This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. Every so often, everyone needs a boost. Whether it’s to see what’s on that next shelf up, or to clamber 18’ up to tend the gutter garden, sometimes you just need a bit of added elevation. For years, Werner has offered a line of innovative multi-ladders that let you do both. We recently received the upgraded version of the 17’ Werner MT17 ladder, the Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping multi-ladder. Climb into a comfy chair and relax as we take a step-by-step look at its features.
Before we get started, let’s clarify some terminology. Although Werner’s 17’ multi-ladder, the Werner MT17, has been around awhile, Werner recently made it even beefier. While the newer version is still commonly referred to as the Werner MT17, its official designation is the Werner MT1AA17. The “1AA” in the name refers to its weight rating; weight capacity for the Werner MT1AA17 is now 375 pounds, vs. 300 pounds on the older version. To make sure you’re getting the beefier version, check the packaging; it will have “MT17” in large letters, but further down it should show the “MT1AA17” designation. For this post, we’ll simply refer to it as the Werner MT1AA17, since our focus is on the new version.
By the way, that 375-lb. weight limit means 375 lbs. per side, when being used as a twin stepladder! They also reduced the weight a bit, making it even easier for us non-Dwayne-Johnson types (see opening photo for clarification) to schlep it around.
If you’re the type who always wants the right tool for the job, you’ll really like the Werner MT1AA17. It’s the right tool for a LOT of jobs. It makes great heavy-duty stepladder, but it’s also able to quickly transform into an extension ladder. Or a wall ladder. Or a stairway step ladder. It can even clone itself and go to work as a set of scaffold bases! Step right up and check out the epic list of features and specs, followed by a quick promo video from Werner. Note: The video shows the weight rating for the older MT17. Just substitute 375 lbs. for the 300 lbs. shown. Got it? Enjoy!
Features:
• Now Light Weight!
• Five positions: 1. Twin Step Ladder 2. Stairway Step Ladder 3. Extension ladder 4. Two Scaffold bases 5. Wall Ladder
• Stronger 375 lb. duty rating for industrial strength performance
• Adjustable telescoping design for maximum versatility
• Designed for one or two person jobs
• Smooth curved rails for comfortable climbing
• Shatter-Proof J-Locks
• Maximum reach of 18 ft. in extension ladder position (assuming a 5 ft. 6 in. person with a vertical 12 in. reach)
• Up to 24-adjustable working heights or positions
• Slip-resistant feet and extra-wide flared bottom for firm support
• Telescoping design offers maximum versatility and easy storage
• Double-riveted steps and shatter proof j-locks ensure long-lasting durability
• Size refers to the ANSI definition of length, ANSI code: A14.2-2017 6.2.4
• ANSI, OSHA and CSA certified for safety
Specifications:
Unique Features :Compact Design, Works On Stairways and Uneven Ground
Style: Multi-Position Ladder
Number of Positions: 24
Load Capacity: 375 lb.
Approx. Closed Height: 55”
Approx. Closed Length: 24.83”
Approx. Closed Width: 8.125”
Duty Rating: Type IAA Duty Rating
Approx. Product Weight (lbs.): 35.1
Base Width: 24.625”
Certifications: ANSI certified, OSHA compliant
Highest Standing Level – Extension Ladder: 11’ 8”
Extension Height: 9’ to 15’
Extension Ladder Open Length: 17’
Reach Height Extension Ladder: 18’ 1”
Flange Dimension: 1”
Foot Material: Slip Resistant PVC
Material: Aluminum
Max. Load: 375 lbs.
Number of Sections: 3
Number of Steps: 16
Reach Height Scaffold: 11 ft 3 in
Scaffold Height: 2 ft 11 in
Size: 17 ft
Stair Height: 4 ft to 7 ft
Stepladder Height 4 ft to 7 ft
Highest Standing Level – Step Ladder: 4 ft 10 in
Reach Height Step Ladder: 9 ft 6 in
Rails Dimension: 2-5/8in
Rung Dimension: 1.125in
Steps/Rung Dimension: 1.125in
Some Ladder Patter On The Werner MT1AA17
I’ve had the Werner MT13, the older 13’ version of the Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder, for about eight years. I bought it for doing a variety of punch-list and home-improvement tasks, both indoors and out, on a ranch home I was working on. These ladders are ideal for that type of work, because they collapse down small enough to fit into almost any vehicle. The thirteen-footer is also very solidly built, and has held up very well over the years.
I had a pair of 28’ Type 1A ladders, along with ladder jacks and all the works, that I used for years. Now that I’m entering my dotage, I’m avoiding the big units. First off, they’re heavy as hell and not much fun to maneuver solo, which is how I do a good portion of my work these days. Second, I don’t wanna be that high up any more. I’ll let someone else deal with issues on the high roofs, and stick to what I can handle from the more reasonable heights the Werner MT1AA17 is capable of.
Along with saving the wear and tear on my back during setup and takedown, the smaller size and lighter weight of the Werner MT1AA17 make it a whole lot easier to store between missions. At only about 8” x 25” x 55” when closed, it can easily be stowed in a closet, or a corner of the basement, garage or shed. The 28-footers took up a tad more space. This makes it a great choice for homeowners or DIYers who only need a ladder occasionally, and don’t want to be tripping over it and providing a home for it the other 99% of the time.
