What do you learn from this article? Yes, you will learn from this article i) different types of ladders and their uses, ii) How to use a ladder, iii) Tips to ensure ladder safety, iv) How to inspect your ladder properly before using, and finally, we learn about the helpful buying guides for ladders. And, I am sure your all curiosity about ladder will be over after reading this article carefully.

What is a Ladder?

A ladder is a set of rungs or steps that can be vertical or inclined. Ladders are outdated instruments of technology. The Spider Caves in Valencia, Spain contains a Mesolithic rock painting that is at least 8,000 years old and shows a ladder. Two people are shown in the painting climbing a ladder to a wild honeybee nest in order to collect honey. The ladder is pictured as being long and flexible, and it might be made of grass of some sort.

Actually, ladders themselves are not a tool. They cannot be used to join two pieces of wood together. They cannot be used to form metal. But many of these tasks would be impractical without a ladder.
There are many different kinds of ladders, some of which are made with particular tasks in mind. You can determine what kind of ladder you need by understanding why particular types of ladders are made in a particular way.

How to use a Ladder

➜ Choose a level surface: Make sure your ladder’s feet are all flat on the ground to prevent tilting or toppling.

➜ Pick the right distance: Position your ladder as near as you can to the work area. If you do have to bend and strain to get to the work area, you run the risk of losing your balance and falling.

➜ Pick the right ratio: When using augmentation or single ladders that need an upper support point, make absolutely sure to be using a safe ladder angle. Aim for a 75-degree tilt and a 1:4 ratio. If your ladder is 20 feet long, place it 5 feet from the support point.

➜ Consider your health: Avoid climbing a ladder if you feel sick, faint, or dizzy. If something happens to you while you’re on the ladder, you could fall and suffer severe injuries.

➜ You can avoid falling by carefully climbing ladders and by donning clean, grippy shoes. As you descend the ladder, place your body toward the stairs and hold both ladder sides with both hands.

➜ When painting or climbing a ladder, it can be tempting to reach out for far-off objects. On a ladder, however, staying in the middle of the steps is the safest position.

➜ Before moving the ladder, make sure to carefully descend. Tall extension ladders should not be moved quickly because doing so could cause them to be top-heavy. Instead, move slowly and enlist help.

Types of Ladders

Ladders are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and they have multiple uses. You can make an informed decision and complete your task more quickly and safely if you are aware of the various types of ladders and their uses. Ladders can also be classified based on the materials they are made of.
The classifications of Ladder based on their design and application are:

1. Step ladder
2. Extension Ladder
3. Platform Ladder
4. Folding Ladder
5. Attic ladder
6. Telescoping Ladder
7. Podium Ladder
8. Trestle Ladder
9. Articulated Ladder
10. Straight Ladder
11. Twin Ladder
12. Fire Escape Ladders
13. Fixed ladder
14. Hook ladder
15. Steps Stool

On the other hand, the classifications of Ladder based on the materials they are made of, are:

1. Fiberglass
2. Aluminum
3. Steel
4. Wood
5. Bamboo Ladder

The classifications are described below.

Classifications of Ladder Based on their Design and Application

1. Step ladder

A step ladder is the most popular type of ladder in the ladder family. This ladder is distinctive in that it can be used almost anywhere. This is because it is self-sufficient, which means it doesn’t require any outside assistance. As a direct consequence, this ladder can be used in the center of the room or where there is no other support.

There are two kinds of step ladders: One is the front step ladder; The echelons on one side of such a ladder are intended for climbing, while the rungs on the other side are only for support and are not intended for climbing. Another one is the twin ladder, which is discussed in point 11(below).

Make use of a stepladder with unlocked spreaders. Use the cap or top step as a step. Step ladders are typically used mostly for indoor tasks and may lack the reach and height required for outdoor projects. When the wheels are attached to the bottom of a step ladder is known as a wheeled ladder. Which helps to move this ladder easily. Read Also: Different Types of Stairs.

2. Extension Ladder

Extension ladders are used to reach great heights. Before using it, its upper end needs to rest on the support (e.g., a wall, a tree, a house, etc.). The two components of this ladder are the “base” and the “fly.” The fly ought to be able to stretch well above the bed to reach higher places, and the base should be firmly embedded in the ground.

Place your body in the middle of the ladder’s rails and climb. Avoid leaning too far to one side, as this could cause the ladder to fall. Utilizing an extension ladder requires the involvement of two people at all times. The ladder should always be supported while raised by someone.

You can fasten a pillow or other cushion to the ladder’s arms in order to protect the structure you are working on. This will stop the wall or outer layer from getting scratched.

3. Platform Ladder

A platform ladder is a front-step ladder with just a platform at the top step. Railings are typically installed all around the platform to protect you while you work. If you intend to stand on this ladder for an extended period of time, it is ideal.

Kudos to the platform ladder, your feet won’t hurt and your shins won’t bump into the following step. This ladder is suggested if you must rotate and function properly in all ways without creating any problems or if you must use both hands to complete a task.

Platform step ladders give the user a solid, secure foundation from which they can comfortably work at height. This makes them perfect for use in both trade and do-it-yourself projects around the house.

4. Folding Ladder

As the name suggests, this ladder can be folded up for simple storage when not in use. It is incredibly convenient because it is lightweight and easy to use. It is therefore common in attics and closets.

