Need to use a ladder but nothing to prop the ladder onto? What you need is a tripod ladder! A tripod ladder offers the perfect solution for pretty much any situation as the third leg means that you don’t need a secure surface to position the ladder against when you are working. Even if you DO have something to lean against, the third leg of a tripod ladder makes them much safer to work with and offers you the freedom to work in a much wider range of locations! As if that wasn’t enough, a tripod ladder is the best option for if you are decorating too, as you don’t need to work about marking newly decorated walls!
Finding the right tripod ladder means looking at the build materials, the heights and the overall design so that you can be sure the structure is going to be sound and reliable. Here are some of the best tripod ladders that we found…
Best Tripod Ladder Pick – Henrys Tripod Garden Ladders
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
This section of the article is for anyone that has a job in mind but is just waiting on the tools to get underway! If you have a hedge that needs pruning or a walk that needs painting – NOW – then read on for all the must know features!
Tripod Ladder Height
Tripod ladders come in a wide variety of heights. This is largely due to the fact that there won’t be as much adjustment in the overall height of the ladder as you would find with some other types of ladder, so you need to be able to purchase one that is going to be a best fit for you! There are a wide variety of tripod ladder heights to choose from, with models starting at more of a step ladder height of around 5ft and working all the way up to taller models of 16ft! Most come in between around 10 and 12 feet though, so you will usually find yourself having to pay a premium for taller models as they require an even stronger structure.
Make sure to consider the actual height that you are going to need to reach on a more regular basis and purchase a set of tripod ladders that are going to allow you to AT LEAST reach this. It is important to remember that for some ladder sets, it isn’t always considered best practice and safe to use the top two rungs of the ladder, which will cut down some of the height you may think you are purchasing! This isn’t normally the case with tripod ladders as they have a large handle for extra security at the top, however this in itself will cut down on your overall height. For example, if you purchase a 16ft tripod ladder that has 2ft worth of handle/bench/support at the top, then realistically you are only going to be able to get to around 14ft safely and whilst using the ladder as intended.
TOP TIP: Don’t forget that due to the design of a tripod ladder, you will often find that the taller the ladder, the more space that you are going to need to be able to set the ladder up securely because of the third leg.
Maximum Weight Capacity
It is essential that you check the maximum weight capacity of your tripod ladder. Chances are the maximum weight capacity is going to be more sufficient but exceeding the weight could damage the ladder or (more importantly) cause an accident, so it is important to check and be on the safe side! We found that most weight capacities were equal at around 100kg but there were some models that had a lower weight capacity and others that came in higher at around 110kg so it is important to check!
Remember to consider that your maximum weight capacity doesn’t just mean for your weight, but also anything that you are going to be carrying up the ladder with you. So if you are cutting back trees in your garden you need to think about your weight, the weight of the chainsaw AND the weight of any branches that you are moving up and down the ladder at the same time.
Best Tripod Ladder Build Design
The actual structure of a tripod ladder will determine how easy they are going to be to erect and also how safe they are going to be to use.
Obviously, the thing that makes your tripod ladder stand out from a normal ladder is the third leg. The third leg is there to add stability to your ladder and flexibility in the number of places that you can work with your ladder. Opting for a tripod ladder with an adjustable third leg is the best way to maximise security as this will allow you to adapt the height of the leg so that the weight is distributed evenly across all three legs. This will usually be achieved through a telescopic design so that the leg can be “clicked” into holes to adjust the length. Another benefit to this design is the fact that it will allow you to work much more safely on uneven ground as the legs can be adjusted depending on the undulations of the ground. Don’t forget to check the options that you have when looking at the leg length – this usually varies between around 30 and 40cm with locking bolts every 10-15cms giving you up to 4 different height variations!
The design of the top half of your tripod ladder is going to be equally important. You will find that the top of a tripod ladder will almost always come with a large handle style frame. The main purpose of this is to provide you with extra stability when you are at the top of your ladder as this will normally be the only thing around you to give you any security. Look to see the shape of the handles – some will be wide enough to allow you space to actually kneel on the top of your ladder, whereas others will be more narrow which will allow them to fit into smaller spaces but will reduce the security that they are able to offer.
