I use this type of ladder for commercial work and the bear has gotten a few things wrong. First, the wheels aren't for moving the ladders around: they're for rolling them in and out of SUV's and pickups, and they work GREAT for this. Next, Little Giant sells numerous versions of this type of ladder. Conspicuously, the bear did not show any of their models. The base model is similar to the competition, but the Velocity line is significantly better. It has snap action levers for the telescoping locks which are far superior to the cheap conventional spring loaded pins on other models. Little Giant uses a double pin lock hinge which has less play than single pin locks prevalent in other lines. This is not a minor issue as play in this joint effects a ladder's stability. Finally, Little Giant clams to use a better alloy aluminum, which it does not identify. This is supposed to permit them to make their ladders a little lighter; 20%. The bear mentioned how deceptively heavy this type of ladder is, and they are. In this regard, the lower weight of Little Giant ladders is very beneficial if you're moving them around a lot, which I do. Until someone else comes-out with a carbon fiber version, I'll stick with Little Giants.
I've used Werner, Little giant and Gorilla over the last 7 years as an inspector. After all my time using these laders I will only buy Gorilla from now on. The Gorilla has an easier and simpler locking mechanisms with less chance of pinches while locking/ulocking and the Gorilla also seems lighter than the others as well.
I have (or had, I should say) the Werner ladder from Lowe's. I found it to be very useful, practical, and robust. It has some weight to it, but I had no trouble moving it around when it was fully retracted. I would buy one again in a heartbeat, but I'm hoping my brother gives it back before I have to sue him!
I use the Werner and Cosco ones at work to reach fuel tanks I am filling. Also larger than 300 lbs guys use them too. No issues just be aware of pinch points
Perfect timing on this video. My wife and I bought our first house and move in a month from now. Another great video to help me out with tools I need to take care of my new home.
Not sure why you'd consider these home ladders. I've been doing various types of residential construction for almost twenty years and my old Gorilla ladder is the only one that never leaves my truck. It's much sturdier than my other A-frames and packs up smaller than _any_ of my other ladders. Yes, there are times when another ladder (namely a longer extension ladder) is a better choice but my Gorilla does absolutely everything else. Anyone who has ever had a ladder twist under them knows what I'm talking about. These don't twist, period. That combined with the fact that I can go up one side, throw my leg over the top, and come back down the other side, means that I spend less time moving my ladder and more time getting work done. It's a no-brainer. I don't know why more people don't use them for construction. If it's "too heavy" for the average hammer swinger, then it's time to swing that hammer harder and build up those little arms. What do these guys do when they have to move a load of 16' 2x6s, ask the homeowner to do it for them?
Are all these missing the best feature of all? The leveling extensions. My advice, seek out the versions with the extending quick leveling legs. Not sure who all offers this other than little giant but it is truly a huge deal... If you ever have/get to use them in action, it will suddenly becomes clear. It was feature I didn't even know or care about when I got my little giant for 80 bucks. They had pallets of leftover inventory from a black Friday sale a couple years ago. I just thought it was a decent deal and grabbed it up, not really needing it. When I finally used it the next spring, I was stoked at how freaking great it was, stable just about anywhere, doing just about anything. I didn't realize there were cheaper models without the leveling legs until way later. I got a better deal than I thought back then cause the leg leveling model is even more expensive. But after having it, it is what makes the little giant so great and useful to me. I certainly would not even consider buying one without the leveling feature. It is such a big deal especially if you want an all around dual purpose ladder. I can't talk it up enough.
We carried a Little Giant on our fire apparatus in the Air Force: they could be adjusted to create stairs into aircraft, or as a support for supply hose. Took a beating but never failed
One of the differences between the different brands is the weight. In then 17’-18’ category, there may be more than 4lbs difference is weight for the base model (no extra features like wheels, levelers, etc). “Under 31 lbs” vs “34lbs” might not sound like a lot, but that 30-40lbs range is where most people will start the notice a big difference in perceived weight.
I bought the Little Giant 22 about 8 years ago and I also have the 3 step step ladder and love them both. My only compliant is extending the ladder is a bear much harder than a normal extension ladder but if you only have one I think this style of ladder is the way to go.
Little Giant has the best customer service. I love their ladders and wanted a Sumo-Stance extension ladder for the extra height, but no one carries them locally. I bought one through the Little Giant website and it arrived bent. I was furious and called customer service ready for a fight. Have you ever been fired-up ready for a fight and not get one? I told the young lady, who sounded like she was from Nebraska, that the ladder arrivedf bent. After giving my name and order number, I received an email while still on the phone with the info on the new ladder they were shipping me. Seriously, it was probably 30 seconds! It took a little bit longer to arrange for the pickup of the defective ladder but I was blown away. BTW, love the Sumo-Stance - 28 ft and light enough that my wife can set it up.
I’ve had a Little Giant ladder for around 40 years and beat the heck out of it for most of its life as a HVAC&R contractor it lived on the top of my van in NW Illinois, it was used almost everyday. My biggest complaint was they were expensive then and often grew legs and walked off. It is one of the best investments in tools I made. Total purchased was 4 or 5 due to theft.
I have a little giant ladder that I purchased over 20 years ago and use it for work a couple of times a week and I love that ladder and it has never failed me .
I have an older Little Giant 17, a Harbor Freight and a new Little Giant 22 (lots of locations). The Harbor Freight is the least smooth when sliding the rails, least stable feet and most fiddly. The new Little Giant has much smoother locking and sliding mechanisms and the built in leveler. I used the wheels on the LG 22 to roll the ladder from Aisle 19 to the checkout and out to the truck. The wheels aren't necessary, but they're not useless for long hauls. The built in leveler is why I got it. Gorilla has an option to buy a leveler, but it ends up being more expensive than the Little Giant that comes with one.
I bought the 22ft Little Giant with leveling feet at Lowe's 2 years ago. Used a coupon to get it for $159, plus tax. Good deal. Still need to get rid of my Werner 17ft version.
