One of the oldest items in the human toolkit is a ladder. That being said – folding ladders, also known as multi-purpose ladders, have revolutionised the way we approach tasks at a height due to their high level of versatility, and their outright convenience. Their compact design allows them to be stored easily, and offer multiple configurations to meet different height, stability and form requirements. With a folding ladder, you’re looking at three different configurations:
- Straight Ladder
- Step Ladder
- Scaffold Ladder
That’s right, a scaffold. Let’s take a look at the best folding ladders on the market, and why it’s BPS.
The Best Folding Ladder
The best folding ladder on the market is the Home Master 5-in-1 Platform Ladder, offered by BPS Access Solutions.
Introducing the Home Master 5-in-1 platform ladder – an embodiment of superior versatility, designed to aid users in executing a variety of tasks. This multifaceted tool can seamlessly transform into an extension ladder, a step ladder, or a stairwell ladder. Not stopping there, it can also morph into a mini platform suitable for both level ground and stairway usage.
Our ladder prides itself on an array of commendable features such as dual stabiliser bars paired with rubber feet, guaranteeing a firm grip on any flooring material. Moreover, its easy-attach braces speed up the assembly process. A unique characteristic is its exceptionally long (1470mm) heavy-duty platform, a feature not commonly seen, enabling broader coverage without the need for constant repositioning.
Endorsed by EN131 standards, this ladder confidently stands up to the requirements of professional tradespeople and enthusiastic DIY practitioners alike. In essence, it is not just a ladder but a dependable partner in your everyday tasks.
Why else should I buy the Home Master?
The home master is an incredibly strong ladder, with a weight rating of 150 kg. With this overkill weight rating, you can expect your ladder to withstand any load you can think of putting on it.
The ease of assembly is remarkable – no tools are required; it’s ready for action straight from delivery. For your convenience, this ladder can be disassembled into individual parts, ensuring compact storage and effortless transportation. As an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer, we assure you of its quality and durability. What’s more? We back our product with a FREE no-quibble lifetime guarantee for absolute peace of mind.
What is a Folding Ladder?
A folding ladder is a versatile piece of equipment that boasts the ability to reach great heights, create horizontal platforms of great comfort and stability, and still be highly compact – which is where it gets its name from. To facilitate the functions of the ladder properly whilst having high durability, they are usually made of lightweight materials such as aluminium or fibreglass.
By functions, we are of course referring to its ability to turn into the following three modes:
- Straight Ladder
- Step Ladder
- Scaffold Ladder
Adjusting between these formats is easy. Folding ladders each come with a simple mechanism that allows you to lock and unlock the ladders’ joints. This hinge-like mechanism, once released, allows the ladder to slide the joints out of one another, to one of the three forms above. Of course, you must ensure to lock the hinge back into place to keep the ladder secure.
Each configuration boasts its own uses. The straight ladder can reach up to the roofs of two-storey houses, making them ideal for tasks such as cutting tree branches or cleaning house gutters. The step ladder configuration is perfect for those who need stable platforms for lower-height work, sometimes even inside houses, such as painting or changing light bulbs. Finally, there’s the scaffold ladder position. This provides an elevated work platform that spans a horizontal range, allowing unimpeded access across wide areas, perfect for complex projects such as building renovation.
How to safely use a Folding Ladder?
The number one cause of death and injury in workplaces is falling from a height. Regardless of whether you’re using a ladder privately or in an official workplace setting, safety should be paramount.
Here are some tips for staying safe on a folding ladder:
- Stable Surface – Ladders are made for grounds that are level and stable. Without this, you risk the balance of your ladder shifting from underneath you, which not only leads to stress but can lead to injury. For ladders suited for uneven ground, check out our tripod ladders.
- Locking Mechanism – Whenever you change the form of your ladder, you must ensure that you lock it into that position to safely use it. Otherwise, you risk the joints sliding whilst you’re using the ladder, which can have disastrous consequences.
- Weight Limit – Respect the weight limit of any ladder that you step on. A weight limit, of course, refers to the amount of weight the ladder can handle. Going over the limit can result in ladder overbalancing, or even the structural failure of your ladder completely.
Three Points of Contact – One crucial aspect of using ladders safely is maintaining three points of contact. This means that at all times during your ascent, descent, or while working, you should have either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder. This balance not only ensures stability but also reduces the likelihood of slips and falls. Following this golden rule means that even if one limb slips unexpectedly, you have two others securing your position. For more information, check out our blog on the three points of contact.
Conclusion
We here at BPS hope that this guide has helped you understand the power and convenience of a multi-purpose folding ladder. We wish you luck in all your home improvement and work-related goals.
