Little Giant Ladder Review - Tool of the Century

It's been said that if you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door. Assuming that's true for ladders too, there must be a heck of a wide path beaten to the door of Wing Enterprises in Springville, Utah. That's because Wing is the worldwide manufacturer of the Little Giant ladder system. So what, you say? Here's what: whereas most ladders can take only one or two configurations, Little Giants are so cleverly constructed that they can take 24 different shapes -- they can even break down to form two separate trestles five feet tall, to use for scaffolding purposes. When was the last time you saw a ladder do that? We're betting never, unless you've already seen a Little Giant in action.

Let's talk versatility

Whether you're a professional or casual user of ladders, you'll love the length, breadth and depth of the Little Giant ladder. Industrial or household model, here's a ladder that will remain perfectly steady even when deployed on stairs, because you can vary the length of the individual sides. You can make it into a tall freestanding extension ladder, or double it over to form a sturdy A-frame. Uneven ground is no problem. Want to get right up next to a wall? Shape it into a 90-degree ladder, of which four different configurations are available. Now how's that for versatile?

Basically, the Little Giant takes the place of two dozen separate ladders, which purchased individually would cost you $800 or so -- assuming you didn't buy them from Honest Al's Discount Ladder Emporium, where they're probably made of painted cardboard anyway. Little Giant ladders, on the other hand, are made of hardened aircraft aluminum, which is 4-5 times sturdier than ordinary aluminum. Add to this the fact that the standard model weighs just 42 pounds, takes up less than six feet of stage space when collapsed, and is just a few inches deep, and you've got yourself a great deal.

Meet Junior

Little Giants are best known for their standard A-frame/extension ladders, but they also make excellent stepladders as well. The heavy-duty Ultra Step, which comes in both fiberglass and aluminum models, is idea for those gentler heights from 4-8 feet, and is easily adjustable, if not as versatile as the standard Little Giant. If you just need a step up occasionally, Little Jumbo ladders are the way to go -- they're ideal for small tasks around the house. These slim folding ladders feature vertically-pivoting steps that open out from a 5-inch-deep package to a fully functional ladder with two, three, or four steps, depending on the model you choose. Little Jumbos are lightweight but strong, and they also come wheels that make them easier to transport -- all you need to do is tip and go. The steps are protected with a slip-resistant surface for greater safety, and the ladders are rugged enough to be used indoors and out. All in all, a Little Jumbo is the ideal stepladder for the home: light, durable, and easy to store and transport. Just make sure your six-year-old doesn't know where you keep it, or she'll be using it to raid the cookie jar on a regular basis!

Published with permission (FCDMInc)