[jordanski]

Looks like 90% of the info online is regarding aluma-pole, which is fair considering they have a huge market share. Not too many guys on here mentioned owning the werners (I do swear by their ladders, all the way).

Wondering if anyone who has used both cares to chime in? Only mention I could find regarding comparative quality, one guy said he thought but wasn't sure that maybe the aluma-pole was a thicker gauge aluminum.

Werner gets brownie points for making theirs look like a tricked-out transformer...

I will be renting stages as needed and going with a basic set-up with 12' & 6' poles with the splicing joint, if I need 24' poles I can rent them too.

Also, as I mentioned in the 1st post I'll be using them for stripping paint to bare wood, siding and window replacement, misc. restoration, painting, sistering rafter tails, fascia & soffit replacement, remodel stuff.... no new construction or huge stacks of hardie plank... I can get to 2nd story eaves with the 18' set-up, and for 3rd story dormers I would probably insist to a client on scaffold or lift rental...

Next week I will try to talk to reps for both on their weight specs etc. and post my findings for eveybody.

I've got experience using the aluma-pole but not the werners. Wondering mostly if the werners have any crappy quirks that you wouldn't know about unless you've used them a bit. The only knock I can think of on aluma-poles is the 24's are heavy for me and a pain to set-up, I'm 155 lbs. drippin' wet... I figure the 18' set-up will be a little easier.

your two cents?

Thanks brothers, I know it's just $1200 bucks or so, but for how often they will be realistic to use it's a big drop for me, I also do int. remodel, plenty of ladder work, and lot's of small-medium sized houses here where I wouldn't need em.

-J

[jordanski]

oh yeah, they look to be about the same in price online...FYI

I have a local ladder wholesaler I deal with that carries werner so I probably can get them a little cheaper, but probably not more than 5-10% less.
J

If you've got a purveyor who hooked you up with a good deal I'd love to know about it, but if they're not doin' free shipping to seattle I don't think it would matter...

[Tom Struble]

for what you want to use them for either brand will be good18 fters will get you where you need to get 85%of the time

[loneframer]

For whatever reason, I've never seen Werner on a site, always Alum-A-Pole. Not that I have a bad word about Werner, they are a quality manufacturer.

[world llc]

don't know anything about werner pump jacks, only picks....
have both alumapole stages and werner stages
alumapole is heavier and nicer but have broken off one of the plastic connecting ears
i usually use the werners cause they are lighter

[jordanski]

I had a few thoughts...

1. anyone know if the werners have a lesser load rating?

2. can you use aluma pole stages on werner pump jacks? I don't think any of the rental places around here are going to have werner stages...

3. I like the lightweight appeal of the werners, as I won't be doing hardi or anything crazy heavy like that, and their ladders are best, hands down...and I'm trying to resist how cool lookin' the werners are...

J

[jordanski]

I like the idea of getting the stage-end protectors, but $250 for the safety net? that's ridiculous...

I am going to harbor freight, getting a ring punch and blue tarp and making one myself for 20 bucks... sheesh, the nerve of these manufacturers sometimes....

J

[jordanski]

Is Werner compatible with Alum-a-Pole? Qual-Craft?
A. The Werner Pump Jack system is 100% interchangeable with Alum-a-Pole. However, it is not interchangeable with the Qual-Craft Ultra Jack system.
Q. Does the Werner bracket come with screws?
A. No. These are to be supplied locally. Also, in accordance with ANSI A10.8-2001, the screws must be a minimum of 3” Type AB screws. Werner recommends using ¼” x 3” Type AB screws.
Q. What are the applicable OSHA codes for Pump Jacks?
A. The following are the applicable OSHA and ANSI codes for Pump Jacks and accessories:

• OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart L, Section 1926.451 – Scaffolds
• OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart L, Section 1926.452, Paragraph (j) – Pump Jacks
• OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart M – Fall Protection
• ANSI A10.8, A10.14, and A120.1

Q. Does OSHA allow Werner and Alum-a-Pole components to be interchanged?
A. Yes. Per OSHA, scaffold components can be interchanged so long as they do not require undue force while connecting or attaching them together.


When do the Work Bench components comply with OSHA as a guardrail?
A. The Work Bench complies when a stage is properly installed between the poles. The stage is then at a height where it meets OSHA requirements as the top rail of a guardrail system. However, a midrail and toeboard are still required unless safety netting is used.

[Aframe]

Originally Posted by jordanski

2. can you use aluma pole stages on werner pump jacks? I don't think any of the rental places around here are going to have werner stages...

J

Each brand will probably say to use their own walking planks, but any stages/planks can be used. You can use wood planks too. What you need to be sure to do is to fasten the planks to the pump, so they don't slide off while you are working your way up or down. Both brands make different size-gauge planks, you will just have to choose (when you can) what is most comfortable to work from

If you are staging up a side of a house and are using more than one set up (ex: three poles, two planks ) you want to use the same brand of plank so they mate properly over the center pump. You want to avoid those 2" heart attacks, never mind a 5" stepoff

Although most people don't use them, safety nets and end guards are "required". The safety net also keeps the debris from floating all over the place. Hanging a tarp off the work bench also helps.

Even though 18' poles will be easy to stand up, you may want to bring a helper while you set up-break down. Being up on a ladder trying to one hand the standoff bracket and pole while setting up the screw and drill/driver can be a tricky maneuver.

While shopping for them look around, many dealers will have package specials. Any online savings will probably get wiped out with shipping costs.

Like most who use aluminum setups, once you get them you'll wonder why you did not get them sooner.

[jordanski]

actually most of online deals are going with free shipping if your order is above a certain amount, usually around $700-900...
J

[Aframe]

, Just gotta support your local guys when you can. You cant swing by amazon to pick up the extra bracket you need this morning.