Stepping Up in the World -- Safely!
Written: Mar 26 '04 (Updated Mar 26 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Safe, secure well-made ladder with retractable casters and handrail, plus 4 nonskid steps
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line was nervous of heights until it climbed this ladder. Now we call it the “Top Line”!
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Cramer Stop-Step Aluminum Ladder with Hand Rail 10... |
Sometimes I need to reach high places in the office, and Ill freely admit that a ladder is not my favorite place to perch. Imagine my surprise when the office purchased a Cramer Stop-Step Ladder with Handrail. I never thought Id say this about any ladder -- but I dont mind climbing! This ladder makes it easy, and I feel safe.
What the Ladder Looks Like
This ladder reminds me of a staircase. Nonskid treads cover the four steps, and the steps are surrounded by a metal framework. A sturdy handrail on the left side projects above the top step so that for someone who stands around six feet tall, the top edge of the rail reaches the top of the thigh. A second rail is located at the front of the ladder. This rail is lower to enable an easy handhold while leaving the front of the ladder open for work-related activity.
The top step height is 36" from the ground with the overall height of the ladder at 66". We have the four-step ladder, but this ladder can be purchased with two, three, four, five or six steps. Also, there is an option of handrails. We have the ladder with a handrail on the left, but the ladder can be purchased with a handrail on the right, handrails on both sides, or no handrails. (Handrails are not offered on the two-step model.)
The steps on our ladder are 8" deep. The bottom step is 19 1/2" long. The next step up is 18 1/2" long. The next step is 17 1/2" long, and the top step is 16 1/2" long.
Four wheeled feet make this a sturdy ladder that easily rolls. One of the best features of this ladder is that when someone steps onto the ladder, their body weight causes metal cupped feet to lower over the wheeled casters. These metal cups are 4 1/4" in diameter and rest flush to the ground. When someone is on the ladder, the metal cups rest on the floor so the ladder cant roll. I love this feature!
This ladder is made from welded high-tensile aluminum, which makes the ladder strong, and at the same time, light enough to carry at 22 1/2 pounds. The four-step ladder supports weight of up to 300 pounds and is ANSI and OSHA compliant. Our ladder is beige, but it can also be purchased in either yellow or gray. A scratch-resistant coating keeps this ladder looking nice, too.
Cramer Industries, Inc. has a suggested retail value of $672 on this ladder. The office supply buyer who purchased this ladder has since left the company so I cant tell you what she paid for the ladder since she isnt here to ask.
My Experience
I work in an office where I need access to showroom shelves about eight feet off the ground. The lower shelves are no problem, but reaching those high shelves is a bit beyond me. This ladder allows me to easily climb without worrying about falling. The handrails along the side and front offer solid handholds to maintain balance. I can stand on the top step of this ladder and place items on the top showroom shelf without worrying about whether the ladder will tip. This ladder is solid.
When I first started outfitting the showroom years ago, we used a wooden ladder. The wooden ladder required two people for safety. One person on the ladder; and one person to hold the ladder. With the Cramer Stop-Step Ladder, only one person is needed (the person climbing the ladder), freeing the second person to do other work.
When the ladder is not in use, it easily rolls. However, Ive found there is a bit of a trick to rolling the ladder on our carpeted showroom floor. If I push the ladder from behind, the wheels tend to lock. My forward movement against the ladder is enough to activate the stop-step feature. If I stand in front of the ladder and pull it, there is no problem. The ladder rolls free and easy.
Im not the only person to use this ladder either. This ladder is very popular and makes its way around the building, from the showroom to the warehouse.
Who Benefits From Using This Ladder
* Those who are safety conscious
* People nervous of heights
* Those unsteady on their feet who need a handrail
* Anyone who appreciates a good piece of equipment
Where This Ladder Can Be Used
* Showrooms
* Libraries
* Warehouses
* Storerooms
* Workshops
* You decide!
Summary
With this ladder in the office, I will not use any other ladder but the Cramer Stop-Step Ladder with Handrail. I feel safe, as if I am climbing a staircase. When I step on the ladder, the sturdy cupped feet anchor the ladder in position so it will not move while I am on it. The handrails offer additional support. Even though this ladder is expensive, Im glad the company purchased it. Everyone who has used this ladder feels secure. Im climbing up in the world and dont mind the height!
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Dimensions: 66" tall x 24 5/8" wide x 33 1/2" deep
10-year Warranty
Cramer Industries, Inc.
www.cramerinc.com
Please read my other reviews.
HON 4-Shelf Metal Bookcase
Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets
Stanley Contemporary Electric Pencil Sharpener
Acco Electric 3-Hole Paper Punch
Rubbermaid 3-Drawer File Tower on Wheels
Sharpie Twin-Tip Permanent Marker
Belkin UPS Emergency Battery Backup
Gateway 500X Desktop Computer
Dazzle 6-in-1 Multimedia Card Reader
Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse
Rubbermaid Chair Mat
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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