I use the adjustable ladders at my job almost everyday. I use them for scaffolding.... And other stuff. I have 1 of the HF Franklin for about a year ($100 with coupon).. It is a nice ladder light weight.
We use them roofing because they can come apart, makes it easier to do 8 12s or steeper without having to place a bunch of roof Jack's for boards, just place one board at the bottom when shingling and run up the ladder and scoot the ladder down as you go. Great invention, super versatile
IMO after using the following (Little Giant Evolution, Little Giant Leveler, Gorilla, and Franklin) I would say the Franklin was my least favorite due to the small knobs that you have to push in to unlock the mechanism to open ladder. My favorite would be a tie between the Gorilla and the Little Giant Evolution. Larger unlock mechanism and lighter feeling. The Little Giant Leveler is very nice but it is heavier IMO.
I have the Cosco ladder, I got ours at Target. I can’t remember the price as I got it over 15 yrs ago. For around the house these are great because you only need one ladder. I love it, never had an issue.
My first folding ladder was a Krause, I believe it was German and I picked it up at a garage sale about 2000. It was not a telescoping design, it had 4 sections with 3 hinges you had to unfold and lock each pair of sections. It was very heavy. I loaned it to a neighbor and it was returned with 2 of the hinge locking "pawls" sheared off. They were cast aluminum and that may have been the reason for the recall, I never found out. Since they had been recalled, there there were no parts available, so I got some aluminum bar stock, a hacksaw, and files and made my own. The biggest drawback to the Krause was unfolding all the sections and not getting conked in the head or a finger pinched because of the awkward folding/unfolding (the ladder has 2 hinges at the bottom and 1 at the top center) and the weight you had to swing during the folding/unfolding. The easiest way I found was to unfold it laying on its side on the ground and then struggle to stand the whole thing up. I liked the stand up storage position because I didn't have a 10 foot long 2 section extension ladder to find a place to try to put it out of the way. I was at Sam's Club in about 2010 and saw a Cosco like is currently available for $98 (they were selling in store for around $140) on closeout. Liked the telescoping feature and took it home. Sold the Krause (illegal to sell any product that has been recalled, but check out the used Craftsman Radial Arm Saws out there for sale, they were almost all recalled) with the admonition that they were getting it at a great price because it had been recalled. I still occasionally see one for sale on Craigslist. The Cosco is still a pain to unfold into a straight ladder, but you only have to do it once. And the weight is pretty hefty. The biggest fault I have with the Cosco is the hinge latch is that large black knob pointed out in the video and it can be tough to turn (both) to the unlatch position and get them to stay; and then you have to do it again to go past the A-frame position to get to the straight ladder position. Same situation with folding it back up. I recently bought a USED Werner 16 ft. Fiberglass Combination Ladder with 375 lb. Load Capacity that can be used as an A-frame or extension ladder (check them out at Home Depot). Since I've retired, I now have room to store a 10 ft long ladder, and the Cosco is going to a new home!
The Werner ladder at Lowes in this video is not the same size as the others he talks about so it doesn't belong in this comparison without having that fact clearly stated. Some of these companies have started calling out a reach height instead of the true extended ladder length to trick people. Don't fall for it folks! All of the other ladders in this video are four rungs high when completly folded up except the Werner ladder from Lowes which is only three rungs high which of course makes it much shorter when fully extended than the other ladders he compared it to in this video. I purchased the Werner from Lowes because I already had the next two larger size Little Giant ladders and I wanted one that would be lighter and easier to move around and set up than the others. It's still heavy but an excellent ladder when you don't need one of the larger ones.
What crazy timing. I just bought one of those Ascents about 10 days ago because I needed to cut away some drywall in a ceiling over a stair case. I never had a reason to own one before now. It worked great. Got it at Menards for around $100 + their 11% rebate which seems is going outlast the COVID.
How do you like the ascents ladder? I just bought the same ladder. Has it giving you any trouble? Have you used it extended yet? I just bought it and I'm hoping it's a good ladder
I have the 21' Little Giant, I love it. I have a bad back so I got the wheels for the bottom which makes moving the ladder around much easier. I don't remember if the wheels where an option when I bought it or not.
04:51 Those rung locking pins are a little finicky. It is natural to pull them out at the pin and not at the actual sprung sliding part. This causes a slight binding. I lubed the actual sliding part. Much better. Some people get frustrated because you can't slide the rung and let the pin fall into the hole as you slide. That is because of the end of the rung has the welding ring. Those same people seem to not really look to see why so they downvote the ladder. Side note: Ladder types ended at Type 1 for many years. Home Depot came out with their Rigid brand ladder, some years ago, that was stronger than the Type 1 so the Type 1A was created.
Just used my new Little Giant Leveler (only at Lowes) m22. You’re right about them being heavier than you would expect. I was able to clean the first story rain gutters in the step ladder configuration. The gutter over the front porch steps required two functions of the slider that I think are paramount. One, the ability for one side to be shorter than the other so you can rest it on the steps and two, the ratcheting legs on one side that you can move in or out easily for uneven ground. The only thing that would make it better is if they put the ratcheting legs on both sides not just one. I’m about to go Exchange it for the larger model, the m26 today. Another reason I chose this model is the locking mechanisms on the sides. By twisting them 90°, they use a cam action to stay unlocked and then you can twist to release them and they will easily find the next hole as you slide. Oh, One more reason I chose the little giant system is the ability to add further features as needed with more products. Scaffolding planks, standoff adapters, platforms etc.
I've had the Harbor Freight version for several years now... I bought it on a Black Friday for $99.99 and it's been great. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed work platform accessories for the Little Giant and Werner at Lowes and thought that it might be useful. I'll have to do some measurements, but I can't see why it wouldn't work with my ladder too. Any thoughts?
The harbor freight version is an exact clone of the early model little giant. the only accessories that won't work are the ones for the newer model ladders that have special attachment points
I have the Harbor Freight and the Warner 26 ft. I use the HF much more often because of the weight but the reach on the 26 footer is amazing. Highly recommend it.
