Learn Ladder Safety

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 1:58


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer. Here’s your GMC Trade Secret.

You know, ladders are really essential whenever you’re working around the home. And there’s such a wide variety of them. I want to take you through a couple of different options.

Now, for a painting, aluminum ladders are great because they’re very lightweight and they’re very stable once they’re erected; easy to walk up. On the side, there’s always a pound limit for the amount of weight that can be on the ladder; also the height limitation. You can also tell by counting the steps all the way up to the top, 10 feet.

Keep in mind, never walk to the very top step. It’s dangerous and rickety. You could fall and hurt yourself. You only go up to where you can manage easily, always below that last step.

Now, there’s another option. If you have limited space but you want amazing expandability, these are adjustable ladders. And these actually can go from eight feet all the way to 16 feet by just pushing the ladder all the way up. This is a great option if you need to get all the way up to maybe wash a second-story window or something but you don’t have much space in the garage to store it. Expandable ladders are a great choice.

A third option, if you're doing electrical, these fiberglass ladders are essential. Now, with electrical, you can either use fiberglass or wood. It does not conduct electricity. It keeps you grounded whenever you’re up there working in high circuitry. These are very lightweight, very durable over time. I highly recommend them. Great choice.

The wood ladder. I mean, there’s something to be said about a natural wood ladder. I just love it. It reminds me of the old days. I think I’m going to take this one. I just have always been partial to wood ladders. Come with me.

So remember, for your next project, always choose the right ladder and use it safely.

I’m Eric Stromer. That’s your GMC Trade Secret.