Finally, don’t forget to look at the width of your ladder – both as a whole and in terms of the rungs of the ladder. A wider ladder is going to be harder to fit into tight spaces but will offer you much more security thanks to the more evenly distributed weight. You will also find that ladders with a wider base will therefore have wider (and often thicker) rungs to the ladder which will give you much more stability when climbing up and down the ladder.
TOP TIP: As well as looking at the handle on the top of your ladder, look to see if there are any handles part way down the tripod ladder as this will make it much easier for you to carry your ladder and offer extra stability when you are climbing up and down.
Best Budget Tripod Ladder- Estate to Garden 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 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
What Else Do I Need To Know About The Best Tripod Ladders?
It is important that you are purchasing the best tripod ladder that is going to last, be easy to use and also be safe! To make this a reality there will be extra features that you need to look out for and consider – we have gone into more detail on these below.
Materials
Most tripod ladders are going to be made out of metal, this is going to be the lightest but also most durable material that you can choose from. However, there are some models that are also made out of fibreglass. Metal is usually going to be more long lasting and has the benefit of being incredibly strong, but fibreglass will be light and therefore much easier to transport.
Look out for tripod ladders that have a welded frame rather than a riveted frame as this will offer extra security and strength between the parts.
We like tripod ladders that have rubber or silicone feet and handles. This will offer extra grip and security for both you and the ladder against the floor. Not only that, but rubber feet will help to prevent any scratches on your floor as the ladder moves.
TOP TIP: If you decide to opt for a metal frame then make sure to check whether it is powder coated. This is the best way to save your tripod ladder from rust and corrosion. Not only that, but it will offer an extra defense against scratches to keep your ladder looking newer for longer.
Design Features
There are some design features that we just love in tripod ladders. The first is a tool platform – this is usually positioned about two thirds of the way up your ladder and is basically just a shelf that will allow you to store your paint or tools halfway up your ladder. The reason why we love this feature is that it saves you from having to walk up and down your ladder nearly as many times as you will have all the main tools you need with you. This is the same for tripod ladders that have a flat platform top. This will again just provide space for you to store the main things that you are using safely. Some have platforms as big as 20cm which is plenty of space for both paint and rollers!
Another feature that we like is tripod ladders with ALL adjustable legs rather than just one! This will really be helpful when you are working on a particularly uneven floor surface as you will be able to adjust all of the legs to make your ladder as level and secure as possible.
We would also recommend looking at the treads that come on the rungs of your ladders. Some will have specially fitted treads on top of the rungs that are made from plastic or rubber. These are designed to be soft enough for you to kneel on if necessary but with enough grip to offer you extra security. However, other tripod ladders have raises and divets in the rungs themselves for the grip. These are usually stronger grips so offer maximum security when climbing up and down your ladder but will often be too sharp to allow you to hold them when walking up the ladder.
Best of the Rest
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Still unsure of the right ladder for you? Why not check out some of the best telescopic ladders that we have found?
Frequently Asked Questions
What guarantee to tripod ladders come with?
Your tripod ladders should be able to last for a number of years, particularly if they are well maintained and made from durable materials. However, the guarantees that they come with vary from as little as one year all the way up to around five years to this is worth checking for before you purchase.
Can you use a tripod ladder on a slope?
You will actually find that tripod ladders are usually easier and safer to use on a slope than standard ladders. This is thanks to the adjustable third leg as you will be able to adapt your ladder to ensure it is stable, with evenly distributed weight, on all surfaces!
How should I look after my tripod ladder?
If you are wanting your tripod ladder to last for a number of years then it is important that it is well maintained. The first thing that you need to remember is to keep your ladder stored somewhere dry and free from dampness. Not only this, but if you are working with your ladder in a dirty or dusty environment, make sure that it is wiped down between uses as this will prevent your ladder from becoming stiff or rusting. Finally, we would recommend oiling the moving parts of your ladder regularly to make sure that they remain smooth and free flowing!
How do you adjust a tripod ladder?
The best tripod ladders will come with an adjustable third leg so that you can get the balance completely accurate and ensure that it is as safe as possible. Many will come with pins that can be secured and released so that you can adjust between different height settings.
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