Kinda wish I would have bought the 21' to start off with, instead of the 17'. Now I have to buy the 21' to add to my reach capacity, but moreover, so I can to the scaffold thing much quicker. I don't like using the mini ladder by itself. Too much of a hassle. (Personally, I put my faith in Werner brand when it comes to these)
The television shopping channels (QVC, HSN) have Little Giant as a Today's Special periodically (once per year, it seems), and usually with free shipping.
Somehow I trust Warner brand, they seem studier and a lot easier to use. I've tried gorilla but seems to wiggle and can't seems the pin to lock compared to werner. I've been using all types of steps ladders for the past 15 years. I found it Warner is the king among step ladders (the electrician/oranges ones)
Little giant is the only one with individual telescopic legs for uneven surfaces or being on different stair heights. That's a huge feature advantage IMO.
I have had an aluminum Werner slide extendable ladder for almost 15 years never had a problem with it and it has a 200 pound capacity and both me and my wife over succeeded that rating by 30 to 50 pounds and still never hand no issues with the ladder holding us @TheDenOfTools
I own the Werner. Works well for me, though at it's full length, it's a bit wobbly. I'm over 300lbs too, and never felt like the rungs were stressed under foot.
The Home Depot Gorilla ladders go on crazy sales. Picked one up and use it all the time. Yes, it's heavy. Remember to use caution as a full extension ladder, excess flex on a slippery surface will cause these types of ladders to fail.
HF is ok for low usage hand tools and misc. items, but where my life depends on something, I'm going with something made by a real company. I bought an AL-13 and an AL-22' Gorilla's about 12-15 years ago. The 22 is harder to move around, but I'm glad I bought it since I've needed it to change light bulbs in a staircase and foyer and also to work on my garage door opener. I use the AL-13 for shorter jobs since it is so easy to carry and move around. I'm looking for a 26' because I have a couple tasks that are just beyond the reach of the the AL-22. As was pointed out in the video, there are a lot of differences in these ladders. One big difference is the width at the base and width of the rungs. Some of the newer ladders say they are lighter but is that at the expense of stability? I don't know.
24 years ago while at the Oshkosh Air Show there was a Canadian firm showing multipurpose ladders in Hangar D. They were called Featherlite (missed that mark by a bit) and had the JAWS 22'. The salesman set it up in an inverted "V" and myself, my son, my friend, and the salesman hung on this thing and it didn't budge or groan. I bought it and UPS'ed it home. Rated at 300lb. it's never given me anything but a very secure feeling. I checked their site and it's apparently Canadian sales only, but here's their URL: www.featherliteladders.com/catalog/Featherlite-22-ft-JAWS-Aluminum-Multipurpose-Ladder-300-lb-Load-Capacity-Type-IA-JLT22
Yes they’re heavy. Regardless of brand. I can’t throw away my cheap fiberglass one fir that reason. It’s nice to have a lightweight regular ladder around but I will always gave a little giant of any brand in my house. I see contractors haul these around. Great product
I agree with almost everything you say... but here is something. LG keeps innovating accessories that work with their existing ladders, *the new one with the extendable leg so you can have uneven footing is cool as hell. But, they keep selling various accessories (but they are pricey accessories).
I picked up a gorilla ladder at Home Depot for 99 dollars. Same price same size as the Harbor Freight one but Harbor Freight did not have any in stock. Home Depot had a special sale going on and I picked it up for $99 and plus tax. I really really really love the wheels because I have a bad shoulder and it's just easier for me to turn the ladder over and roll it with the wheels. Now all that being said it is now 2021 and I'm pretty sure I got this 2019 Summer of 2018 somewhere around there.
Yeah Red...I got one of the original made in the USA Little Giants that Hal made about ten years ago (with all of the accessories) --great tool that should last many more years .. its a.very stable ladder.
Like all other multi-purpose devices, it will never be as good as each thing it is made to replace. A step ladder, but much heavier. An extension ladder, but much clumsier. A scaffold, but smaller and less adjustable. The asymmetrical setup could be useful at times, but also awkward to climb..
If you don't have a pickup with a ladder rack or a panel van with ladder hooks, how do you even get an extension ladder home from the hardware store? Heck, a lot of pickups on the road have 5' and 6' beds (older Nissan Frontiers came as short as 55 inches). You have to buy and install at least a headache rack with a ladder notch to transport a 10' step ladder in some pickups. These little giant style ladders will fit in a honda hatch back.
I bought a Cosco ladder last year from Walmart, and it's a bit different. Much closer to the Werner. Can't remember what the advertised weight capacity was.
Whatever happened to the ones that had two additional pivot points, and could be folded into a platform? If I remember right, they were about three feet high on both ends, and roughly six feet across in the middle when folded in that configuration.
What is your thoughts on the Little Giant with the added features such as the extensions that keep the ladder from moving or has the scaffolding feature. That is the big push recently in commercials from Little Giant.
I think looking at the weight differences between them. I know when I was looking at Little Giant and Werner, the weight of the ladders was significantly different. My dad has a Werner, adn barely ever uses it because of the pain of hauling it around.
I got the Gorilla ladder on sale during Spring Black Friday about 2 years ago for $105. Great purchase! Must have been an old model because it's nowhere close to $159.
Looking at ladders for normal folk, the Gorilla brand from Home Depot seems to offer the best value for the features you get. The Little Giant Super Duity Type 1AA model 17 is listed at $385.99. Compare to Gorilla Reach MPX (GLMPX-17) at $159.00, a $226.99 saving! You could literally buy 2.5 ladders from Home Depot with the same ANSI rating, same functionality, both with a limited lifetime warranty. Plus, Gorilla ladders use quarter turn knobs and avoid j-locks altogether. Point being, don't be brand loyal! Great video from The Den and lots of options out there.
