What we tested
We tested ladders suitable for most home maintenance and DIY projects. The ones we chose had six rungs and were 1.8 metres high in the "A" shape and extended to around 3.2 metres when used as a straight ladder. We bought our combination ladders at major hardware outlets.
When you buy a ladder it's usually rated in kilograms and as "domestic" or "industrial/trade". The combination ladders we tested fell into two categories: a 120kg load rating and a rating that ranged from 135 to 180kgs.
Use the load rating as your guide when buying a ladder rather than whether it's labelled for "domestic" or "trade" use. The 120kg ladders will handle general DIY activities around the home. But if you're using your ladder for heavy-duty DIY, then go for the highest load rating you can afford. They are built to a higher specification.
Our test
For our test we used a laboratory accredited for testing ladders. It put our 11 ladders through their paces against nine parts of the Australian/New Zealand standard that test for safety, strength and rigidity. When you're several metres off the ground cleaning the guttering or painting you want to know your ladder is safe.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Models we tested