The folding ladders can be extended to reach higher places as compared to a step stool, making them different only in this aspect, from extension ladders. They are generally used in works like working in the attic, changing lightbulbs, and reaching the fan or ac vents. Consider using this ladder if you frequently climb chairs and other unsuitable objects.

A folding ladder is useful in a variety of outdoor and indoor situations like gathering flowers or fruits from trees, repairing the roof, painting the poles, and many others.

5. Attic ladder

Static extension ladders that allow access to the attic are known as attic ladders. They do collapse into smaller parts for storage, even though you can’t move them around for other purposes. In order to reach the floor at an angle, attic ladders will articulate on hinges.

They offer a speedy alternative to lugging some other ladder all around the house in order to access this area. Since this is their sole purpose, they have features in common with permanent models. If your childhood home had a storage area on the roof, it’s likely that you had an attic ladder to access it.

6. Telescoping Ladder

Telescoping ladders have sections that lock into place, making it simple to slide them in and out. They are made for all purposes because they can be used at various heights. Since you slide them in after use, they are very simple to transport and store. This telescoping ladder’s compact design and foldable nature make it easy to store and preserve around the house. Both the extension and the retraction are simple to use.

Transport and storage are made even simpler by the integrated carrying handle. Telescoping ladders offer more adaptability and flexibility. They also contribute significantly to time savings by facilitating quicker setups and adjustments. The longevity of these ladders is another advantage.

These ladders are large and have wide steps that can give you total support. They are also reasonably priced. The only drawback to these ladders is that they are expensive to maintain in the event of a malfunction.

7. Podium Ladder

Ladders are useful for more than just housework. Some are created for various uses. You’ll need a ladder with enough room to stand because some tasks may require you to stand for a considerable amount of time. The podium ladder precisely provides that. It is mostly used for short-height work.

These ladders can be fastened to the stage or podium. When making speeches and performing at events, people typically use it. Because you have to stand a lot while doing this, you need something that can support more of your weight, and comfort is also important.

These ladders have the advantages of being a very safe and stable choice, as well as being comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time. Standing on it gives you more stability because of its small size.
They also cannot lean against the wall if handled properly.

8. Trestle Ladder

Trestle Ladder is a kind of portable ladder that is also self-supporting and comes with a hinged top. This ladder’s unique feature that distinguishes it from others is its adjustable length. It consists of a vertically adjustable extension that can be extended as per height requirements for a particular work.

It has two distinct sections and both of its sections can be used simultaneously for climbing, therefore, it is also sometimes called a double front ladder. The trestle ladder can reach up to as high as 20 feet, measuring along with the side rail.

If you count its height from the top of the verticle extension, it may reach a bit more than 20 feet. This type of ladder is mostly used for light-duty work, like – indoor painting work, electric work, or in the library to obtain books from the upper selves.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) provides some precautions about using a trestle ladder is that – its vertically extended section does not extend at least “two rungs beyond the center section of the ladder”.

9. Articulated Ladder

The articulated ladder is another type of portable, foldable and multi-functional ladder. The specialty of this ladder is that it has several pairs of locking hinges that can be locked in one or more positions. The numerous joints and their capability of joining in various positions lend this ladder its unique capability of being set up in a plethora of configurations.

An articulated ladder can be used as a step ladder, single or extension ladder, with or without a standoff, a scaffold, or even as a work table. Since we can use this ladder for various purposes, it is also called a multipurpose ladder. To maintain the work capability of an articulated ladder intact, its hinges need to be lubricated occasionally, based on the frequency of work.

10. Straight Ladder

A straight ladder is just what the name implies: straight, not foldable. Straight ladders must be leaning against anything to stand because they cannot support themselves. The height of straight ladders is always fixed. These sturdy, portable ladders frequently have slip-resistant foot and rung grips that are ergonomically designed for maximum hand comfort.

For a wide range of common household tasks requiring moderate to a significant height, straight ladders are helpful. Unfortunately, a straight ladder is more difficult to store and transport than other types of ladders, as they cannot be folded. these types of ladders may be made of wood, bamboo, fiberglass, steel, or aluminum, and also several customizable designs are available for these ladders, some of which may be used as fashionable decor.

11. Twin Ladder

As the name suggests, it has two similar sides, both sides can be used for climbing at the same time. So, it can be used where two people have to do any work at the same height at the same time or, in places where work needs to be done quickly.

Twin ladders are generally made of Aluminium or fiberglass and are estimated to support heavy weights. The strongest of the common market ladders, depending on make and model can support up to 375 pounds per side.

Twin ladders are used to do small to medium-sized jobs, like – painting walls, removing old paint from walls, hanging wallpaper on the wall, doing electric repair work, and other repair & maintenance works as well.

12. Fixed Ladder

Fixed ladders, as the name suggests, are found fixed on the sides of buildings at a pitch of 60-90 degrees from the horizontal. These ladders cannot be extended or folded and they rely on support from the building. No fixed ladders are allowed to have a pitch of more than 90 degrees from horizontal. The ideal pitch for a fixed ladder is 75-90 degrees from the horizontal.

