Mark P Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Maintenance Tip and Great Customer Service I bought an Extend-n-Climb telescoping ladder in the Spring. It works wonderfully, especially for attic scuttle holes in closets or low roof lines. Easy to extend and simple to collapse and store. That was until I used it in the rain and then left it in my van without drying if off. After this it was extremely difficult to use, and became a two person job to collapse it because one person has to hold in the latches while the other pushes down. I called the manufacture and they recommended I use Pledge Lemon Wipes to clean it. This did help considerable, but some of the sections were still tough to move. A 2nd call to the company and they are sending me a brand new ladder, without me even asking for it. Now how is that for Outstanding Customer Service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickSab Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 That is good to hear. I'm considering one of those. They have a 14' version out and its rated 300. Rick Sabatino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 Originally posted by RickSab That is good to hear. I'm considering one of those. They have a 14' version out and its rated 300. Rick Sabatino Really? The only reason I never bought one of those things is that they're a tad short and the one's I've tried flexed like rubber when I walked up them. - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 I'll bet even the 300 lb one flexes, but that's all they do. I've grown to trust mine as much as any other ladder. I have yet to hear of one failing under use. Has anyone here heard of such a case? [?] Once in a while I'll get an old house in town that has one attic access; in the top of a closet about 20 inches deep, 10 -12 feet straight up. Nothing else will work. Brian G. Sold on Extendables [:-thumbu] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exploreparadise2 Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 I've been using the same telescoping ladder for six years and it works great. I'll have to try cleaning it with Pledge wipes. Do'es it have to be lemon scented? Another good use for the ladder is accessing upper level roofs. It's small size and light weight makes it easy to carry up to the first roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 Originally posted by Brian G I'll bet even the 300 lb one flexes, but that's all they do. I've grown to trust mine as much as any other ladder. I have yet to hear of one failing under use. Has anyone here heard of such a case? [?] Once in a while I'll get an old house in town that has one attic access; in the top of a closet about 20 inches deep, 10 -12 feet straight up. Nothing else will work. Brian G. Sold on Extendables [:-thumbu] I'm not really concerned that it will fail. It's more of a vanity issue; I'm afraid that people will panic when they see the thing bow under my weight. I don't wear horizontal stripes either . . . - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickSab Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 AMEN to no horizontal stripes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 We have had 20+ of the different sizes. Four were defective out of the box and immediately replaced by distributor. We kept the old ones for hunting blinds. They have changed quite alot over the years. All used to be made in Sweden and now mostly China. We break them usually in cold weather. The rung dogs snap when it is really cold. I have had them fail twice and both times it was my own fault - didn't fully extend and once extended from top first! First one cost me $900 during an ASHI meeting in Columbus Ohio - I think 1990. Now we just pick them up at Menards for $169.00. We always silicone caulk the rubber bumpers on right out of the box. At 225lbs, Jason makes them look like a rubber band in the wind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 Les, what do you mean from the top first? I always extend mine from the top first. If I extend from the bottom rung first, then the top rungs will soon be out of my reach and I can't extend them!! Help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 If you pull the top rung first it is ok, if you are going to extend it all the way. If you need only 7'6" of ladder, then start at bottom. The mechanism that allows you to telescope it activates three sets of dogs at one time. You start the process by pulling the bottom dogs that lets the second rung slide and releases the third rung that will slide only when the second rung is fully resting on the first rung. Can you even imagine the thought process for that operation?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bain Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 I've never heard of these. I Googled them and got a quick education. How do they compare quality-wise to Telesteps? Are Extend-n-Climbs about $300.00, like Telesteps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHI in AR Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 I bought a Telesteps first, at a cost of about $300. It failed shortly after the warranty was up. I didn't bother trying to get it fixed. I then bought a knockoff, the Xtend N Climb, at about half the price. In my opinion, it works better. Regardless of what the weight ratings are you should know that both flex a lot. You have to get used to it, but I wouldn't be comfy on either one if I carried a lot more than the 155 pounds that I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 When I bought mine the Extend-N-Climb was considerably less. I've had it for about three years now, with no problems. I wander between 205 and 215, so the new 300 lb rated 15 1/2 footer is of great interest. I'm not afraid of the one I have though. I've accidentally climbed it with one step not properly locked out a few times, and it doesn't seem to matter. You gotta watch your hand positions while collapsing one back down though. They'll pinch the crap out of you if you're careless. Brian G. We Call That "Education" [:-bigmout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolan Kienitz Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 I've had my Xtend-Climb for over 5-years and it has worked well. Started to have 'sticky sections' for opening/closing in the past year. Spent time cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning and using the Pledge wipes (lemon of course) and even some silicone spray on towel when cleaning. Sticky sections loosen up, but stick again in a few weeks. Been in contact with vendor and it appears I'll be getting an upgraded replacement. BTW - The product has worked very well for me. I hover ('err weigh in) at around 195#. