Find » Home Improvement » Little Giant Versus Gorilla Ladders

Little Giant Versus Gorilla Ladders

A Look at the New Types of Ladders

By Jeff Gedgaud, published Sep 15, 2005
Published Content: 654  Total Views: 1,511,270  Favorited By: 19 CPs
Embed:  
Rating: 3.4 of 5
Everyone has seen the old style of A frame ladders, and many people own one or more. They can be flimsy and very hard to use for some of those odd jobs and special situations. Now you can buy new types of ladder that have different configurations for those special situations and jobs.

If you've seen the infomercial for the Little Giant Ladder, you know what I'm talking about when I say versatile ladder. They claim, and I'm not denying it may be true, that the Little Giant is twenty four ladders in one. All that means is that with the different heights the ladder adjusts to combined with the five ways you can set the ladder up , there are twenty four possible configurations.

I bought a Gorilla ladder from a local Home Depot and understand all there is to know about that brand. I have not purchased a Little Giant but they aren't that much different. Both ladders can be set into the same configurations, they both have the same lock tabs for the main hinge and the same lock tabs for the steps. The frames are a little different but you sure cannot bend the frame on the Gorilla any more than you can with the Little Giant. Especially with those pesky steps welded on every foot or so. That is a few things about the infomercial that I just don't like, they overstate the things they want to, and then don't mention or glaze over the things they don't want you to hear very well.

The price is probably the biggest difference I have seen with the two types of ladders. For the infomercial, you have to do some calculations to figure out how much you have to pay, first the installment payments and then the shipping and handling. It comes out to $360 and then in the infomercial, they'll wave the shipping. Well isn't that nice, when you pay that much for a ladder I guess they can just handle the shipping charges.

Little Giant Versus Gorilla Ladders

Gorilla ladder

Credit: jeff gedgaud

Copyright: jeff gedgaud

Takeaways
  • Little Giant is more expensive than Gorilla ladders.
  • Gorilla ladders can be purchased at a Home Depot, Liitle Giant you order on the internet.
  • The Gorilla is just as sturdy and has as many configurations.
Did You Know?
There were over 5 million ladders sold in the U.S. last year.
Comments
Comments 1 - 15 of 57
Next >>
 
You can buy Little Giant Ladder at discount price and free shipping at http://ladder.usadealsclub.com/

Posted on 01/12/2008 at 10:01:33 PM

 
Is there any other place to buy the Gorilla ladder other than home depot? my husband wants one really bad and I can't seem to find one anywhere.

Posted on 11/27/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
Not even Close to an objective article. Ever been to Sears? They have the Little Giant LaddersJeff cannot hope to give a believable opinion piece without actually comparing the two ladders side by side. A load of crap!! .

Posted on 11/22/2007 at 3:11:00 PM

 
Not even Close to an objective article. Jeff cannot hope to give a believable opinion piece without actually comparing the two ladders side by side. A load of crap!!

Posted on 11/22/2007 at 3:11:00 PM

 
Steve, have a look at consumer reports for that one use of the 21ft A-frame. They don't recommend it. I wouldn't expect much difference between a LG and Gorrilla. Concept is the same, but those with strong fore arms can probably make do. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/tools-power-equipment/ladders/ladders-9-06/not-acceptable-ladders/0609_ladders_not-accept.htm

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 12:11:00 PM

 
Home Depot runs a $99 special for the Gorilla limited edition 17' and includes the step/ shelf and the static brackets and the top stabilizer bracket . The sales I have seen are " while supply last" not a time or date and says no rainchecks. Keep an eye out for their ads

Posted on 11/02/2007 at 11:11:00 PM

 
I purchased my gorilla ladder, model AL-22-02, the 21 footer, 10/08/2007, since then ive done numerous jobs around the house. The ladder performed great but is heavy, its steadines more than makes up for its weight. Ive also used it on my roof in its full A frame extension to mount a ham radio set of beams,try that with a normal a frame and you will fall.I would recomend this ladder to all home owners.

Posted on 10/19/2007 at 1:10:00 PM

 
I have just purchased the Type 1 Little Giant. Thus far i have not been able to put it through it's paces, but I expect it to be excellent. The Type 1 (250 lb.) is guaranteed for five years whereas the Type 1A (300 lb) has a lifetime warrantee. It appears that the only American made ladder you can buy is the Little Giant. Given all of the problems with goods made in China I wanted an American product.

Posted on 10/08/2007 at 12:10:00 PM

 
Jeff, the gorilla ladder will do a 90 degree position. and if a homeowner does not think through the center of gravity issue......That homeowner is going to probably spill the paint as his/her head rest against the wall that he/she positioned the ladder up to to paint. scared, probably fresh hand prints, maybe head on fresh paintbut not fallen....

Posted on 09/29/2007 at 4:09:00 PM

 
So, I just have too say something here....... I have worked with LG ladders for the last twenty years... yes there is a difference...and yes I have owned both....three LG's in fact and one Gorilla recently.... Besides Price there is a quality issue, the little giant is built a bit heavier, it is a commercial ladder, the gorilla is a homeowner ladder, albeit a very good homeowner ladder.... still a homeowner ladder.. If I have to climb to the top of a 22' extension Ladder carrying a 70# (insert whatever here) "window" in my job the little giant wins hands down.....

Posted on 09/29/2007 at 4:09:00 PM

 
steve not a good lader for a guy who works alone get a gorilla

Posted on 09/10/2007 at 7:09:00 PM

 
has anyone used the little giant sky scraper 21ft a frame i was intrested in buying one for my painting jobs. my only concern is that i will need another person to help me extend it to its full length and i work alone. any feed back would help.

Posted on 07/12/2007 at 1:07:00 PM

 
Boy! You covered everything so well. You wrote it plainly so anyone could understand the nuts and bolts.. Thought your piece was a work of art and thanks for the products information. Best!

Posted on 05/16/2007 at 5:05:00 PM

 
I agree with Matt. With the wages paid in China, you should be able to buy the Gorilla for $50.00. I'll go with the Little Giant.

Posted on 03/01/2007 at 4:03:00 PM

 
I don't know Paul - people seem to really like the little giant ladder. i was looking on flickr and saw this guy - pretty funny stuff http://flickr.com/photos/52746363@N00/

Posted on 01/20/2007 at 1:01:00 PM

Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Comments 1 - 15 of 57
Next >>
Advertisment