As most of the fixed ladders are ‘fixed’ outside, it is crucial to scrutinize their maintenance. In the case of a ladder of carbon-steel fiber, the corrosion factor must be kept in mind; while in the case of a wooden ladder, the rot factor should be, and the ladder is to be coated accordingly. These ladders are to be examined by professionals continually, and if there is any problem with the hinges or bolts or the steps, they should not be used.

Some of these ladders have electrical grounding protection and some have fall protection systems, in which case they are to be examined at least once a year. These types of ladders are mostly used to access the topmost roof of a building or structure and for emergency escape.

13. Fire Escape Ladders

The fire escape ladder is only used in emergencies. It is foldable and portable and usually kept near the windows. The benefit of this type of ladder is that it is sturdy, long-lasting, and flame-resistant. This ladder’s rungs are made of high-quality material. Before being made available on the market, it must be tested. As a result, you can be certain that everything is secure. Owning a fire escape ladder will cost you between $80 and $100.

14. Hook Ladder

Hook ladders are mainly used by firefighters, this ladder have a hook that can be extended to attach to a window sill or other opening portion of a similar kind. After being attached, the ladder then suspends vertically with the building for the firefighters to scale.

The extended hooks have serrations in their underside for a firm grip and safe attachments. This ladder is also known as the pompier ladder, ‘pompier’ being the French for a firefighter. These ladders were mainly developed to access buildings that cannot be accessed by other types of ladders in emergencies.

The firefighters can access any building from any enclosed place with the help of this ladder. Two men and a hook ladder can scale impressive heights by climbing floor to floor and taking the ladder to pitch to the next floor. The first design of this ladder was by the French and was an interesting one. In that design of a single beam ladder, there was only one pillar with rungs attached, projected outside.

The present version was the British modification of this ladder with two beams and a ‘gooseneck’ attached on top; the gooseneck is the hook that allows these ladders to hold on to the window sill. As mentioned earlier, hook ladders can be used to scale impressive heights by climbing from floor to floor. These ladders are classically 13 ft. long and 10 inches wide but in general use, the length varies from 10 to 16 ft. (3 to 5 meters). Read Also: Different Types of Windows.

15. Steps stool

Steps stool is another unique type of ladder. This a self-supporting structure, foldable in many cases, and mobile. This type of ladder has flat steps and a wide and flat platform on top. The side rails are present in some cases in the topmost platform, but most of the time they are open. These tools are specifically designed for a single user, for that reason the user can access and use all the flat steps as well as the top platform welL.

Usually, the height of this ladder varies from 7 to 32 inches. These stools are to be set up as close as possible to the work and the user has to lean the body close to the middle steps or top platform as that will prevent the stool from overreaching and leaning.

Classifications of Ladder based on the Materials

1. Fiberglass Ladder

Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for making a fire-resistant and electric shockproof ladder. The good things about fiberglass ladders are that they are very strong, can support a lot of weight, and are the best available options for working in inclement weather or near power lines as they don’t conduct electricity.

But as compared to aluminum ladders, they are much bulkier, and hence, they become harder to carry. This type of ladder is more costly and is liable to crack under heavy weights. Although it has its limitations, fiberglass ladders would still be a viable choice as a non-conductive ladder.

2. Aluminum Ladder

Aluminum ladders are a great choice for homeowners looking for one ladder to accomplish all of their requirements at home. They are lightweight, thus portable, and in most cases, foldable, saving space. Aluminum also does not wear away as easily as steel does, making that long living and a great choice for household work and storage.

On the negative side, they cannot support as much weight as the fiberglass ladders do and they can not be used in all types of natural or workplace conditions as aluminum is a great conductor of both electricity and heat.

3. Steel Ladder

Steel is the typical good choice of ladder material for both industrial and household uses. In sturdiness and strength, steel can easily top fiberglass and aluminum as it has both of these admirable qualities. Steel is one of the best choices when it comes to indoor ladders. Steel ladders are more durable than other types of ladders, they are strong and can bear heavy loads.

The main problem with steel ladders is corrosion and steel is to be kept under vigilant eyes to keep it away from water. It can be damaged easily if subjected to outside weather continuously. This flipside disables steel from being used in moist weather or near the power line due to its conductive properties.

4. Wooden Ladder

Wooden ladders are the traditional ladders that are a practical option even today, besides being used in various decorative purposes nowadays. The pros of wooden ladders are that they are not felt as hot or cold to touch depending on the weather as metal ones, they are not electrically conductive and it’s completely safe to use them in electrical works, and they are also very reasonably priced compared to fiberglass or steel ladders.

The cons of these ladders, however, are that they are not as strong as the metal ladders, they can never support as much weight as their metal counterparts and they are very prone to moisture damage. They are heavier and harder to carry than aluminum and fiberglass. Another vulnerability is that they become a bit conductive if they are wet. Despite these cons, wooden ladders are great choices for household use.

5. Bamboo Ladder

Another material that is used to make ladders is bamboo. The bamboo ladder is the cheapest option for a household. Bamboo is mostly used for making the straight ladder, and the length of such ladders may vary from 5 to 20 feet. To make this ladder two long and hard bamboo are used as a rail and several smaller bamboo pieces are used as rungs. Although this type of ladder does not last long, it is a great option for low-cost households. Read Also: Advantages of Bamboo Flooring.

