Everyone needs a ladder at some point, whether this be to put things in your attic, to complete decorating jobs around your house, or maybe even if you are doing general maintenance in your garden! Owning a set of ladders is an essential part of home life, but using them can be one of the most dangerous! On average 50,000 each year end up in A&E after falling from a ladder – so it is important to find ways to reduce this risk where possible…and this can be achieved with a tripod ladder.
A tripod ladder is designed to reduce the risk of falls and increase the sense of security that you will feel when using the ladder. As the name suggests, they are designed so that they have three legs, like a tripod, rather than the standard 2. The ladder itself will be standard in design (although it will increase in width at the base) but then a third leg is attached to the top of the ladder to provide extra support. Not only does this add more stability and security, but it also allows you to erect and climb your ladder in a much wider variety of places as you aren’t relying on having something to lean against. This will also help to avoid you being left with marks and scratches on your walls from the ladders rubbing against them!
If you have decided that a tripod ladder is for you then keep reading to see some of the best tripod ladders that you can choose from at the moment. We have also included our buyers guide so that you know exactly what to look for when you are buying.
Best Pick – Henchman’s Henry Tripod Ladder
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If you are ready to commit to your tripod ladders but don’t know where to begin with buying then keep reading. We have included all of the essential information that you need in one place so before long you will know exactly what you should be buying.
Ladder Height
The first thing that you need to think about is the height that your tripod ladders are going to be able to get to. Before comparing different heights we would recommend considering the maximum height that you are probably going to need to be able to get to (whether this be into your attic or to the taller hedges in your garden). You always want ladders that are going to be slightly taller than the maximum height that you need as it isn’t always considered best practice and safe to use the top couple of rungs of your ladder. Not only this, but you will find that the top part of your ladder is actually all handle – for example, a 16ft tripod ladder will actually only go to around 14ft worth of rungs! Tripod ladders tend to start at as little as around 6ft if you are wanting more of a “step ladder” style ladder, but will go all the way up to around 16ft if you are needing something taller.
TOP TIP: It is worth remembering that the taller your ladder, the more space that you are going to need to be able to fully spread the tripod and this isn’t really something that can be altered.
Design
The design of your tripod ladder is largely going to impact on how easy your ladder is to set up and use, and the spaces that you can fit into. As we mentioned above, the size of your ladder is going to largely affect the space that you need, but there is more to it than just this.
The main feature to look at is the third “tripod” leg. Without this you would be purchasing just a standard ladder, but there are additional ways in which it is going to be able to help you. Many will come with part of a “telescopic” design, which will allow you to adjust the height of the third leg depending on the ground that you are working on. The main benefit to this is that you will be able to adapt the leg to more unstable ground and increase/decrease the incline on your ladders depending on the space that you are working in. If you do opt for one with an adjustable leg then look at the lengths that it can adjust to. For most this will be between around 12 inches and 18 inches. You also need to consider the number of adjustments that you can make in this length, as for most there will be a limited amount. Most will have “locking mechanisms” every 10-15 centimeters so that you can find the leg length that is the closest and safest fit!
The next thing you need to consider is the width of your ladders. You will usually find with tripod ladders that they will become wider towards the base – this is the best way to ensure safety and stability with your ladder. Look to see the width of your ladder….the wider the base, the safer it is going to be, but also this is going to make your ladder harder to transport and erect in smaller spaces, so you need a reasonable balance between the two!
The final design factor that you need to consider is the handles that come with your tripod ladder as these will almost all be different. Some are going to be positioned along the length of your ladder so that they can be used to help move the ladder from one place to another, as well as for extra support when climbing the ladder, others will have large handles at the top that can also be used as body supports for when you are balancing and working at the top of your ladder. Look out for handles that are rubber/silicone lined as these will offer extra grip and protection whilst reducing fatigue!
TOP TIP: Look out for models that have a welded, rather than a riveted frame. These will be more durable and long lasting, offering extra safety and security.
Weight Capacity
You also need to think about the maximum weight capacity that your tripod ladder will be able to hold. Depending on the design and the build materials, this can often be less than you would find with a standard ladder. It is important to bear in mind that it is rare there will just be your weight going up the ladder, as you also need to consider the weight of any tools or belongings that you are taking up your ladder with you!
