Ladders

[Not that Bob]

I need to bite the bullet and buy one, probably two, quality ladders. I have a ceiling that is a little over 16 ft. with a staircase, of course, and burned out light bulbs, of course. I also have a couple of outside lights that are easily 20 feet off the ground and need bulb replacement. I have thought of "residential quality" scaffolding, and have looked online, but all of this seems to have a footprint that is too large. I've seen those ladders that fold in multiple places, for use on a staircase, but I don't think I could reach 16 feet with one of those. I don't want to throw away money just for the hell of it, but I need enough quality to feel comfortable with my butt 16 feet off the ground.

Any ideas and experiences?

 

[BigWill]

by an extension ladder for outside, and an extension pole for inside lightbulb work. The Link

 

[brntorng]

If you get an extension ladder, get a heavy duty one. The lighter duty ones are like being on a trampoline.

Agree on the bulb changer if your lights are accessible with one.

 

[HornBud]

I was going to suggest the pole light grabber thingy as well. Lot's of flavors to look at, be sure to read reviews.

 

[NickDanger]

You really don't need the "grabber" if you don't have lights on a slope. I'm assuming yours are recessed cans. If it is track lighting, even the grabber won't help. You'll need to get all the way up there. I have a 16' ladder that folds all kinds of different ways for stairs, scaffolding, etc. I like it a lot.

 

[YoLaDu]

In reply to:

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[NickDanger]

The rungs on mine have a flattened side, but all of the ladders which don't have full steps will screw with your calves and arches.

It makes a difference to wear hard-soled shoes or boots. Flip flops are not recommended by me.

 

[Not that Bob]

Yep, recessed cans. I've had variable luck with "grabbers." Mostly, there's windows up there that need dusting and cleaning, and occassional painting that needs to be done. Also a chandelier with decorative bulbs under shades. Shades need to be dusted, and bulbs need to be changed. Bottom line, I'm going to have to get my aged rump up there. Can the multifold 16 footer fold such that I could have one leg 12 foot and the other leg 4 foot? I might be able to place such a configuration on the stairs and run a ramp to a second ladder.

I could hire this done, I suppose, but I can pay for plenty of ladders with the cost of just a couple of hired hands. Plus, if you want it done right, do it yourself.

 

[OrangeHair]

Just don't do what this guy did.

Link

On a serious note, get an aluminum extension ladder. It may bounce around a bit but the fiber glass ones are heavy.

 

[BigWill]

once a year rent one of these

 

[NickDanger]

I think you can go up 8'. Like this?

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[Perham1]

I got an A-frame type ladder (whatever its technical name is) that's about 18 feet iirc. It's big, fiberglass, not to unwiely, and pretty much usable by one person.

If all you need to do is replace bulbs then a bulb-grabber may work. But it sounds like you need to do more (I had to put in a new light in the foyer). If an extension ladder works then get that, the A-frame may not fit for all inside areas. But that's big ladder and for me only usable inside in the foyer.