How to inspect your ladder properly

➜ Check your ladder, the joints, and the hinges before every use. Regardless of how often or how seldom you use them, they are to be examined before every use.

➜ Check on and change the rubber foot covers of your ladder regularly. They are your first and most effective line of defense against slipping and electric conductivity.

➜ Wash the ladder’s rungs if they become too greasy or oily. Clear the ladder steps of any visible dust to maintain traction.

➜ Check the parts and rivets, bolts and screws, spreaders, and rail connections intently from time to time, and replace and repair the parts whenever necessary.

How to ensure proper ladder safety

➜ Determine the right length— It is not advisable to entirely depend on the topmost rung to reach the object you need to work on as not only will it disturb the balance but also reduce the chances of doing your work properly.

➜ Make sure you can easily reach your desired height from the second-highest rung of a step ladder or a trestle ladder.

➜ Check for overlaps and fill in any gaps: Whenever you are using an extension ladder, make sure that the head of the ladder does not protrude more than three feet above the higher support point. Also, make sure your ladder reaches well above the roof if you are stepping on a roof from a ladder, keep no gaps as it will create the chances of your falling.

Ladder Buying guide

If you want to buy something, you need to judge its quality, although we know this. But at the same time, it is also necessary to know whether what we will buy will meet our needs or not. This rule also applies to buying a ladder. The key points to keep in mind, when buying a ladder are listed below.

a) Size

Chose the right size as per your requirement. There are several types of ladders available in the market. First, ask yourself what size ladders you need for your job. Then pick a ladder that is high enough to complete the task that has your hand. For short-height work, choose a smaller ladder such as a step ladder, twin ladder, or upright stool. On the other hand, choose extension ladders and straight ladders for work at higher heights. Indeed, there is a marked increase in the risk of an accident when a person climbs a ladder higher than the labeled maximum height. Generally, a minimum height of three feet above the work area is required for an extension ladder.

b) Types

The second and most important point is the type of ladder, every kind of ladder has some unique specification, and based on this they are developed.

If you are an electrician, you should buy a ladder that will be electric shockproof. In that case, you have to choose a wooden ladder or a fiberglass ladder as they are electric shockproof. If you want to paint your interior room, then you have to choose a platform ladder as they provide a platform on which you can stand during work. If you need to access your roof for any reason, then you have to choose a fixed ladder or extension ladder as they are longer than another ladder.

So, each and every ladder is made for some specific work, think about your work and buy according to it.

Read Also:

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What is Shovel?

A shovel is a hand tool used for lifting, moving, and digging bulk materials like – gravel, dirt, sand, soil, and coal. The shovel has a broad, wide blade that is attached to a handle that is of average length. These shovels have steel and hard plastic blades and handle made of wood, plastic, and even glass-reinforced. Depending on your working task, you can buy several types of shovels online as well as offline.

Shovels come in a wide variety of designs, and picking the best one for the job can be hard if you are not well aware of their parts and type. There are many different types of shovels, a few of which are excellent powerhouses that can be utilized for a variety of tasks. Shovels are essential garden tools. It’s a good idea to first study the structure of a shovel in order to completely comprehend the many sorts of shovels.

Types of Shovel

These various types of shovels are,

1) Edging Shovel,
2) Digging Shovel,
3) Handheld automatic Shovel and Auger,
4) Snow Shovel,
5) Trench Shovel,
6) Tree planting Shovel,
7) Post-Hole Shovel,
8) Power Shovel,
9) Folding Shovel and,
10) Scoop Shovel.

All these types are described below:

1. Edging Shovel

A common gardening tool, edging shovels cut an edge into the soil strata and help you choose where to distribute your planting materials. A particularly distinctive feature of edging shovels is its blade, which has the appearance of a half-moon. Additionally, you can utilize driveways, sidewalks, fences, garden borders, and other surfaces where you desire sharp edges.

To a depth of 4 to 6 inches, you can make a line-shaped cut into the sod. If you want to cut with good leverage, stand on the sod rather than in the bed. To do this, an edging shovel is used, which creates a neat, precise cut. Another tool that works well is a flat shovel, garden spade, or digging shovel. Creating a straight, even line at the sod’s edge is the aim no matter which tool is employed.

2. Digging Shovel

Digging Shovels are used to remove soil for construction, gardening, and other uses. These digging shovels are quite useful since the earth and other obstructions that are present mostly on the surface of the ground or working area are easily cut by their sharp-edged blade.

Digging shovels with high grip collar handles and sharp blades make it simple to move soil, dig, or remove an undesired plant. Digging Shovels can also be classified into three different groups based on their various options of blades and their shapes. These groups are, a) Square digging Shovels, b) Pointed digging Shovels, and c) Round pointed digging Shovels.

a) Square-digging Shovels

As the name implies, square digging shovels have a flat, straight blade end that makes them easier to use for digging trenches and edging them. If necessary, you can also move undesired plants and shrubs with this square-digging shovel. The blade of this square digging shovel is entirely rigid and straight, making it an excellent option for digging soil, irrigation trenches, and moving different materials like soil, gravel, sand, coal, etc.

b) Pointed digging Shovels

The pointed digging shovel is utilized in confined locations and in soil with numerous rocks and roots. As opposed to square digging shovels, these pointed shovels have a curved-shaped blade with a pointed tip at the end of the blade that makes it easier to dig tough and dense soil even rocky soils.

c) Round-digging Shovels

A dome-shaped edge there at end of a round digging shovel is typically used for gardening tasks.
This kind of blade is better suited for moving shrubs, flowers, and small plants. In comparison to a pointed shovel, the round digging shovel is better suited for sweeping loose dirt, and also moving other materials like soil, sand, gravel, etc.