Weight capacities went up to a maximum of around 110kg which should be more than enough for not just you but any equipment that you are carrying with you.
NOTE: It is essential that you never exceed the maximum weight capacity of your ladder as this could lead to not only the ladder becoming damaged but accidents or injuries!
Best Budget – Estate to Garden 2m Tripod ladder
- Wide, clawed feet are designed to "grab" soft ground and so prevent slipping or sudden sinking
- Incredibly light for ease of carriage and storage
- Will not Corrode or Rust
- 3 legs (1 adjustable) for stability
- Perfect for hedgecutting, fruit picking, pruning etc
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Best Tripod Ladder Features
If you are wanting the best tripod ladder around that will be able to take you to the top then there are some additional features that are definitely going to be worth looking out for. Whether you want a tripod ladder that is extra safe, or a ladder that is going to last a lifetime, these are the features that will help that happen.
- Tool Platform – We love tripod ladders that have a tool/paint platform half way up. These may only be small but are usually big enough for a tin of paint or a couple of your most frequently used tools. This will save you from having to go up and down your ladder half as many times!
- Flat top – Similar to the tool platform, a flat top on your ladder is going to allow you the flexibility to leave tools, paint, or other essential equipment at the top of your ladder. This will keep you safe as you can have one hand on the ladder at all times, but also reduces the amount of times you have to descend and ascend your ladder. Some of these platforms can be as large as 20cm which is plenty of space for multiple things that you need!
- Adjustable legs – Most tripod ladders are going to have one adjustable leg, however some of the best tripod ladders actually have three adjustable legs. This is the best way to ensure complete stability and safety particularly if you are working in your garden where the surfaces are more uneven!
- Weight – It is always worth checking for the weight of your tripod ladders as there is no doubt that you are going to be having to carry them around between the jobs that you are completing. Look out for lightweight build materials such as aluminium that will make your ladders easier to carry around. Some will be as light as around 20kg.
- Feet – Make sure to check the feet on your ladder legs. If you are wanting to keep your floors or outdoor surfaces scratch free then make sure that the feet are made from rubber! This will not only add extra grip so reduce the chance of the ladders moving, but will protect the surface that the ladders are on as well. If you know that you are going to be regularly working outdoors then opt for a model with “clawed” feet for extra grip (just make sure that they come with the extra rubber feet attachments that can be fitted for when you are back working indoors).
- Treads – The treads on the rungs of your ladders are essential if you are wanting to be able to move up and down your ladder with ease. Sometimes these will be designed by simply “plucking” the metal surface of the rung to create a grip, but other times, a separate grip is added to ensure maximum stickability. You also want to consider the thickness of the rungs – the thicker the better as this will leave more space for you to balance your feet.
- Rust and corrosion free – The best way to make sure that your tripod ladder is going to last is to opt for one that is guaranteed to be rust and corrosion free. This will usually be either because the ladder is made from aluminium or/and because the metal is powder coated. This helps to reduce scratches on the ladder which can then lead to rust over time, leaving your ladders looking new and feeling safe for even longer.
Best of the Rest
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tripod ladders come with a warranty?
Yes! You will find that all good-quality tripod ladders will come with a warranty. We found that for some cheaper models this was around 1 year but for good quality models this went up to between 3 and 5 years. However, it is worth mentioning that your ladders can be expected to last considerably longer than this if they are well maintained!
How do I assemble my tripod ladders?
Assembling your tripod ladders needs to be relatively easy and stress free. Simply position the main two legs of your ladders on the surface that you are wanting to use. Then adjust the length of your third leg so that it is in contact with the floor. You then need to adjust and “tweak” the length of the leg so that the rungs of your ladder are as parallel as possible to the ground.
How should I maintain my tripod ladder?
The most essential way to maintain your tripod ladder is to keep it stored somewhere dry and make sure that it is clean of any dirt or debris if you aren’t going to be using it for a while. You also need to consider oiling the moving parts of your ladder occasionally so that you can be sure it will be easy to erect your ladder – particularly if it has a telescopic leg design!
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