Wednesday, December 1, 2010

How To Buy A Safe Folding Step Stool

Of all the step stools you may have seen, folding step stools could be the coolest one simply because it is very handy to have at home. It only requires a tiny space to store them. But if you think about it, easy storage is the ONLY good feature of a folding step stool. Why? This is because folding steps are not very stable or sturdy when someone stands on them, especially when carrying objects that add more total weight. These step stools are a danger to all who use them to lift heavy loads. So, the folding step stool is not as useful as it may seem at first. There are many different models of folding step stools that are sold at department store like Target and hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot.





The folding step stool is usually made inexpensively with price in mind and cannot hold very much weight. That's why it's use is limited to a few light duty chores around the house. So, if you pick one these step stools, please do yourself a favor. LOOK for a load rating. Most of the folding step stools are only rated for about 300 pounds or less. Obviously, these will not hold a heavy person carrying a load on his shoulder or trying to lean over the side of the folding step stool. This plus the fact that the folding step stool has moving parts that will wear out over time making the folding step unstable and lowering the load rating over time. For your awareness and safety, you should consider a couple of things you should for before buying a step stool.





LOAD RATING: You should look for a minimum of 500 pounds! This is to save you from the step stool collapsing or tipping over when you're on it. You can be assured with this load rating that a heavy person, even with loads on their shoulders, could complete their task safely without any worries.

DESIGN: Check if the folding step stool has large base, to prevent tipping, and that each step has a large enough standing area for the job it is intended for. Make sure your 2 feet can move freely and easily on top while you are leaning over to put or get something from the shelves. This is the ONLY way to ensure your safety when using a step stool.

Don't just take it for granted that the folding step stool you buy will be safe. You may be in a hurry or you may have a tight budget. But why would you sacrifice your family's welfare or your employee’s safety for a cheap folding step stool?


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