I picked up a Werner 22 foot version from Home Depot a few years back on Black Friday for $99. It's pretty solid. It's only 250 pound capacity though. Probably because of the extra step.
if your going to have just one ladder its the best they are magic when working slopes they are also super useful if you work maintenance at say a giant facility it can ride on your cart all packed up
Black friday 2018 picked up a 17' Little Giant Leveler ladder for $90 ( i went on Saturday too, cant believe they still had them in stock) To this day I still feel like a mistake was made at Lowes P.S. Ive used the $#!^ outta the wheels, especially useful for putting in the back of a truck, or van
These are great ladders! A little heavy, but great. I am 6’3” and 3?? Pounds so gravity is not my friend!! But this ladder is very sturdy and secure when I am on the higher level of the ladder!
I have the Little Giant Extreme M27. It's a monster of a ladder that I bought so I could reach the 2nd floor of my other house. It's really heavy and awkward at times. I plan on getting a smaller one now just for general use since the other one is too unwieldy for small things.
I have the 17' LG and I love it. I paid dearly for it at a home and garden show, but they threw in all the accessories, so I don't think I got reamed, as the accessories are kind of pricey. I bought it on the last day of the show, towards the end of the day, so I think the guy was trying to reduce the amount of crap he would have to take with him. I got the wheels, the levelers, the extender, the platform, the bucket and the scaffolding attachment (not the platform). One of the best uses so far has been putting up Christmas lights. Not only can I now get high enough, but I can do it on uneven ground. I agree with the Bear on the wheels. Handy, yes, but they're made for little people. I'm only about 5'-6" and even I have to stoop over the get the wheels on the ground. Unless you need to get it down the street, it's easier to just carry it, even though it is quite the heavy ladder. While I like the "close up" configuration, where you make one side of the A-frame parallel to a wall, the steps are at an unnatural angle (for a ladder) and I find it hard to feel stable. It's a handy feature, but it takes getting used to. We recently bought the LG Jumbo Step ladder, also at the H&G show (yeah, we go every year). It's the three step model. It is the most comfortable step ladder I've ever used. Big steps so your feet and ankles don't get tired. Tall enough to bump your head on the ceiling. Absolutely the handiest ladder around the house.
I have always wondered if the wheels are really more for loading and unloading from a truck bed than moving around once out. I know they advertise it, but the location of the wheels is horrible for rolling around the ground.
Geeze,,,,, about 20 yrs ago I bought me a Little Giant,,,,,, from an INFOMERCIAL,,,,, I think it cost me about 300+/- but I got a bunch of stuff with it too....... I knew that they were good stuff,,,,, because it's what the Marines use, working on they're Helocopters, MV-22's and C-130's.......... if young Marines can use these things and not bust them up right away,,,,,,,,,,,they must be GREAT! And they are,,, but yes,,,,,, HEAVY, I've got the very Biggest Little Giant........
I am 75 an have the one of the first Little Giant ones and it is a great item but I am 75 and it is very heavy to carry. Is any one lighter? Thanks Ron
I was at harbor fright today , lot and lots of empty shelves . Don't know if China isn't allowed to ship stuff into USA or not . Can anybody tell me whats going on ?
Thank you for the comparo on these, I have been considering getting one of these for my service truck. I occasionally have to get down into meter vaults and up into attics and these compact ladders seem sturdier than the telescoping ladders. Maybe you can do a telescoping ladder review. Thanks!
Just bought the (newer, lighter?) Werner MT221AA Ladder with Powerlite Rails, 22' reach (21' actual I think) 375 lbs rating as a Home Depot Special Buy $149. I haven't unpacked it yet...
I use this type of ladder for commercial work and the bear has gotten a few things wrong. First, the wheels aren't for moving the ladders around: they're for rolling them in and out of SUV's and pickups, and they work GREAT for this.
Next, Little Giant sells numerous versions of this type of ladder. Conspicuously, the bear did not show any of their models. The base model is similar to the competition, but the Velocity line is significantly better. It has snap action levers for the telescoping locks which are far superior to the cheap conventional spring loaded pins on other models.
Little Giant uses a double pin lock hinge which has less play than single pin locks prevalent in other lines. This is not a minor issue as play in this joint effects a ladder's stability.
Finally, Little Giant clams to use a better alloy aluminum, which it does not identify. This is supposed to permit them to make their ladders a little lighter; 20%. The bear mentioned how deceptively heavy this type of ladder is, and they are. In this regard, the lower weight of Little Giant ladders is very beneficial if you're moving them around a lot, which I do.
Until someone else comes-out with a carbon fiber version, I'll stick with Little Giants.
I bought the 17' Little Giant nearly 40 years ago. It is one of the best tool purchases I made. I bought a 22' Little Giant about 5 years ago.
I've used Werner, Little giant and Gorilla over the last 7 years as an inspector. After all my time using these laders I will only buy Gorilla from now on. The Gorilla has an easier and simpler locking mechanisms with less chance of pinches while locking/ulocking and the Gorilla also seems lighter than the others as well.
Is there a gorilla with the bottom levelers?
Hey Nicholas - few years out now from your post. you still feeling that the Gorilla is the best of the bunch? THANX!
Not sure.@@TheMarialm66
Yes I still think Gorilla is the best ladder for me. @@adamesq
@@nicholashinrichsen534wait you don’t know if the Gorilla is still a good ladder for you?
I have (or had, I should say) the Werner ladder from Lowe's. I found it to be very useful, practical, and robust. It has some weight to it, but I had no trouble moving it around when it was fully retracted. I would buy one again in a heartbeat, but I'm hoping my brother gives it back before I have to sue him!
I use the Werner and Cosco ones at work to reach fuel tanks I am filling. Also larger than 300 lbs guys use them too. No issues just be aware of pinch points
Perfect timing on this video. My wife and I bought our first house and move in a month from now. Another great video to help me out with tools I need to take care of my new home.
Hope you love your house!
Not sure why you'd consider these home ladders. I've been doing various types of residential construction for almost twenty years and my old Gorilla ladder is the only one that never leaves my truck. It's much sturdier than my other A-frames and packs up smaller than _any_ of my other ladders. Yes, there are times when another ladder (namely a longer extension ladder) is a better choice but my Gorilla does absolutely everything else.