3. Handheld automatic Shovel and Auger

A handheld shovel with an auger bit is part of an electrical handheld shovel system. A mobile source of energy and a motor designed to revolve the auger bit are both included in the shovel. The auger bit rotation above the shovel is controlled by a controller and an input/output (I/O) device. There is a grip and a shovel part to the tool. A gearbox connected to the motor is on the shovel.

The shovel part has a blade that Is closely placed below the auger bit and is designed to catch auger bit debris. The blade specifies a discharge aperture that is intended to release at least some of the debris, and the auger bit does have a groove that is usually covered by the blade. These shovels can be utilized for a range of gardening jobs, such as removing plants, digging ditches for new plants, and pulling up weeds. These tools can be made in a variety of ways, but they all generally feature a narrow, curved or pointed blade that is about four inches broad.

4. Snow Shovel

Snow shovels are used by people who live in colder climates and may have heavy snowfall throughout the winter. During that time, you can employ a snow shovel to scoop up snow; it has a big, curved blade that makes it easy to transfer a lot of snow quickly and efficiently from one spot to another.

In order to survive there, you can clear the snow from your Parking spot, backyard, driveway, sidewalk, and many other places. This snow shovel may also be used for gardening tasks including clearing away trash and undesired plants as well as moving loose soil, sand, and gavel.

5. Trench Shovel

As the name implies, trench shovels are being used to dig a trench in the gardening area of the backyard. Make sure the trench alignment is always straight and deep before digging a trench anywhere.
The blades of the trench shovels are long and slender; the terminal portion is concave in design.

Additionally, these trench shovels with an angled design enable the transfer of large quantities of soil.
The trenching shovel commonly referred to as a drainage shovel has two main uses. It can first dig shallow trenches and then clean out and tidy up deeper ditches that a stronger instrument has already dug. The blade of a trench shovel is long, narrow, and has a sharp edge.

It is also angled. Because there is practically any room on the footplate for the shovel to be driven into the soil with your weight, you will have to utilize arm force instead. This is because the blade of the shovel is so narrow. This implies that digging anything deeper than the ground level would be extremely challenging and time-consuming. Landscape gardeners are the primary users of trench shovels.

6. Tree Planting Shovel

Typically, while planting trees in a backyard or garden, trees planted shovels are used. Because it is designed specifically for planting, it can dig deeper than any other type of shovel. There are many kinds of tree-planting shovels on the market, but you may select one based on the size of the plant you are planting and the depth of the hole that is needed.

With these shovels, a task that would take considerably more time with other shovels kinds may be completed much more quickly. They are made specifically for planting trees. A shovel used for planting trees has a short, narrow blade that tapers to a point or curve. Because of the narrow blade, it can dig holes of different sizes by circling the shovel in the earth.

The length of the shaft can vary depending on the task at hand; longer shafts function better on flat landscapes, while shorter shafts perform better on slopes or inclined terrain. These shovels can be used to prepare a hole for planting a tree or to dig up a tree for transplantation.

7. Post-Hole Shovel

Posthole shovels also known as posthole diggers or posthole pincers are shovels with two heads on a single shaft that may be inserted into the ground together. When the blades are pulled out of the ground, a posthole is created.

It is made up of two shovels that are connected and typically feature long, narrow, inwardly bending blades with curled points. The shovel can easily cut through any roots or other obstructions due to the design of its blades. The blades take on a cylindrical shape when they are closed together.

A post-hole shovel is generally used to create deep holes for the installation of fence posts. They remove a cylinder of earth from the ground in a single quick action using a dig, pinch and raise the motion. A post-hole shovel is a good investment if you need to dig several post-holes. Compared to attempting to dig the pits with a digging shovel, it produces the holes considerably more quickly and with much neater results for a finished product that is tidy and expert.

8. Power Shovel

When a hand shovel is not appropriate for digging, the power varieties of shovels are used to firm dirt, snow, and rough materials. They are excellent hand tools for heavy work. A power shovel is a special kind of scoop shovel and snow blower.

The term “power shovel” refers to two distinct tools. The first is essentially a gas- or electricity-powered snow shovel. These contain rotating blades that pick up and scatter snow, making it simple to clean a snow-covered path or driveway. These are far more effective than a typical snow shovel, but as you might anticipate, they cost a lot more money. They are a more compact and lightweight substitute for the standard snow blower.

A jackhammer-style tool with a shovel adapter is the second kind of power shovel. In extremely compacted soil, these are used to dig holes and pits or to excavate the ground. They are especially helpful since they can operate in spaces where larger gear cannot because of their small size.

9. Folding Shovel

The fundamental distinction between a folding shovel and a conventional shovel is that the former can be folded more quickly and readily, while the latter is more usable and compact. The collapsible shaft and the flexible shaft are two other types of folding shovels that you can pick from depending on your requirements.

