The 6 Best Rolling Ladders
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in May of 2020. Rolling ladders have casters that let you move them from one position to another easily, unlike other ladder types that must be carried. This design makes them helpful for industrial applications, such as in warehouses, while smaller versions can be used in the home. Note that you should review the instruction manual carefully before use and follow safety precautions at all times. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Tri-Arc 7-Step
2. Tri-Arc Industrial
3. Tri-Arc 15-Step
Editor's Notes
August 27, 2020:
The Tri-Arc company has made a name for themselves in the rolling ladder market, which is why we have so many on our list. Models like the Tri-Arc Industrial and Tri-Arc Forward Descent use a convenient design that allows the ladder to roll on spring-mounted casters, that retract once the user’s body weight lowers the feet of the ladder to the ground. You can also stabilize the feet by stepping on the first step, which activates a locking mechanism.
Even though all of our options were advertised as OSHA certified, we reviewed the appropriate guidelines to confirm this. Most importantly, we made sure that our tallest option, the Tri-Arc 15-Step met the OSHA requirement 1910.23(e)(2)(ii) for mobile ladder stands over ten feet, and “have the top step protected on three sides by a handrail with a vertical height of at least 36 inches”.
Another important OSHA requirement, 1910.23(e)(2)(i), is met by all of our options as well, stating, “the slope of the step stringer to which the steps are attached must not be more than 60 degrees, measured from the horizontal”. The Ballymore Lock-N-Stock has a 58-degree slope, and the rest of our options sit at 50 degrees.
Even though rolling ladders may seem safer than traditional or fixed ladders, they can still be extremely dangerous, and proper safety procedures must always be obeyed. Never attempt to use a ladder if you're feeling sleepy, ill, or taking medication that could impair your balance. Also, remember to always maintain 3 points of contact when climbing a ladder. That means that at least a foot and two hands, or one hand and two feet, are always touching the ladder. This simple rule is a great way to reduce your chances of falling off balance or slipping.
Before you using the ladder, even before assembling it, take the time to read the entire manual. Periodically reviewing the safety procedures and recommended climbing techniques should also be a regular practice.
These rolling ladders are great for using in a contained area, like a warehouse or stockroom, but their bulky frames aren’t very portable. If you need a ladder that can be easily transported to job sites, consider purchasing one of these extension ladders instead. If you don't need the height that rolling or extension ladders provide, consider one of these step ladders.
4. Tri-Arc Forward Descent
5. Ballymore Lock-N-Stock
6. Cotterman Performa
Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.