Bailey BXS 20

Quality stepladder – The Bailey BXS20 MK2 industrial extendable stepladder is rated at 135 kg, so it has a good weight limit. It will convert into multiple different configurations stepladder (extendable) closed is 1.39 m and extended is 2.30 m and single ladder (extendable) closed 2.70 m and extended is 4.53 m there is trestle support although you will need a plank to do this. In addition each side of the stepladder configuration is adjustable for height, so you can adapt it to stand safely on stairs so forth. Apparently there is a clip on platform that can be purchased for powertools paint so forth, but it can only be effectively used in the stepladder configuration. Adjusting it is easy, with spring-loaded lock mechanisms which seem very strong and durable. The feet at each end of the ladder are spread apart more, so it feels stable even at full extension.

Good but one major flaw – Great quality ladder, but looks like in order to save money, they have skimped on supplying 'static hinges' when using the ladder in Trestle mode. The method used for joining the two lower sections of the ladder to use as a trestle is dodgy as! Fail Bailey!

They Need To Consider A Better Design – This ladder is useful but has many faults. 1- Way too heavy. 2- The instructions are very poorly explained, especially on how to make two ladders from one. Even customer help had to ring me back. 3- Turning one ladder into two is poorly throughout and seems very unsafe.

A very good multipurpose aluminium ladder – This ladder has 20 steps, rated at 135 Kg, safe for a large adult male. It will adopt any of 4 configurations: short or long double sided stepladder, trestle supports (you need a plank though), and straight extension ladder to 5.5 metres. In addition each side of the stepladder configuration is adjustable for height, so you can adapt it to stand safely on a staircase. A clip on platform is supplied for tools and paint cans, which can only be effectively used in the stepladder configuration though.

It weighs 16.7 Kg, which is manageable for an adult male, but not for an average adult female. To cope with that, the smaller lighter BXS 13 model should be looked at. Construction seems robust.

Adjusting it is easy, with spring-loaded locks which seem quite strong and safe. The feet at each end of the ladder are splayed apart a little more, so it feels quite stable even at full extension. The rungs are flat topped, but not so wide you can stand comfortably on a single rung in bare feet, however shoes should be worn anyway.

We found ours for $199 on a special in Nov 2012. Multi-use, many adjustments