Easy Steps To Set Up The Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder
To get the Werner MT1AA17 out of its folded and locked (storage) position, just bang in the two big blue knobs on the sides of the locking hinge. They’ll stay in, allowing you to rotate the rungs into the stepladder position, where they will lock into place. To keep rotating to the extension ladder position, bang them in again, and continue rotating the legs until the ladder locks into the full upright and locked position.
Height adjustments to the Werner MT1AA17 are also fast and easy to do. When extending the sides, the big, beefy “J” pins pull out and swing out of the way. Then just tug on the sliding rails until the ladder is adjusted to your length of choice. Adjustments can be made in roughly 12” increments. To lock it in place, just swing the hooks around, and the spring loading sucks ‘em right back in. The ladder is fairly easy to stand up single-handed, certainly much more so than my big extension ladders.
Up Against The Wall – Or The Stairs
Serving as a robust stepladder is just the starting point for the Werner MT1AA17. To set the unit up as a wall ladder, first set it up as a stepladder, then lower one side of the ladder by one rung. This allows you to place one side of the ladder right up against a wall, with the other side angled up toward the wall, providing very stable and easy access.
Often, some of the trickiest places to get at are the walls and ceilings in stairways. The Werner MT1AA17 has an app for that. Set it up as a stepladder to the height you need, and adjust the height on the uphill side of the ladder so it rests solidly and evenly on a step at the correct height. Make sure the feet are solidly planted on both sides. This is where the slip-resistant feet on the Werner MT1AA17 earn their keep!
For those of you who are more visually oriented – or are just tired of hearing me blather on – this informative video from Werner demonstrates every aspect of using the Werner MT1AA17, or any other Werner multi-ladder:
Reaching New Heights With The Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder
Fortunately, our current project house has numerous items on the to-do list requiring me to gain a little altitude. The Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder first gave me the little bit of height I needed to finish up some plumbing drain work in the basement. After that, we used it to do repairs on some cracked plaster walls on the first floor.
Moving outside, the Werner MT1AA17 provided a very stable stepladder for prepping and painting the exterior of an enclosed porch. It feels much more solid and secure to stand on than a regular stepladder, even though the steps aren’t quite as deep. It was also pretty handy to be able to occasionally have two of us on the ladder at once, one on each side. Even then, the ladder felt very solid and steady.
To work on the long stretch of fascia, I set up the Werner MT1AA17 as two scaffold bases, which provided a convenient and rock-solid platform to work from. I’ll detail the simple setup process shortly.
Extending The Fun
After the painting fun was over, I moved the ladder to the front of the garage, and set it up as an extension ladder. My first mission was to knock down a high-altitude hornet’s nest under the eaves, which I had previously sprayed. I then replaced a missing piece of fascia, and installed a weather vane on the peak. The Werner MT1AA17 was the perfect height, and once again I felt secure on it, even at the top.
Next, it was off to the front of the house. I used the Werner MT1AA17 to clean out the gutters on the front porch roof, and to fix a flapping piece of siding the wind had dislodged. Yes, it gets a bit breezy there…
Since the Werner MT1AA17 was proving to be so darn handy, I folded it up, tossed it in the back of my truck, and schlepped it home. Tackling the lengthy honey-do list, I used the ladder on our side porch to clean the decomposing gunk out of the box gutters, and to access the gutters on our rear roof. It was pretty incredible how much stuff had accumulated there in the six weeks since its last scooping.
Next, it was off to the front porch, to get up and clean the trim around the entryway. This is a job I routinely put off because it’s such a PITA to extricate my stepladder from the shed. Since it was so handy, I also put it to work setting up the higher connections on the Hammaka Hammock Hitch Stand we recently reviewed.
Walking The Plank, Courtesy Of The Werner MT1AA17
One of the most unique features of the Werner MT1AA17 Multi-Ladder is its ability to shed two of its appendages, and transform into a pair of scaffold bases. Performing this shapeshifting exercise is fast and easy.
Step one is to detach the two telescoping sections of the ladder. Just pull out the locking pins, and rotate them away from the holes. Now simply slide the two ladder sections out. The remaining, hinged section is base number one.
Place the two single ladder sections back to back, and rotate one section 180°. Swivel the J locks on one section up, and insert them into the adjacent holes on the other section of ladder. Now spread the feet apart, and you’re all set with base number two.
When I set up the Werner MT1AA17 as scaffold bases, I used a heavy-duty 2×12” plank. I set it on the second-highest set of rungs, which was a perfect working height for our project. Werner recommends not using the top set of rungs for scaffold planking. You’ve been warned. At the risk of sounding like a broken record (remember those?!), the Werner MT1AA17 again felt rock solid and stable when being used as a set of scaffold bases.
Closing Up On The Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder
Werner has been cranking out ladders for a long time, and they know what it takes to make a sturdy, useful ladder. With their MT1AA-series ladders, they’ve stepped up their game even further, with a ladder that’s robust enough for any homeowner, serial DIYer, and even commercial and industrial users. With its small storage footprint and added weight capability, the Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder is likely to appeal to anyone who needs a little extra elevation.
If YOU need an occasional boost, stop in at the Home Depot, and grab yourself a Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder. The ladder has excellent ratings, with 100% of over 100 reviewers recommending it. Best of all, the Home Depot’s 90-day return policy gives you a no-risk opportunity to check out all 33 working heights and positions. Go elevate yourself!
Buy the Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder from the Home Depot:
I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with Home Fixated in sponsored content. As a part of the sponsorship, Home Fixated is receiving compensation for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are our own words. This post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
