Multi-position ladders have been around for a while now, but have traditionally been extremely heavy. Contractors want lightweight ladders that are durable, strong, and functional (safety is a given), so the weight has been a tradeoff for the versatility of multi-position ladders. That’s changing, though, with the new fiberglass five-in-one from Werner. These Type 1A multi-position ladders have a duty rating of 300 pounds and feature twist-proof fiberglass rails. Available in 13-, 17-, and 22-foot reach variations, the ladders can be used as a double-sided stepladder, stairway stepladder, extension ladder, wall ladder, and as a scaffold base. The 13-foot FMT-13 weighs 32 pounds and costs $320 ; the 17-foot FMT-17 weighs 40 pounds and costs $420; the 22-foot FMT-22 weighs 50 pounds and costs $510.
This article originally appeared in Tools of the Trade.
