Steps

[NozSpark]

Well,,, I'm thinking that it's about time that I replace my steps.

I'm currently using a set of old aluminium combination steps that have had several repairs carried out, but now the feet have worn out and I'm at risk of damaging peoples flooring..

So it's time for a set of fiberglass ones...

Bearing in mind that I need to fit these inside a battered old Escort van.... what size do people use for domestic? I was thinking of getting either a 7 or 8 tread set, after double checking that they'll fit the van of course

Also,,, does anyone have a preferred make and/or supplier?

 

[ProDave]

I still use my combination steps. So versatile. Stepladder to reach a loft hatch, then a short straight ladder to get into the loft.  Offset stair ladder for an awkward ceiling rose.

If I had "just" a pair of steps, I would have to carry another ladder as well.

Hopefully my set will see me out.

I'm interested how people with just stepladders manage? or do you carry several ladders?

 

[Andy™]

Youre replacing Rodney?!

i have combi ladders similar to these, does for most jobs that the workstand is too short for. for anything higher i have extending stepladders

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lyte-sfl3w-aluminium-2-section-combination-ladder-6-5-rungs-2-59m/34156?_requestid=188566

 

[Sidewinder]

Look at Lyte ladders, they are made in Swansea, and very well priced.

 

[NozSpark]

You know what???

I really thought that most people used Fiberglass steps and that I was the odd one out using combi ladders... Obviously I'm not

I did think that I'd struggle with a set of steps so you've now convinced me to stick with a combi set

Cheers guys

TBH I was looking at the Lyte ladders

 

[ProDave]

You know what???

I really thought that most people used Fiberglass steps and that I was the odd one out using combi ladders... Obviously I'm not

A bit like I somehow feel I should have 110V power tools and lug a great big transformer everywhere, but I don't.

 

[NozSpark]

Same here

 

[Sidewinder]

Lyte do not sell to the public, only through distributors, that's why there's no pricing.

I have 4 Lyte fibreglass ladders at the moment & their aluminium PASMA tower.

I have a local dealer that I know well, and they look after me since Lyte stopped selling direct.

 

[kerching]

Well, FWIW...

I Carry a pair of fibreglass Baby steps not sure if they are 4 or 5 rung

Also set of Little Giant 4 rung Ladders. These will change into 4'. 5'. 6' 7' A frame steps, offset stairway steps, 8' 9'10'11'12' 13'& 14' ladder. Solid as a rock. Both easily fit in back of Sedona MPV, easily in Escort type Van. Advantage with these is they can also be turned into two smaller A frame trestles and used with a plank. Also have the 6 rung version back at base, fits in Sedona, and extends range up,to a 24' ladder!!?.".or 10' A frame. Same as they use on the Traffic lights

Varying other steps and ladders back at base so they can be left on site if required

 

[Sidewinder]

As I do virtually no domestic & as most H&S muppets require fibreglass ladders it's easier just to use them!

As far as 110 goes, domestic properties (for the local health board) 230, the rest 110, it's just less hassle to use a big yellow battery.

Mind, it's rare I use a mains powered tool these days, 90% of what I do I do with my 10.8 & 18V battery kit.

I do have a 36V SDS also for bigger jobs, again, just less hassle, when you have the H&S Hitlers who have no clue.

It's quicker than trying to educate them.

 

[ProDave]

Those ones with 3 joints in that can be used as a hop up as well as various ladder configurations I just don't like. when used as a straight ladder I just don't have confidence in the locking mechanism that keeps the joints straight.

 

[Sidewinder]

I have this:

http://www.lyteladders.co.uk/telcoms-ladders/p/49/i/65/desc/glassfibre-telcoms-ladder/

Along with 3 sizes of these:

http://www.lyteladders.co.uk/glassfibre-swingback-stepladders/p/16/i/45/desc/trade-glassfibre-swingback-stepladders/

Two of the steps "live" on the van.

 

[NozSpark]

Well, FWIW...

