Over at Home Depot, they kicked off a new deal on the Werner MT-22IAA 5-in-1 multi-functional ladder.
I’m sure you’ve seen something like this before – it’s an aluminum ladder that can be set up in different configurations to fill a wide range of needs.
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Modes and Specs
- Twin Step Stepladder
- Adjustment range: 5′ to 9′
- Max reach: 13′ 2″
- Stairway Step Ladder
- Adjustment range: 5′ to 9′
- Max reach: 13′ 2″
- Wall Ladder
- Adjustment range: 6′ to 9′
- Max reach: 12′ 9″
- Extension Ladder
- Adjustment range: 11′ to 19′
- Max reach: 22′
- Two Scaffold Bases
- Adjustment range: 1.1′ to 3′
- Max reach: 9′ 6″
- Weighs 40 pounds
Werner says that the ladder features new and improved J-locks that are easy to operate, with oversized and impact-resistant push knob.
The ladder is said to be Werner’s lightest 22′ multi-functional ladder, thanks to new PowerLite rails. It’s said to be 10% lighter than the previous model.
The ladder is rated as a Type IAA, capable of supporting users and their gear weighing up to 375 lbs.
I bought a Werner multi-functional ladder a few years ago, and have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it’s great in stepladder mode, “stair” mode where one size can be extended to a different length than the other, and as scaffolds. As an extension ladder, it’s sturdy but can be hard to set up solo compared to traditional extension ladders.
I have since purchased a standalone extension ladder, but my Werner still sees use in its other configurations. It’s a good ladder to have, and I don’t see myself parting with it, as I’d have to buy a couple of other products to replace the functionality I have used and will continue to use it for.
$179 seems to be a very good price for what you get, with other sellers charging ~$249. You can spend less for a multi-functional ladder, sacrificing either adjustment range and reach, or weight capacity.
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What are your thoughts about this ladder – is it a good deal or would you buy or recommend something different?
Sale Price: $179
Jorhay
I have the 17′ Werner and a 26′ Gorilla. While I’d like to have a 28′ standard extension, I just don’t need it often enough to justify it. The versatility in the multiposition ladders was more useful to me. I have a specific use that I’d like for a King Kombo stlye, but it’s infrequent enough that I don’t justify that purchase.
Matt the Hoople
I don’t know if the price on this particular example is good or not. They’re are several brands including Cosco and Little Giant. I think I’ve seen others as well.
I agree with your thoughts. It is a bit difficult to use as an extension ladder and I too have a separate ladder for that purpose. Two additional things I’d like to add are that 1) as a step ladder, it is by far the most stable platform out there. Because of the way the legs flare out at the bottom and the ridgidity, you can use all the steps including standing on the very top provided you have something to hold on to. You can also put two people on it simultaneously , one on each side so you can have 4 hands working on something over head. This is great for stuff like installing ceiling fans where one person can hold it up while the other wires it. Just watch the weight limit. You can also sit directly on top with your legs straddling both side like a really tall stool. 2) don’t forget scaffold mode. You can separate the pieces and make two separate a frame scaffold supports. I use this with a 2×12 as a walk board for stuff like painting ceilings, hanging trim, etc…. Again, watch the weight or use a proper walk board with it.
I first saw this style of ladder back in the mid 90s when I worked for a company installing awnings and rollup shutters at the beach. We used these because of their versatility. Back then Hal Wing held the patent and the wing ladders brand were the only ones available. Back then they cost about $700 per ladder. In the late 90s the patent expired and other companies started making them. First one I saw was walking through Sam’s Club. It was a Costco branded one and I bought it on the spot without hesitation or thinking twice. Mine is the 16 or 17 foot version and I paid $140 or $150 for it in 2001. Therefore, $179 today sounds very reasonable. This is especially true when you consider that this is probably a lifetime purchase because they are built so robust. It has held up fine and has been used a lot over the past 20 years. The only downside in my opinion besides the difficulty using it as an extension ladder is that it is not light at all as it weighs over 30 pounds. If I just need a simple step ladder to go up two steps to change a lightbulb, this is not the one I grab. However, if I am actually going to be working on top of a step ladder this is the one to get used every time because of the awesome stability and safety it provides.
Mac
Metal conducts electricity.
