option on the list above to help you find the right ladder for your needs.
Thanks for this information! Aluminium telescopic ladders can make any development related work simpler and comfier, also more secure. Designed with secure steps that are intended to forestall unintentional falls.
I weight 313lbs, need to climb about 12 ft to replace flood lights, will it be safe?