I Carry a pair of fibreglass Baby steps not sure if they are 4 or 5 rung

Also set of Little Giant 4 rung Ladders. These will change into 4'. 5'. 6' 7' A frame steps, offset stairway steps, 8' 9'10'11'12' 13'& 14' ladder. Solid as a rock. Both easily fit in back of Sedona MPV, easily in Escort type Van. Advantage with these is they can also be turned into two smaller A frame trestles and used with a plank. Also have the 6 rung version back at base, fits in Sedona, and extends range up,to a 24' ladder!!?.".or 10' A frame. Same as they use on the Traffic lights

Varying other steps and ladders back at base so they can be left on site if required

Interesting...... but geez,,, £200 for a set of steps

 

[Andy™]

You know what???

I really thought that most people used Fiberglass steps and that I was the odd one out using combi ladders... Obviously I'm not

I did think that I'd struggle with a set of steps so you've now convinced me to stick with a combi set

Cheers guys

TBH I was looking at the Lyte ladders

i dont have any fibreglass ladders, never had a need for them. all of mine are aluminium

 

[kerching]

Interesting...... but geez,,, £200 for a set of steps

Little Giant 4 rungers cost me about £50..... 6 rungers about £120.......must have had them for about 5 years

6 runger is rock solid at full stretch

Unlike the majority of others on the market these have only ONE hinge

Ever been up a 5 rung 3 hinger at full extension?......you only ever do it once...every rung makes it feel as though it is going to snap the hinges

 

[ProDave]

I have this:

http://www.lyteladders.co.uk/telcoms-ladders/p/49/i/65/desc/glassfibre-telcoms-ladder/

Along with 3 sizes of these:

http://www.lyteladders.co.uk/glassfibre-swingback-stepladders/p/16/i/45/desc/trade-glassfibre-swingback-stepladders/

Two of the steps "live" on the van.

Serious question.

How do you get into a loft that does not have a loft ladder.

you can use your steps to open the loft hatch, but don't tell me you stand on the top step of those and heave yourself up? (why do they make a plastic top step that's flimsy and says "do not step" but it's made to look just like a proper step.  Why don't they actually make it strong enough to step on. Serious design flaw)

 

[kerching]

Serious question.

How do you get into a loft that does not have a loft ladder.

you can use your steps to open the loft hatch, but don't tell me you stand on the top step of those and heave yourself up? (why do they make a plastic top step that's flimsy and says "do not step" but it's made to look just like a proper step.  Why don't they actually make it strong enough to step on. Serious design flaw)

Get some sand paper....remove the "do,not step"........job done, steps are now taller. :slap

 

[Sidewinder]

Why do I want to get into a loft?

Nasty dirty smelly places, never do them unless I HAVE to.

 

[Essex1]

Serious question.

How do you get into a loft that does not have a loft ladder.

you can use your steps to open the loft hatch, but don't tell me you stand on the top step of those and heave yourself up? (why do they make a plastic top step that's flimsy and says "do not step" but it's made to look just like a proper step.  Why don't they actually make it strong enough to step on. Serious design flaw)

Because if you stand on the top step how can you maintain three points of contact. You will fall and get killed to death.

GRP (not heard them called fibreglass in a while) steps is the only way we go. GRP does not like to be stored outside so you do not really want to be keeping them on your roof rack as the norm.

 

[ProDave]

Because if you stand on the top step how can you maintain three points of contact. You will fall and get killed to death.

GRP (not heard them called fibreglass in a while) steps is the only way we go. GRP does not like to be stored outside so you do not really want to be keeping them on your roof rack as the norm.

What is this 3 points of contact business? :innocent

So GRP does not like being outside.  Why is that then? are these GRP steps made of some inferior GRP that doesn't like getting wet or doesn't like the cold?  My GRP boat has lived outside for the last 36 years, probably floating in the sea all summer and sitting on it's trailer in the winter. And I have just fitted GRP valleys on my new house.  Perhaps it's time to tell the step makers that GRP is actually quite durable stuff.