These little shovels may simply be carried about because they bend in half. They are practical for taking on camping excursions and other outdoor activities when space is at a premium, and it makes sense to carry one of these in your car’s trunk in case of emergencies. Cheap folding shovels typically have an extremely short lifespan and will shatter or break with little effort. Spend on the all-steel design for durability; these are also better suited for heavy-duty use.

10. Scoop Shovel

A scoop shovel is another type of shovel in that it has a significantly larger blade and a shaft and handle that are somewhat shorter. The tip of the blade is typically flat, though it can occasionally be rounded. Scoop shovels have stiff side edges and a scooped form that helps hold in any stuff you are moving. They can be used to transport bulk materials including dirt, gravel, wood chips, and rubbish.

Scoop Shovel can be made of various materials like steel, aluminum, polystyrene, etc. Aluminum scoop shovels last less time than other metal scoop shovels. Before purchasing a scoop shovel, think about the material you will be moving and the quantity of it, that you will need to move. Even while they won’t last as long, the aluminum scoop shovels are lighter, which might make transporting a lot of stuff considerably less taxing.

Read Also: 50 Types of Construction Tools.

Types of Fans

The fan is one of the many things that we require daily. In general, the human body can survive in most of the climate conditions on earth. But, to live comfortably, the general temperature of 37 degrees Celsius that the human body has, needs to be cooled down. The fan is of primordial importance in that process. At present times, there are several types of fans available in the market. Before jumping into the main topic – “types of fans“, let’s know some important things regarding fans.

The origin of fans can be traced back down to 3000 BC, right in the Greek civilization. Within the Greeks as well as in the Egyptian civilization, handheld fans of this kind that archaeologists found, were seen as a symbol of status and were of great importance and not to mention price. In the tomb of Tutankhamun, there were two intricately designed fans found. They were not only used for cooling down, but also for various ceremonial rituals.

Through the process of evolution, the fans became of a smarter and foldable nature near the 17th century. At that time, fans were again, used as a symbol of status, to show the royalty of nobles. The first manually operated ceiling fan was invented in India. Meanwhile, the first electric-powered ceiling fan was invented in 1882 by Philip Diehl.

After the industrial revolution, the uprise in the types of fans began, Nowadays fans mostly run on electricity like all other appliances. And it is now very easy to use also, you can just push the plug-in socket and enjoy an abundance of ventilation. Namely, there are 19 specific types of fans now, these are,

1. Tower Fan
2. Pedestal Fans
3. Table Fan or Desk Fan
4. Ceiling Fans
5. Exhaust Fans
6. Bladeless Fan
7. Wall Mounted Fans
8. Misting Fans
9. AC and DC Motor Fans
10. Industrial fans
11. Hand Fans
12. Rechargeable Fan
13. Whole House Fans
14. Floor Fans
15. Centrifugal Fans
16. Variable Pitch Fans
17. Box Fans
18. Attic Ventilator Fans
19. Tubexial and Vane-axial Fans

1. Tower Fan

Tower fans are best known to be a handy household device that helps in cooling and dissipating heat. Agreeing with the name, tower fans come in the towering design of the narrow and tall structure and sleek body. Tower fans operate through the cooling panels installed in them that help in cooling the air where they are located. Most of the fans also have a rotating base that helps in keeping the air all around the place cool.

Nowadays, some of the tower fans also come with ionizers that are placed inside the fan in an inbuilt manner, this ionizer helps in the purification of the air. Tower fans are seen as a necessary aid of living in many households all around the globe. The quality and procedures of tower fans make them so different from the air cooler and also, they take up less space because of their size.

2. Pedestal Fans or Stand Fans

Pedestal fans are generally talked about because of their powerful cooling system and the strong jet of wind that they produce. These electric fans work based on oscillation with the help of a stand which can be detached from the body and also can be adjusted based on individual requirements and needs. Because of their extremely tall stature, these fans are also named stand fans.

These stand fans are built with an oscillation feature that helps in pushing the maximum quantity of air and also in equally maximum distribution. Unlike ceiling fans, pedestal fans are also very easy to use. Because of their loose nature and lightweight, pedestal fans can be carried around and turned on by just putting the plug in the socket.

3. Table Fan or Desk Fan

Table fans are probably the most sought fans after ceiling fans. Table fans are easily portable compact in size and can be used conveniently in any possible place. Most of the time, the table fans are electrically powered with one electric motor listed inside. Because of these various features and flexibility in use, table fans are used by most people in respect of their economic needs as well as their circumstances.

The table fans are the ones that horizontally provide air ventilation thus reaching a wider area and distributing evenly. The most important feature of table fans nowadays is that they come with various gadget control. Table fans can now be controlled via remote or even mobile phones, thus making the device one of the most desirable choices. Read Also: Purposes of Ventilation in House.

4. Ceiling Fans

The standard and most common type of fan is the ceiling fan. In most households, these mechanical fans can be seen being run by electricity and mounted from the ceiling of a room. The structure of a ceiling fan is pretty much simple, there are three to four hub-mounted blades and the full structure is hung from the ceiling preferably in the middle of a room.

