Tool of the day!

Merlin5 · 6 Oct 2013 at 21:54

Was out with my mum yesterday at a store called Dunelm Mill, and as we walked to the checkout to pay, I noticed lots of different coloured steps stacked up. They look like a kids toy but on trying one out, they're damn sturdy. I thought, this is exactly what I could do with as it saves bringing the step ladder in every time when I want to reach something fairly high, such as to change a ceiling bulb.

It's very light, folds up flat with a carry handle, and easily stored and hidden away. The side view looks like it might collapse, but it won't as standing on it locks the legs. There's two sizes, a smaller one and the one I got. Mine stands 1' 3" high by 11" wide by 8.5" deep. Can get them in white, yellow, black, red and blue, but seems to be less choice of colour on their website than in store. Only £8.99

You can get them here if you're interested. http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/simply-foldable-large-step-stool-359833

bitslice · 6 Oct 2013 at 22:14

Hmm, I was thinking about something like this for washing windows, some are a bit high but not high enough to justify faffing about with a step ladder.

Derek W · 6 Oct 2013 at 22:31

i just stand up when i change a light bulb

Merlin5 · 6 Oct 2013 at 22:31

bitslice said:
Hmm, I was thinking about something like this for washing windows, some are a bit high but not high enough to justify faffing about with a step ladder.

Yeah. I'm about 5' 11" tall, the step is 1.3' tall and I can reach my lights in my bedroom which are about 10 to 11' high, so it's quite good for reaching modest heights. For washing windows, it would work. Though there's nothing to lean into like with a ladder so I guess you'd need to be slightly careful or put one hand against the window frame if you happen to get vigorous with the cleaning. But they're great for reaching up to things for simple jobs or getting something down from a tall wardrobe, cupboard, or even reading the meter if it's high up like mine.

Zefan · 6 Oct 2013 at 22:41

Sounds like the sort of jobs I just use a chair for

Maccapacca · 6 Oct 2013 at 22:50

I have a Grolsch crate for this but would have this if not, great for decorating even if it's just for putting a paint pot on.

Merlin5 · 6 Oct 2013 at 23:14

Well with me, I still don't have any chairs in my place, only my sofa. I've got an old 3 legged triangular stool which is always a bit dodgy to stand on. So now I have my colourful purpose built go to steps for all those hard to reach places, plus it's easy to fold away. If I'd eaten more weetabix, I might have grown as tall as Derek W would seem to be and wouldn't need steps.

BigBoy · 6 Oct 2013 at 23:21

It will last for about 6 months before it breaks under your own weight, my kids have them for working in the kitchen (Washing up and such) I've used them a few times and broken both of them within a week or so of each other!

Merlin5 · 6 Oct 2013 at 23:29

BigBoy said:
It will last for about 6 months before it breaks under your own weight, my kids have them for working in the kitchen (Washing up and such) I've used them a few times and broken both of them within a week or so of each other!

Maybe you each weigh more than the maximum stated 150kg.

DogsBody · 7 Oct 2013 at 00:23

Zefan said:
Sounds like the sort of jobs I just use a chair for

Richie · 7 Oct 2013 at 06:56

Oh to be short and have these problems

BigBoy · 7 Oct 2013 at 07:23

Merlin5 said:
Maybe you each weigh more than the maximum stated 150kg.

Oh thanks

I'm big but not that big!

valve90210 · 7 Oct 2013 at 10:40

I need one of these so I can reach the catch for the loft hatch without using a ladder or set of steps!

Nightglow · 7 Oct 2013 at 11:25

Wouldn't last long with me, I soon break it.

I have Aluminium Platform ,Step,Hop Up, Bench thingy, got it off the bay, rated for 150kg, & 500mm working height.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aluminium...by_BabyFeedingUtensils_EH&hash=item1c2c2a0e0e

DJ_Bucho · 7 Oct 2013 at 13:48

haha, my mum's got something very similar to reach things at the back of the tall wall cabinets in the kitchen (she's only small bless her), their great. I know my dad's borrowed it a couple of times when he was stripping the brakes on the car, as when the car's jacked up it was the perfect height for him to work on them while sitting

Indie · 7 Oct 2013 at 13:58

bitslice said:
Hmm, I was thinking about something like this for washing windows, some are a bit high but not high enough to justify faffing about with a step ladder.

I get this all the time

we have awkward windows!

we got third world problems

rhysduck · 7 Oct 2013 at 14:53

Got a blue one.. holds my skinny arse and her arse (not at the same time!)

Nightglow said:
Wouldn't last long with me, I soon break it.

I have Aluminium Platform ,Step,Hop Up, Bench thingy, got it off the bay, rated for 150kg, & 500mm working height.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aluminium...by_BabyFeedingUtensils_EH&hash=item1c2c2a0e0e

Oooh. now that looks handy!

Nightglow · 7 Oct 2013 at 19:08

rhysduck said:
Got a blue one.. holds my skinny arse and her arse (not at the same time!)

Oooh. now that looks handy!

You can find these step up's cheaper, got this one, as it had a 5 year warranty.

bitslice · 8 Oct 2013 at 02:14

I've got the longer version.
Or at least I did have one, either I've lent it to someone or the cats have swapped it for chicken as now I can't find the darn thing anywhere

The Badger · 9 Oct 2013 at 13:01

I had one, went straight through it.

.... and i weigh less than 150kg before anyone calls me a fat #######

Tool of the day!

Tea Drinker