Anyone who has ever had a ladder twist under them knows what I'm talking about. These don't twist, period. That combined with the fact that I can go up one side, throw my leg over the top, and come back down the other side, means that I spend less time moving my ladder and more time getting work done. It's a no-brainer.
I don't know why more people don't use them for construction. If it's "too heavy" for the average hammer swinger, then it's time to swing that hammer harder and build up those little arms. What do these guys do when they have to move a load of 16' 2x6s, ask the homeowner to do it for them?
Are all these missing the best feature of all? The leveling extensions.
My advice, seek out the versions with the extending quick leveling legs. Not sure who all offers this other than little giant but it is truly a huge deal...
If you ever have/get to use them in action, it will suddenly becomes clear.
It was feature I didn't even know or care about when I got my little giant for 80 bucks. They had pallets of leftover inventory from a black Friday sale a couple years ago. I just thought it was a decent deal and grabbed it up, not really needing it. When I finally used it the next spring, I was stoked at how freaking great it was, stable just about anywhere, doing just about anything.
I didn't realize there were cheaper models without the leveling legs until way later. I got a better deal than I thought back then cause the leg leveling model is even more expensive. But after having it, it is what makes the little giant so great and useful to me. I certainly would not even consider buying one without the leveling feature.
It is such a big deal especially if you want an all around dual purpose ladder. I can't talk it up enough.
When I went to my first duty station in the navy in 2003 we used little giant ladders.
Thank you for your service. =)
cool
We carried a Little Giant on our fire apparatus in the Air Force: they could be adjusted to create stairs into aircraft, or as a support for supply hose. Took a beating but never failed
When the Depot had a deal on the 17ft Gorilla, I bought one. Works great. Heavy, but not quite as heavy as the Lil' Giant.
One of the differences between the different brands is the weight. In then 17’-18’ category, there may be more than 4lbs difference is weight for the base model (no extra features like wheels, levelers, etc). “Under 31 lbs” vs “34lbs” might not sound like a lot, but that 30-40lbs range is where most people will start the notice a big difference in perceived weight.
I bought the Little Giant 22 about 8 years ago and I also have the 3 step step ladder and love them both. My only compliant is extending the ladder is a bear much harder than a normal extension ladder but if you only have one I think this style of ladder is the way to go.
Little Giant has the best customer service. I love their ladders and wanted a Sumo-Stance extension ladder for the extra height, but no one carries them locally. I bought one through the Little Giant website and it arrived bent. I was furious and called customer service ready for a fight. Have you ever been fired-up ready for a fight and not get one? I told the young lady, who sounded like she was from Nebraska, that the ladder arrivedf bent. After giving my name and order number, I received an email while still on the phone with the info on the new ladder they were shipping me. Seriously, it was probably 30 seconds! It took a little bit longer to arrange for the pickup of the defective ladder but I was blown away. BTW, love the Sumo-Stance - 28 ft and light enough that my wife can set it up.
I got the gorilla one that was on sale for 89 a couple months ago...18 ft.....has been great to use around the house
The Home Depot often has deals on the gorilla ladder version depending on what size you are looking for
I’ve had a Little Giant ladder for around 40 years and beat the heck out of it for most of its life as a HVAC&R contractor it lived on the top of my van in NW Illinois, it was used almost everyday. My biggest complaint was they were expensive then and often grew legs and walked off. It is one of the best investments in tools I made. Total purchased was 4 or 5 due to theft.
I imagine the thievery in Illinois is twice as bad today!!
@yukonjack. Oh it is!
Love these ladders. Military uses Little Giant ladders for everything. Every squadron has one it seems like.
Maybe for you! Freaking Army isn't buying this kinda stuff. It'd be broken in 8 hours if the Army would buy em
Gorillas' locking mechanism is far easier to operate than the others. I certainly saw it as a deal maker.
A little knowledge goes a long way.
I know a few hvac techs that use the Little Giant ladder's everyday for getting on roofs
I have a little giant ladder that I purchased over 20 years ago and use it for work a couple of times a week and I love that ladder and it has never failed me .
I have an older Little Giant 17, a Harbor Freight and a new Little Giant 22 (lots of locations).
The Harbor Freight is the least smooth when sliding the rails, least stable feet and most fiddly.
The new Little Giant has much smoother locking and sliding mechanisms and the built in leveler. I used the wheels on the LG 22 to roll the ladder from Aisle 19 to the checkout and out to the truck. The wheels aren't necessary, but they're not useless for long hauls. The built in leveler is why I got it. Gorilla has an option to buy a leveler, but it ends up being more expensive than the Little Giant that comes with one.
I bought the 22ft Little Giant with leveling feet at Lowe's 2 years ago. Used a coupon to get it for $159, plus tax. Good deal. Still need to get rid of my Werner 17ft version.
Excellent job on the video. Thanks for posting. I think I'm gonna pony up and get the Gorilla GLMPXT.
I have an old Werner articulated ladder from the 90’s that has the same locking mechanism like the Good Life (Amazon)ladder. Works great.
I use the adjustable ladders at my job almost everyday. I use them for scaffolding.... And other stuff. I have 1 of the HF Franklin for about a year ($100 with coupon).. It is a nice ladder light weight.
Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to create this informative video.
We use them roofing because they can come apart, makes it easier to do 8 12s or steeper without having to place a bunch of roof Jack's for boards, just place one board at the bottom when shingling and run up the ladder and scoot the ladder down as you go. Great invention, super versatile
IMO after using the following (Little Giant Evolution, Little Giant Leveler, Gorilla, and Franklin) I would say the Franklin was my least favorite due to the small knobs that you have to push in to unlock the mechanism to open ladder. My favorite would be a tie between the Gorilla and the Little Giant Evolution. Larger unlock mechanism and lighter feeling. The Little Giant Leveler is very nice but it is heavier IMO.
I have the Cosco ladder, I got ours at Target. I can’t remember the price as I got it over 15 yrs ago. For around the house these are great because you only need one ladder. I love it, never had an issue.
