Customer Reviews

Cosco 20-217-T1AS World's Greatest Ladder

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Versatile Ladder, Adjusts to 7 positions as a step ladder which can be climbed on both sides, 8 extension ladder heights, 6 stairway ladder positions (one side is adjusted longer than the other side) and can be separated into two step ladders with a board ran between them for 3 Scaffold heights.
Will fit into most car trunks when folded up, dimensions are 56"L by 8"H by 24"W. Is sturdy with 300lb rating and the neighbors are curious about how the ladder works. Basically you do not need both a stepladder and extension ladder, works as both. Also when folded up it takes up little room not like my 18ft extension ladder that has to be hung up in my garage and a pain to get out of the garage if my truck is parked there. Another great thing is the ladder can be adjusted to the right height, which makes it easier to get on and off my roof.
If a ladder can be fun to use this one is, can be adjusted to cover many different job situations which standard ladders just can not do.

This ladder is $129 at Sam's club as well (minus the video, but trust me when I say it is not that difficult to understand the written directions and pictures). So I mainly got this ladder because of the added functionality as a scaffolding platform. In that respect, it's design is better than similar type ladders in that you don't need to carry a set of hinges to compose the second a-frame from the rails. The ladder in general is rock solid, the mechanism to convert it to its various forms is easy (if not just plain cool).

I bought this ladder because I needed something I could use in a stair well, and the price beat Little Giant by a long margin. As a step ladder or adjustable stair ladder I was pleased enough. Then I decided to try it out as an extension ladder. BIG MISTAKE! I had it extended the full length so I could get up to cut a branch off of a tree.
With the base of the ladder planted firmly on the ground at the proper distance away and leaning on the very large trunk, up I went. As I stood stood there (5 rungs down from the top) making my cut, I felt a shift, so I looked at the ladder. The top extension was bending and was in the process of separating from the lower section. This ladder is rated for 300 pounds and I weigh 190. I started down and the ladder shifted again throwing me off balance and as I tumbled my leg got caught and I ended up suspended upside down by my now very damaged leg. When I freed myself I saw that both the top and bottom extensions had bent and that one of the locking pins had snapped off.
No way is this safe as an extension ladder, and it should not be marketed as such.
I was lucky that I was not injured worse than the cuts and deep bruises I suffered on my leg.
I can't speak for the Little Giant or Gorilla ladders, but i suggest that you DO NOT use this ladder as an extension.

I purchased the 217-T11S from Lowes for $149. It has a 300 lb. rating and has no problem with my 160 lbs. It is very sturdy and easy to use. I do not think you can go wrong with one of these.

seen at costco for $129 (12/22/03). Model 20-217-T1ASW.

My only regret is not buying this back in 1996, when I bought my first house. I can't believe I spent all that time using a crappy, flimsy 40 dollar ladder, putting my neck at risk all those times, literally. This ladder is very strong, (although it can be a bit heavy), very stable, just a fine piece of equipment everyone should have. It is adjustable to everyone except perhaps a small weak person, they may have a hard time or even hurt themselves trying. But for an average regular guy, one should be able to adjust it to any position FROM any position. The locks are strong, the steps are strong. Very nice. I only wish it came with the step accessory instead of an add on.

I received an earlier model of the same ladder as a birthday present 3 years ago. I have been very pleased with it until, a friend who was helping me build a roof over my deck fell (about 4 feet) and knocked over the ladder. One of the latch/locking pins sheared.

I called the company asking to buy a replacement part. I was told the company does not offer replacement parts! So in that case I asked for a replacement ladder under their "lifetime warranty". I was told the ladder was not covered because I did not have a receipt of purchase and because the ladder was abused by someone falling on it, knocking it over, and the ladder hitting a "hard surface". Pointing out that a ladder was a piece of construction equipment and subject to some rough handling fell on deaf ears.

Upon closer inspection of the sheared pin, I found 3 air pockets in the middle of the casting. I posted pictures on Picasa for Cosco to view the defective pin, which they did, but they still would not cover the ladder because I did not have a sales receipt and I had abused the item.

In fairness, they did offer a replacement at a discounted price, which I regretfully accepted. It is a good ladder, but if something breaks do not expect the company to be sympathetic. They definitely need to work on customer relations and/or adapt more realistic after sales policies.

This ladder is just great. I use it all the time. It has functioned flawlessly. I liked it so much I ordered a second one for a gift. For the price, you cannot beat this ladder. Very stable and versatile. It may be heavy for some people. I am very impressed with how stable it is. I have been using this to clean roofs, placing the ladder in deep snow, then standing on it to pull snow off roofs. I never feel unsafe. Highly recommended. I paid $151.00 for direct shipping. WELL WORTH IT !

Looks like agood ladder. Got the smaller one first which is 13 foot extended, or about 6 foot as step ladder. Beats a wooden ladder by far.or even the fiberglass which are more expensive actually.

[..............] Both work well for paiting in stairwells, but you must keep one set of legs on a landing or you are doomed to fall.

I threw out the wooden ladder the day I got these, and dumped a small ltille step stool ladder with 3 steps. These ladders are far safer. A bit heavy, but far far safer.

I prefer safety or lightness any day of the week.

so should you.

I bought my ladder at Costco (no relationship to the manufacturer, as far as I know, and the spelling is different) for $99. I've managed to use it in most positions but value it most for basic stepladder use. As a stepladder, it's very strong, usable on both sides, easy to adjust, and easy to store. It's the only type of ladder you should really use on stairs, other than an articulated ladder (which is a pain to fold and unfold). One benefit of the ladder for routine use is that you are standing on double-width treads when the ladder isn't extended. Very comfortable!

The one mode that makes me a bit uncomfortable is using it as a straight, or extension ladder. All of the stress is put into the hinges, which are pressed-steel on this ladder, unlike the Little Giant or Jaws ladders. I regard this ladder as a high-quality substitute for the typically low-quality, inexpensive stepladders most people use at home. I do not regard it as anything close to the quality of either Little Giant or Jaws. But for the money, and for home use, it can't be beat.