Because of their suspended position and free rotation of the blades, ceiling fans can spread the air out evenly throughout the room. The use of ceiling fans can be traced back to 500 B.C. India was the origin of this fan, which back in the day was operated with the help of a cord, manually.

5. Exhaust Fans

The main purpose of exhaust fans is to prevent excess heat by removing inside hot air from the building. These types of fans are generally used to provide proper ventilation in the building. These fans can be found most commonly in the bathroom and kitchen in any household. Like most of the others, exhaust fans also run on electricity and have a work structure commonly found in other fans except for the fact that the propelling action is done by the current passing through the system.

The exhaust fan’s blades rotate at a very high speed, thus pulling the hot air towards them and in turn, feeling the room with cold air. Nowadays, upgraded models of these fans also come with thermostats, where needed, these machines help in controlling the heat of the room. This type of fan is also commonly used in cinema halls and factories.

6. Bladeless Fan

As the name suggests, the bladeless fan does not have any external blade and it blows air from a ring or oval-shaped opening. This fan works with the help of vanes which are placed on the pedestal, these vanes, in turn, direct the airflow that is collected through the toroid. A bladeless fan blows a smooth airflow at a high velocity through the surface of the toroid, that too at a continuous pace.

The first concept of bladeless fans was given in 1981 by Toshiba and then, through proper development, the current models first appeared in 2009 by James Dyson. The action, by which the bladeless fan works, is called entrainment. In this process, the air surrounding the ring (toroid) flows in the external direction of the slit.

7. Wall-Mounted Fans

Mostly in workplaces where floor space is an issue and the room comprises either very low or very high and that too without proper wiring, the wall-mounted fans come to rescue. Wall-mounted fans are mostly used in auditoriums, offices, party halls, and even in warehouses. The most striking feature of wall-mounted fans is their work function and operation process.

Wall-mounted fans generally just push the air throughout the area where they are installed unlike the ceiling or other fans. Besides greatly helping with the air conditioning, wall-mounted fans also help in getting instant breeze and saving floor space. Their multiple speed setting, remote control features, durability, and lightweight structure make these fans one of the best in this field.

8. Misting Fans

Misting fans can be considered a great replacement for air conditioners. During the intense summer periods, misting fans can be of great help in the process of beating the heat. Misting fans need a continuous supply of water to do their duty. The water is squirted in the warm air through the high-pressure pumps, inbuilt into the fan, in the form of mist; thus, cooling the air.

The high-pressure pumps along with the powerful blower of these fans make them a very effective cooling gadget while keeping the space equally dry in both indoor and outdoor specs. No humidity can be felt on the skin regarding this mist. Misting fans are also the energy efficient option compared to air conditioning and they both give nearly similar results.

9. AC and DC Motor Fans

Both AC and DC motor fans are commonly used in various intricate circuits and electrical appliances. Also, all fans can be split into groups based on the motor, that they work with, namely AC and DC motors. The difference between AC and DC motors starts from their origin itself as the work function and processing of electricity of both these motors are starkly different.

The DC motor works on direct current and they are powered with the potential of a value that is fixed always like the voltage of a battery. On the contrary, the AC motor works on an alternating current, and they are powered with the potential of a value that is being alternated with an equal value of positive and negative voltage. The DC Motor fan is more energy–efficient than AC motor fan.

10. Industrial Fans

Industrial fans are also called industrial blowers. They have a simple objective of glowing a huge amount of air towards specific spaces or structures. They also are used in propelling gas toward specific structures or other industrial work. Industrial fans achieve this feat with the help of turbine motors which help them in processing the air both in larger quantities and at greater speed.

There is no fixed number of blades when it comes to industrial fans as the number can be adjusted as per requirement. The function of an industrial fan depends on the industry it is being used in as industrial fans can be used for various multipurpose works. Some of the most common examples of the work that industrial fan does are combustion, ventilation, air cleaning, drying, cooling, aeration, and others. Read Also: Method of Ventilation in Tunnels.

11. Hand Fans

Hand fans are probably as old as the civilization itself, as, it is the first measure that humans invented for meeting the purposes of ventilation or cooling. Hand fans can be dated back to as long as 2000 B.C. The first, hand fans were used by the Egyptians who would consider them as a sacred objects; the hand fans can be found in various tombs in pyramids; the tomb of Tutankhamun had two very elaborately designed hand fans.

The hand fans depend on a very simple technique, there is one part to be held in hands and the other part expands into a much larger and wider structure which is used to push through the air, to create the flow. Hand fans are used by everyone irrespective of their financial condition and that too for various purposes, and as expected, it also comes in a plethora of different models and makes. The best thing about these types of fans is that you don’t have to rely on electricity.

12. Rechargeable Fan

An electrical device that can blow air without a continuous source of electricity is a rechargeable fan. It consists of rechargeable batteries that give power to the fan. In areas with predominantly hot weather, rechargeable fans are common. They are also seen by many as a summertime necessity. They can be used in places other than houses and offices, such as camping excursions and other outdoor activities.

Most rechargeable fans arrive completely built, as opposed to traditional fans, which need to be set up before use. Take it from the pack, connect it to charge, then turn it on when you’re ready to use it.
Rechargeable fans are typically designed to be portable. They are portable and versatile, working well in a dining room, kitchen, or in car.