My first folding ladder was a Krause, I believe it was German and I picked it up at a garage sale about 2000. It was not a telescoping design, it had 4 sections with 3 hinges you had to unfold and lock each pair of sections. It was very heavy. I loaned it to a neighbor and it was returned with 2 of the hinge locking "pawls" sheared off. They were cast aluminum and that may have been the reason for the recall, I never found out. Since they had been recalled, there there were no parts available, so I got some aluminum bar stock, a hacksaw, and files and made my own. The biggest drawback to the Krause was unfolding all the sections and not getting conked in the head or a finger pinched because of the awkward folding/unfolding (the ladder has 2 hinges at the bottom and 1 at the top center) and the weight you had to swing during the folding/unfolding. The easiest way I found was to unfold it laying on its side on the ground and then struggle to stand the whole thing up. I liked the stand up storage position because I didn't have a 10 foot long 2 section extension ladder to find a place to try to put it out of the way. I was at Sam's Club in about 2010 and saw a Cosco like is currently available for $98 (they were selling in store for around $140) on closeout. Liked the telescoping feature and took it home. Sold the Krause (illegal to sell any product that has been recalled, but check out the used Craftsman Radial Arm Saws out there for sale, they were almost all recalled) with the admonition that they were getting it at a great price because it had been recalled. I still occasionally see one for sale on Craigslist. The Cosco is still a pain to unfold into a straight ladder, but you only have to do it once. And the weight is pretty hefty. The biggest fault I have with the Cosco is the hinge latch is that large black knob pointed out in the video and it can be tough to turn (both) to the unlatch position and get them to stay; and then you have to do it again to go past the A-frame position to get to the straight ladder position. Same situation with folding it back up. I recently bought a USED Werner 16 ft. Fiberglass Combination Ladder with 375 lb. Load Capacity that can be used as an A-frame or extension ladder (check them out at Home Depot). Since I've retired, I now have room to store a 10 ft long ladder, and the Cosco is going to a new home!
Reach doesn't mean length of ladder. It's how far you can reach from the 3rd rung from the top. Assuming you are 5'6" with a 12" reach.
The Werner ladder at Lowes in this video is not the same size as the others he talks about so it doesn't belong in this comparison without having that fact clearly stated. Some of these companies have started calling out a reach height instead of the true extended ladder length to trick people. Don't fall for it folks! All of the other ladders in this video are four rungs high when completly folded up except the Werner ladder from Lowes which is only three rungs high which of course makes it much shorter when fully extended than the other ladders he compared it to in this video. I purchased the Werner from Lowes because I already had the next two larger size Little Giant ladders and I wanted one that would be lighter and easier to move around and set up than the others. It's still heavy but an excellent ladder when you don't need one of the larger ones.
Those are great ladders. I had one and it grew feet and left or probably buried in storage lol
Menards carries the Ascent ladder. It’s on sale and it’s 11% rebate days. 18’ for $97
Love all your videos and watching your family together on vacation and on the live stream
Hey Ed what brand is yours?
Gorilla 🦍 I purchased it at home depot!
What crazy timing. I just bought one of those Ascents about 10 days ago because I needed to cut away some drywall in a ceiling over a stair case. I never had a reason to own one before now. It worked great. Got it at Menards for around $100 + their 11% rebate which seems is going outlast the COVID.
How do you like the ascents ladder? I just bought the same ladder. Has it giving you any trouble? Have you used it extended yet? I just bought it and I'm hoping it's a good ladder
@@reedcarpenter2994 yes, I've ended up using this thing 50 different ways. It's a very versatile ladder. I think it was a solid purchase.
@@dudemcmann6936 by any chance did you purchase at northern tools? Just checking to make sure it's the same one I bought.
@@reedcarpenter2994 no, got mine at Menards
@@dudemcmann6936 ok does it have lime green on it? Mine is called Mighty multi. But it's ascents brand
I have the 21' Little Giant, I love it. I have a bad back so I got the wheels for the bottom which makes moving the ladder around much easier. I don't remember if the wheels where an option when I bought it or not.
04:51 Those rung locking pins are a little finicky. It is natural to pull them out at the pin and not at the actual sprung sliding part. This causes a slight binding. I lubed the actual sliding part. Much better.
Some people get frustrated because you can't slide the rung and let the pin fall into the hole as you slide. That is because of the end of the rung has the welding ring. Those same people seem to not really look to see why so they downvote the ladder.
Side note: Ladder types ended at Type 1 for many years. Home Depot came out with their Rigid brand ladder, some years ago, that was stronger than the Type 1 so the Type 1A was created.
Just used my new Little Giant Leveler (only at Lowes) m22. You’re right about them being heavier than you would expect. I was able to clean the first story rain gutters in the step ladder configuration. The gutter over the front porch steps required two functions of the slider that I think are paramount. One, the ability for one side to be shorter than the other so you can rest it on the steps and two, the ratcheting legs on one side that you can move in or out easily for uneven ground. The only thing that would make it better is if they put the ratcheting legs on both sides not just one. I’m about to go Exchange it for the larger model, the m26 today. Another reason I chose this model is the locking mechanisms on the sides. By twisting them 90°, they use a cam action to stay unlocked and then you can twist to release them and they will easily find the next hole as you slide. Oh, One more reason I chose the little giant system is the ability to add further features as needed with more products. Scaffolding planks, standoff adapters, platforms etc.
I've had the Harbor Freight version for several years now... I bought it on a Black Friday for $99.99 and it's been great. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed work platform accessories for the Little Giant and Werner at Lowes and thought that it might be useful. I'll have to do some measurements, but I can't see why it wouldn't work with my ladder too. Any thoughts?
Did you get the accessories and did they work?
The harbor freight version is an exact clone of the early model little giant. the only accessories that won't work are the ones for the newer model ladders that have special attachment points
Wow! Super comp,eye review and some good education. Learned some things I hadn’t thought of! Thank you!
I have the Harbor Freight and the Warner 26 ft. I use the HF much more often because of the weight but the reach on the 26 footer is amazing. Highly recommend it.
"The cubs broke the swimming pool ladder" Right.. Just playing, bear!
