How strong is Carbon Fiber compared to fiberglass?

[Irving]

I don't know anything about these materials. Is there anyone on here that works with carbon fiber? I want to know how feasible it'd be to make a carbon fiber ladder, instead of a fiberglass ladder. Fiber glass is nice because it is very rigid and strong, and also safer around electrical wires, but it is HEAVY (compared to aluminum). Would carbon fiber ladders be strong enough to do a 300lb weight limit? Would they be too expensive to be feasible? A 40' fiberglass ladder costs over $700 and weighs 115 lbs. If a carbon fiber 40' ladder only weighed say 75lbs, but cost $1,000, I'd probably buy one tomorrow (especially if it was black).

What do you guys who know say?

[ben4372]

I have the perfect ladder for you. https://littlegiantladders.com/ladder/lunar/ I used to use this ladder at work before I changed departments. The first version had little triangles cut out between the rungs. That version went away because it was a little twisty. The current version is a bit heavier but still lighter than the Werner I used for my 1st 15yrs of ladder carrying. The Lunar also has an extra pulley for block and tackle style lifting. The version I used was rated 350, because I'm fat and my tools were heavy. http://www.sumostanceladder.com/fibe...r-little-giant

[Irving]

I have the perfect ladder for you. https://littlegiantladders.com/ladder/lunar/ I used to use this ladder at work before I changed departments. The first version had little triangles cut out between the rungs. That version went away because it was a little twisty. The current version is a bit heavier but still lighter than the Werner I used for my 1st 15yrs of ladder carrying. The Lunar also has an extra pulley for block and tackle style lifting. The version I used was rated 350, because I'm fat and my tools were heavy. http://www.sumostanceladder.com/fibe...r-little-giant

Thanks, but that ladder is still heavier than the 32' aluminum Werner. I'm not in need of said product, I was just curious if it were feasible. I started looking around on Google and it looks like carbon ladder exist, but they are mostly for tactical applications. Here is an example, and it looks plenty strong too!


I once had a conversation with my boss about how he'd love to hire a girl or two, but most can't sling a 32' foot ladder every day. It just got me thinking about how nice a very lightweight ladder would be to use. I often have to rent 40' ladders and thankfully, every time I've done so, someone has been there to help set-up and take down. I don't know how strong you have to be to handle a 40' by yourself, but I'm not that strong.

[Irving]

This thing looks sweet because it's black, but over $700 for a ladder that normally costs under $200 is pretty steep. Also, this isn't something I'd use in my employment anyway.

https://source4industries.com/dark-h...NE8aAkad8P8HAQ

Normal 22' ladder.
https://www.zoro.com/werner-multipur...BIgaAqdt8P8HAQ

[00tec]

Carbon fiber wont insulate against electricity. May as well be holding onto the aluminum stick.

[feal]

the fiberglass actually has a lower density than the woven carbon fiber. material properties are similar - but the difference is that the fiberglass in the ladder is not woven, its random chopped fibers pressed together. I dont have any data (cant find properties for chopped fibers) but i would venture to guess that the woven fibers (properly orientated) would be at least conservatively 2x stronger
http://www.niar.wichita.edu/agate/

[Irving]

Carbon fiber wont insulate against electricity. May as well be holding onto the aluminum stick.

the fiberglass actually has a lower density than the woven carbon fiber. material properties are similar - but the difference is that the fiberglass in the ladder is not woven, its random chopped fibers pressed together. I dont have any data (cant find properties for chopped fibers) but i would venture to guess that the woven fibers (properly orientated) would be at least conservatively 2x stronger
http://www.niar.wichita.edu/agate/

Both good to know, thank you. Much less feasible if they conduct electricity. The Sunbelt Rentals in Colorado Springs ONLY rents fiberglass. They tell me that aluminum ladders are not even allowed on the base (I didn't ask which one), even if it's on your truck and you're not even using it for the day.

[earplug]

Consider Bamboo for a ladder. You could make your own.

[Bailey Guns]

My guess is they'd be cost prohibitive. I'm also guessing they would be far, far lighter than fiberglass. I did find one with 7 rungs, 220 lb rating, that weighs 2.2 lbs.

Also found this:

Carbon fiber is slightly stronger than fiberglass and can replace metals in certain applications. Fiberglass, on the other hand might not have a have a higher tensile strength but has a dramatically lower tensile modulus. This allows it to bend and take more strain without breaking. Though each material has an overall measurement of strength and modulus, this can vary with the ratio and material each composite material is made of.

The same website also states carbon fiber is about $5 lb vs $1.5 per lb for fiberglass.

Pretty interesting idea.

[CS1983]

Just use a grappling hook and climb up the rope.

*swing, swing, phoosh... clack! graaaaate, thunk!*
...

"Yeah, you need a new roof. It's got a few holes in it; thanksfully the grappling hook landed right in em!"

Could call it, "Complete Roofing Analysis Professionals". Slogan, "We're C.R.A.P.!"