Additionally, rechargeable fans use a lot less energy when charging, which might minimize your utility expenditures. The majority of rechargeable fans have a 12V DC motor, fan blade, charging circuit, power supply unit, and constructed housing as part of their system.

13. Whole House Fans

Whole House fans are generally used as the name suggests ventilating the “whole house“. Generally, these types of fans are placed in the attic of a building and are designed in such a way that they can ventilate the whole house and maintain a steady circulation of air. Due to their location, they are often confused with attic ventilators.

To measure the attic ventilation, the length and width of the attic need to be multiplied and then divided by 144. According to the thumb rule, for every 750 CFM of airflow, 1 square foot of ‘net free venting area’ is needed. Whole House fans provide the house with at least 15 to 23 air changes every day, in the process of cooling the whole house. Read Also: Factors Affecting Ventilation in Building.

14. Floor Fans

Floor fans get their name from their location, they are used to cool the floor level and that is why located right on that. Floor fans are especially useful in the case of hothouses to provide instant and good ventilation along with cooling effects. The most convenient thing about floor fans is that they do not require permanent installation which also gives them the added benefit of ceiling fans.

The floor fans can be utilized properly and that is why floor fans can be used even in the outdoor setting, on roofs, patios, and others. Nowadays, floor fans also come in various shapes and sizes and with some special abilities like inbuilt oscillation, 180-degree movement, till-able heads, and adjustable height.

15. Centrifugal Fans

Centrifugal fans are one type of industrial fan, completely different from the other axial types of industrial fans. These fans work with the help of their rotating disk present inside the fan, by attaining the centrifugal force. Centrifugal fans are used in both cases of gas and air, there are sharp plates mounted on the central disc at different calculated angles. The exterior of the centrifugal fans is scroll shaped thus lending them the nickname of the scroll or squirrel cage. The primary function of these fans is to provide a quick escalation of air or gas which is being passed through the fan system, and this feature is exploited in various industries.

16. Variable Pitch Fan

In concept, a variable-pitch fan is similar to a variable-pitch propeller. The mechanism of a variable pitch fan works through the process of progressive reduction of the blade angle (pitch) of the fan, which is placed on a turbofan, while the engine is being throttled. Variable pitch fans are mainly used in the engines of turbofans, with some occasional uses in the applications of various industries.

Though they are not much used in the production fans, they are likely to be used in the coming generation of turbofans with a higher bypass ratio. One of the primary uses of variable pitch fans in the turbofan is to improve propulsive efficiency, through the method of reducing fuel consumption which is thrust-specific.

17. Box Fans

Box fans are another type of common household or industrially used fans. Box fans signify fans are comprised of rotating blades that are encased in a square metal frame. The frame that covers the rotating blades has slots open on both sides, for air to enter from one side and exit from the other, keeping the steady flow of air one way.

The most common uses of these fans are the circulation of air to keep it cool and eliminate odors. Box fans come in a plethora of varieties when it comes to size. Many portable fans now have a size of 5 inches by 5 inches while the common measurement of personal fans is 10 inches by 10 inches. The industrial standard size of box fans is 20 inches by 20 inches though.

18. Attic Ventilator Fan

The basic work of an attic ventilator fan is as the name suggests, it blows heated air out of the attic to keep it cool and well-ventilated. Generally, an attic fan is also one kind of exhaust fan, that runs on electricity, commonly located either near the roof or near the gable.

Due to its location, it is often confused with the whole house fans, but whole house fans are supposed to run after sundown to provide cool air and even ventilation throughout the whole house while attic ventilator fans are designed to run throughout the whole day, especially the sunny days to clear the attic of the superheated air. The size and number of attic ventilator fans depend on the size of the roof.

19. Tube Axial and Vane-Axial Fan

Axial fans are another type of industrial fan. The actual fans depend on the axial force to allow the movement of the blades. Axial fans are a specific type of fan that directs gas flow perpendicular to the shaft around which the blades rotate in an axial direction. At entries and exits, the flow is axial. The fan is made to create a pressure difference and, consequently, a force that will cause air to flow through it. The number and kind of blades are two elements that affect how well a fan works. Fans are used in a variety of places, such as cooling towers and wind tunnels. Flow rate, power, efficiency, and pressure rise are design parameters.

There are two types of axial fans present, tube axial and vane-axial. Tube axial fans are characterized by their medium pressure and high flow rate capability due to their non-existent guide vanes. On the other hand, vane-axial fans generally come equipped with either input or output guide vanes and are characterized by their high pressure and low flow rate performance. The fan casing and duct design both affect performance.

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Most of these mentioned fans are available in the market for the common public, though it is advised to stick within the common types of ceiling and stand fans for personal uses. All the other types of fans have their designated uses and should only be used accordingly. Ventilation in a house or workplace is of utmost importance as without a proper ventilation system, the situation inside can be uncomfortable and unhealthy too.

To keep the supply of fresh air ongoing and to keep a healthy, comfortable, and fresh condition all around the house, proper use of fans is advised. Though we have mentioned ceiling fans and stand fans to be the advisable choices for personal use, new inventions like wall-mounted fans that can be remotely controlled, tower fans, and bladeless fans can also be used for that purpose. A tower fan is a great alternative to air conditioning systems, it consumes much less energy and does not emit any type of harmful gas.