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADAIR Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Originally posted by Bain I've never heard of these. I Googled them and got a quick education. How do they compare quality-wise to Telesteps? Are Extend-n-Climbs about $300.00, like Telesteps? 15.5' X&C Sears til 05-02-08 $249 +SH Target $249 +SH http://www.getladder.com/785P.cfm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 If I buy one of these things, will I be able to use it in the rain every day or will that cause it to get sticky? - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Originally posted by Jim Katen If I buy one of these things, will I be able to use it in the rain every day or will that cause it to get sticky? - Jim Katen, Oregon No. If it happens to be raining while outside with it, I just wipe the tubes down before releasing them. Haven't had a problem in 2 years. I don't know of any other ladder that would have let me get to this scuttle this week. I had 3/4" purchase on the edge of the opening. I made sure the ladder wasn't going to sink as I climbed! Image Insert: 17.22 KB P.S. Jim, make sure you go for the 1A rated version -- good up to 300 #'s. No. . . I'm not saying you're fat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Originally posted by Brian G I'll bet even the 300 lb one flexes, but that's all they do. I've grown to trust mine as much as any other ladder. I have yet to hear of one failing under use. Has anyone here heard of such a case? [?] Once in a while I'll get an old house in town that has one attic access; in the top of a closet about 20 inches deep, 10 -12 feet straight up. Nothing else will work. Brian G. Sold on Extendables [:-thumbu] I sit here typing with a cast on my shattered right ankle. Type 1A extend and climb now retired. The catches failed. I felt one side fail and a moment later the other side gave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Originally posted by charlieb I sit here typing with a cast on my shattered right ankle. Type 1A extend and climb now retired. The catches failed. I felt one side fail and a moment later the other side gave. Sounds nasty. I've been lucky; never had a broken bone. Don't blame the ladder Charlie. It's all those doughnuts and pastries that commit suicide in your mouth. [] Brian G. Or Maybe It Was the Ladder [:-wiltel] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Originally posted by charlieb I sit here typing with a cast on my shattered right ankle. Type 1A extend and climb now retired. The catches failed. I felt one side fail and a moment later the other side gave. Ouch, that's gotta smart. I'm sorry to hear about your fall. Will Extend & Climb be contributing to your medical bills? - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Fabry Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Will Extend & Climb be contributing to your medical bills? They already did. Charlie, did the catches fail, as in shear off or break? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidlord Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 I don't like these types of ladders. I bought one for my pest control guy because thats what he wanted. He loves it but I just don't like the feel of it. I'll take my LG any day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erby Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 I carry two ladders, an LG 17 and knock off LG that goes about 11-12 feet. Almost every attic can be reached with the knock-off. I've never ran into an attic scuttle than one or the other can't get me into, even the one that Randy posted. Even in those little closets and little scuttle holes in old houses. Image Insert: 595.92 KB The tele-steps just don't make me feel comfortable with the sway in them, kinda llike walking on a rope bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Chew Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Originally posted by charlieb I sit here typing with a cast on my shattered right ankle. Type 1A extend and climb now retired. The catches failed. I felt one side fail and a moment later the other side gave. I've been lucky; never had a broken bone. Ouch. I never had a broken bone either, until two months ago. Then I broke seven bones in four fingers on my left hand. The bones are now healed but I have several months of therapy ahead to transform my hand from a claw back to a working hand. I'm still looking forward to the day when it doesn't hurt all of the time. Still, I'm lucky to have all my fingers and I'm thankful for that. When I resume inspecting, I'm going to be re-thinking the risks I take when climbing ladders and I will be making some changes in my equipment and procedures to improve safety. Broken bones, and not being able to work, both suck. Hang in there. I hope your recovery goes well. Running off to OT appointment as I finish typing this.... Brandon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Morrison Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 I wouldn't waste a nickel or a second on a ladder I didn't trust with my life, period. There are just some things you NEVER 'cheap out' on: Ladders, Brakes, Tires, and Beer Here's wishing Charlie Sessums a quick recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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