Kinda wish I would have bought the 21' to start off with, instead of the 17'. Now I have to buy the 21' to add to my reach capacity, but moreover, so I can to the scaffold thing much quicker. I don't like using the mini ladder by itself. Too much of a hassle. (Personally, I put my faith in Werner brand when it comes to these)
i purchased the werner MT-18IAA a month ago online sale from HD $150. love it i weigh over 500lbs used as a stair and plate form base stable as a rock
I'm always gonna remember the little giant infomercial with Richard Karn.
I don't think so tim 😅
The television shopping channels (QVC, HSN) have Little Giant as a Today's Special periodically (once per year, it seems), and usually with free shipping.
Somehow I trust Warner brand, they seem studier and a lot easier to use. I've tried gorilla but seems to wiggle and can't seems the pin to lock compared to werner.
I've been using all types of steps ladders for the past 15 years. I found it Warner is the king among step ladders (the electrician/oranges ones)
@The Den of Tools. Thanks Red and Jeff for putting out this video.
Hope both your families stay safe and well.
Wishing you both a happy Father's Day.
As much as I wanted this type of ladder it is the weight that has prevented me from doing so.
Amen brother I’m 300lbs, me and ladders no bueno! LOL!
J - Who? Funny man... I think.
The weight is worth the flexibility of use and sturdiness, makes it safer.
Valentin Arzola that’s true but if you can’t handle the weight it’s not safe.
Little giant is the only one with individual telescopic legs for uneven surfaces or being on different stair heights.
That's a huge feature advantage IMO.
I have had an aluminum Werner slide extendable ladder for almost 15 years never had a problem with it and it has a 200 pound capacity and both me and my wife over succeeded that rating by 30 to 50 pounds and still never hand no issues with the ladder holding us @TheDenOfTools
I own the Werner. Works well for me, though at it's full length, it's a bit wobbly. I'm over 300lbs too, and never felt like the rungs were stressed under foot.
I have the 22' Werner. Got it about 10 years ago, used the heck out of it and it's rock solid.
Dan Bixby ....Extension or folding..?
@@mercoid It's identical to the one in the one he has in the video here, just the larger version.
The Home Depot Gorilla ladders go on crazy sales. Picked one up and use it all the time. Yes, it's heavy. Remember to use caution as a full extension ladder, excess flex on a slippery surface will cause these types of ladders to fail.
How heavy? The 18 ft gorilla ladder today says it's under 31 pds.
@@yukonjack. I have the larger 22’ version. 38 pounds.
Great video. These are great ladders. I have a variant.
HF is ok for low usage hand tools and misc. items, but where my life depends on something, I'm going with something made by a real company. I bought an AL-13 and an AL-22' Gorilla's about 12-15 years ago. The 22 is harder to move around, but I'm glad I bought it since I've needed it to change light bulbs in a staircase and foyer and also to work on my garage door opener. I use the AL-13 for shorter jobs since it is so easy to carry and move around. I'm looking for a 26' because I have a couple tasks that are just beyond the reach of the the AL-22. As was pointed out in the video, there are a lot of differences in these ladders. One big difference is the width at the base and width of the rungs. Some of the newer ladders say they are lighter but is that at the expense of stability? I don't know.
24 years ago while at the Oshkosh Air Show there was a Canadian firm showing multipurpose ladders in Hangar D. They were called Featherlite (missed that mark by a bit) and had the JAWS 22'. The salesman set it up in an inverted "V" and myself, my son, my friend, and the salesman hung on this thing and it didn't budge or groan. I bought it and UPS'ed it home. Rated at 300lb. it's never given me anything but a very secure feeling. I checked their site and it's apparently Canadian sales only, but here's their URL: www.featherliteladders.com/catalog/Featherlite-22-ft-JAWS-Aluminum-Multipurpose-Ladder-300-lb-Load-Capacity-Type-IA-JLT22
Yes they’re heavy. Regardless of brand. I can’t throw away my cheap fiberglass one fir that reason. It’s nice to have a lightweight regular ladder around but I will always gave a little giant of any brand in my house. I see contractors haul these around. Great product
I agree with almost everything you say... but here is something. LG keeps innovating accessories that work with their existing ladders, *the new one with the extendable leg so you can have uneven footing is cool as hell. But, they keep selling various accessories (but they are pricey accessories).
I picked up a gorilla ladder at Home Depot for 99 dollars. Same price same size as the Harbor Freight one but Harbor Freight did not have any in stock. Home Depot had a special sale going on and I picked it up for $99 and plus tax.
I really really really love the wheels because I have a bad shoulder and it's just easier for me to turn the ladder over and roll it with the wheels.
Now all that being said it is now 2021 and I'm pretty sure I got this 2019 Summer of 2018 somewhere around there.
Yeah Red...I got one of the original made in the USA Little Giants that Hal made about ten years ago (with all of the accessories) --great tool that should last many more years .. its a.very stable ladder.
I have the Vulcan ladder that Hft sold years ago, and it has that single point locking mechanism that you have.
I have a Little Giant ladder for us heavy folks. I love it.
I would just wait for it to be $99 at Costco. I think that's the ideal way to get one of these types of ladders
Like all other multi-purpose devices, it will never be as good as each thing it is made to replace.
A step ladder, but much heavier.
An extension ladder, but much clumsier.
A scaffold, but smaller and less adjustable.
The asymmetrical setup could be useful at times, but also awkward to climb..
If you don't have a pickup with a ladder rack or a panel van with ladder hooks, how do you even get an extension ladder home from the hardware store? Heck, a lot of pickups on the road have 5' and 6' beds (older Nissan Frontiers came as short as 55 inches). You have to buy and install at least a headache rack with a ladder notch to transport a 10' step ladder in some pickups. These little giant style ladders will fit in a honda hatch back.
Great video Red looks like the Franklin is similar to the little giant
I bought a Cosco ladder last year from Walmart, and it's a bit different. Much closer to the Werner. Can't remember what the advertised weight capacity was.
Whatever happened to the ones that had two additional pivot points, and could be folded into a platform? If I remember right, they were about three feet high on both ends, and roughly six feet across in the middle when folded in that configuration.