Brandon B.
I love my 21 (or is it 22?) foot multi-position ladder. I’m never excited to lug it around, but it’s almost exclusively for outside work. For inside work an 8′ step ladder works fine but I’m considering switching that to a 3-in-1 style (King Kombo, Leansafe X3, something like those). It would be really nice to have more length without having to carry 40-50 pounds on my shoulder.
Chris S
They had this exact ladder for $99.88 in September last year.
I bought one, and after using it, $179 is more than I would pay to buy another one.
It’s about as convenient as a multi-tool and just as in/convenient.
If you’re looking at one of these types of ladders, just keep your expectations in check and it will be fine.
PS. the hard rubber “rounded” feet do not inspire confidence in the extension ladder mode. Had to use it on a flat asphalt driveway and ended up parking a truck against it to stop from sliding.
Stuart
Are you certain? They have different grades of ladders with different lid capacities, and this one has the highest weight rating.
Fish_Stick
Picked this up as well during that sale for $99. Same one and the multitool analogy is spot on. Like it more for the step ladder configs than the extension. Handling the 22′ extended can be pretty difficult.
https://slickdeals.net/f/14342669-22-ft-reach-aluminum-5-in-1-multi-position-pro-ladder-with-powerlite-rails-375-lbs-load-capacity-type-iaa-duty-rating-99-88
Chris S
I’m certain.
Same model number, rating, etc.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-22-ft-Reach-Aluminum-5-in-1-Multi-Position-Pro-Ladder-with-Powerlite-Rails-375-lbs-Load-Capacity-Type-IAA-Duty-Rating-MT-22IAA/309704168
This link is from my order confirmation.
It was a big deal on slickdeals.
https://slickdeals.net/f/14342669-22-ft-reach-aluminum-5-in-1-multi-position-pro-ladder-with-powerlite-rails-375-lbs-load-capacity-type-iaa-duty-rating-99-88?src=SiteSearchV2Algo1
https://slickdeals.net/f/14509547-99-88-werner-22-ft-reach-aluminum-5-in-1-multi-position-pro-ladder-with-powerlite-rails-375-lbs-load-capacity-type-iaa-duty-rating-mt-22iaa-the-home-depot?src=SiteSearchV2Algo1
Looks like it happened again 2 months later as well.
Stuart
I believe you – just making sure.
Unfortunately, a lot of deals from last year are unlikely to repeat due to higher materials and shipping costs.
Home Depot has a good return and price match policy, just in case this model drops in price in the next 30-90 days.
Jared
I have one like this. Handy to have, but I only use it when I have to – it’s heavy!
The 10% weight savings mentioned for this model sounds appealing. The weight can make it awkward in tight spaces.
Matt the Hoople
Yeah, so it only weighs 40 pounds instead of 44. Every ounce helps but still heavy. As I get older, I’m thankful that my son is now strong enough that “fetching the ladder” is now his job:)
Jared R
I’m a replacement window contractor so I’m on ladders a lot. I’ve used the older Werner Multi-Function, and Little Giants over the years. I can easily say this model is my favorite. It is about 33% lighter than the older Werner models (From about 3 years ago) and it holds up with daily heavy use.
Particularly the locks to lower or raise the legs are easy to open and close and the knob used to change the angle of the ladder doesn’t stick and can be easily adjusted even with sweaty hands.
Patrick
This same (it was also 375 lbs rating) ladder was at HD for $99 last September. I’m really kicking myself for not buying it then since I need to repaint the west side of our house this year. Maybe I should grab it now because this is certainly better than $200.
Nathan
I’m interested in them if only for the few times I as suburbanite homeowner uses a ladder. I have a light fixture on my stairway so I want the stairladder feature.
I like the idea of it being an extension as the only need I have for extension ladder is cleaning/repairing gutters at my second floor. but for that I really need 25 or more so that might become a dedicated ladder buy. (or rental maybe)
But I also really want to use the scaffold feature mostly for painting my 10 ft ceilings. I think that would work great – but yes I’ve also considered making my own knockdown platforms.
Interesting comments on using these ladders. Also The other store seems to carry the Gorilla ladder at the same price in an alternate sale strategy. IE one store has theirs on sale week A and the other store kicks theirs in on week B. or such.