I go a 22 footer from a brand called mighty multi and its great
It was also only like $100
I bought a Franklin last year and I love it so far. I didn't see any reason to spend the extra for the name brand.
What is your thoughts on the Little Giant with the added features such as the extensions that keep the ladder from moving or has the scaffolding feature. That is the big push recently in commercials from Little Giant.
I think looking at the weight differences between them. I know when I was looking at Little Giant and Werner, the weight of the ladders was significantly different. My dad has a Werner, adn barely ever uses it because of the pain of hauling it around.
Yes I have the Werner. Way too heavy
I got the Gorilla ladder on sale during Spring Black Friday about 2 years ago for $105. Great purchase! Must have been an old model because it's nowhere close to $159.
Looking at ladders for normal folk, the Gorilla brand from Home Depot seems to offer the best value for the features you get. The Little Giant Super Duity Type 1AA model 17 is listed at $385.99. Compare to Gorilla Reach MPX (GLMPX-17) at $159.00, a $226.99 saving!
You could literally buy 2.5 ladders from Home Depot with the same ANSI rating, same functionality, both with a limited lifetime warranty. Plus, Gorilla ladders use quarter turn knobs and avoid j-locks altogether.
Point being, don't be brand loyal! Great video from The Den and lots of options out there.
Ya I got the big 26 model and it is heavy like you said so I got the 17 which is great for most things
Home Depot has the 17ft Gorilla for sale right now at $79. It has a weight capacity of 1AAA or 375 lbs.
I picked up a Werner 22 foot version from Home Depot a few years back on Black Friday for $99. It's pretty solid. It's only 250 pound capacity though. Probably because of the extra step.
if your going to have just one ladder its the best they are magic when working slopes they are also super useful if you work maintenance at say a giant facility it can ride on your cart all packed up
I keep one on brackets on my 5 drawer HFT tool cart. It fits in standard elevators.
Black friday 2018 picked up a 17' Little Giant Leveler ladder for $90 ( i went on Saturday too, cant believe they still had them in stock) To this day I still feel like a mistake was made at Lowes
P.S. Ive used the $#!^ outta the wheels, especially useful for putting in the back of a truck, or van
These are great ladders! A little heavy, but great. I am 6’3” and 3?? Pounds so gravity is not my friend!! But this ladder is very sturdy and secure when I am on the higher level of the ladder!
Good explanations. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Good flick!
Great reviews as always
I think the wheels on the little giant are for smooth loading/unloading into a truck bed.
I have one of those ladders and I love it, I'm going to get me another one
I have the Little Giant Extreme M27. It's a monster of a ladder that I bought so I could reach the 2nd floor of my other house. It's really heavy and awkward at times. I plan on getting a smaller one now just for general use since the other one is too unwieldy for small things.
The Gorilla MPXT is the best!!! I went with the 19ft size for most all around tasks.
I've owned a werner for years 15 at least its been a great ladder. but have been checking out the HF just to get a new one as well.
I do commercial Hvacr, I got the Werner 22ft on black Friday for 120 at great latter!
The best one is the one where you can angle both ends and use the middle as a platform
I have the 17' LG and I love it. I paid dearly for it at a home and garden show, but they threw in all the accessories, so I don't think I got reamed, as the accessories are kind of pricey. I bought it on the last day of the show, towards the end of the day, so I think the guy was trying to reduce the amount of crap he would have to take with him.
I got the wheels, the levelers, the extender, the platform, the bucket and the scaffolding attachment (not the platform). One of the best uses so far has been putting up Christmas lights. Not only can I now get high enough, but I can do it on uneven ground.
I agree with the Bear on the wheels. Handy, yes, but they're made for little people. I'm only about 5'-6" and even I have to stoop over the get the wheels on the ground. Unless you need to get it down the street, it's easier to just carry it, even though it is quite the heavy ladder.
While I like the "close up" configuration, where you make one side of the A-frame parallel to a wall, the steps are at an unnatural angle (for a ladder) and I find it hard to feel stable. It's a handy feature, but it takes getting used to.
We recently bought the LG Jumbo Step ladder, also at the H&G show (yeah, we go every year). It's the three step model. It is the most comfortable step ladder I've ever used. Big steps so your feet and ankles don't get tired. Tall enough to bump your head on the ceiling. Absolutely the handiest ladder around the house.
I have always wondered if the wheels are really more for loading and unloading from a truck bed than moving around once out. I know they advertise it, but the location of the wheels is horrible for rolling around the ground.
Geeze,,,,, about 20 yrs ago I bought me a Little Giant,,,,,, from an INFOMERCIAL,,,,, I think it cost me about 300+/- but I got a bunch of stuff with it too....... I knew that they were good stuff,,,,, because it's what the Marines use, working on they're Helocopters, MV-22's and C-130's.......... if young Marines can use these things and not bust them up right away,,,,,,,,,,,they must be GREAT! And they are,,, but yes,,,,,, HEAVY, I've got the very Biggest Little Giant........
I am 75 an have the one of the first Little Giant ones and it is a great item but I am 75 and it is very heavy to carry. Is any one lighter? Thanks Ron
I was at harbor fright today , lot and lots of empty shelves . Don't know if China isn't allowed to ship stuff into USA or not . Can anybody tell me whats going on ?
Thank you for the comparo on these, I have been considering getting one of these for my service truck. I occasionally have to get down into meter vaults and up into attics and these compact ladders seem sturdier than the telescoping ladders. Maybe you can do a telescoping ladder review. Thanks!
Since Lowe's won't stand behind their ladder, will they at least stand under it to catch me if it collapses? Lol
Might have to use the great.law firm of: Do we Sue them & how.
Just bought the (newer, lighter?) Werner MT221AA Ladder with Powerlite Rails, 22' reach (21' actual I think) 375 lbs rating as a Home Depot Special Buy $149. I haven't unpacked it yet...
you should love it i got the smaller 18ft a month ago when it was on sale for the 149.99 online sale price to bad i cldnt have waited