Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder Review
Werner LEANSAFE X5 Multi-Position Fiberglass Ladder
Werner X5 LEANSAFE Fiberglass Ladder
Manufacturer: Werner
Model number: LEANSAFE X5
Specifications & Features | Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder
Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass
- Maximum Load: 375 lbs
- Height: 6 ft
- Max Extension: 14 ft
- Total Positions: 5 (step, stair, leaning, twin, & extension)
- Leaning Surfaces: flat walls, corners, and studs
Features
- One-handed locking adjustment dual-lever design
- Features a molded, magnetic tray
- Traction-Tred slip-resistant treads
- Non-marring rubber feet (floor & wall)
- Non-conductive side rails for electrical work
- ANSI and OSHA Certified
Five-Position Adjustment
The Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder can morph into five different positions, although not all of these are as useful as other. I ordered the positions by a combination of how frequently I used them and how useful I thought they were. But keep in mind that this will change for each user based on the type of jobs they are tasked with. The five positions, explained are:
- Step Ladder – Both legs remain the same height of 6 ft and are angled outward using the hinged locking bars between them. This was my most basic (and most frequent) use for the ladder.
- Leaning Ladder – In this position, both sets of ladder legs remain together, and the ladder is leaned against the work surface. The uniquely designed top tray is awesome on this position because it is shaped to securely lean against studs and corners (as well as flat walls)
- Extension Ladder – The orange legs are rotated to 180-degrees upward from the yellow legs. They should also be fully extended to give the maximum reach of 14 ft.
- Stair Ladder – This might have been my favorite use for the Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder. RHere the Yellow legs are spread apart from the orange legs and the orange legs are shortened to allow them to be placed a few stairs up from the base of the yellow stairs. It was a secure position that allows for safe work on stairways and stairwells
- Twin Ladder – This was my most infrequently used option with the LEANSAFE X5. It is really just 2 people using the step ladder at the same time. Since both sides are capable of supporting weight, you can “buddy share” the ladder with another user at the same time.
Changing between the different modes was extremely easy. It required very little hand strength and only moderate overhead strength to initially support/lift the orange set of legs into the extension position. The vast majority of users will have zero problems switching between positions.
Key Functional Features
The design of the dual-sided adjustment levers is well thought out. It easily allows the operator to lock or unlock the ladder leg hinge point with a single hand. This frees up your other hand to adjust the second set of legs or lock them out using the locking extension bars. If you struggle to lift the orange legs when switching to extension mode, try laying the Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder on its side, rotating the orange legs into a fully extended, 180-degree position, and then lifting the ladder upright.
I was also a huge fan of the top tray design. It has 3 standout features; a strong magnetic tray, non-marring contact surfaces, and a well-designed center hole that securely held my cordless tools. These three features combined to keep my tools and fasteners securely where I wanted and needed them to be. Few things are more annoying that knocking screws off the ladder top or dropping an expensive cordless tool from any height. The inconvenience is rivaled only by using a ladder for touch ups only to find that the ladder contact points have marred up the wall underneath the freshly touched up sections. It’s infuriating!
Safety Design Features
The Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder is also an extremely safe ladder. And any of our regular readers know our total rejection of unsafe working conditions. Again, the X5 showcases these standout features to make it an extremely safe ladder. First, the LEANSAFE X5, offers non-electrical conduction side guards to prevent unintentional electricity transference if the sides of the ladder touch live wires. It also incorporates wide, non-slip treads to make sure that the operators footing is secure no matter what the work conditions may be.
Lastly, the LEANSAFE X5 includes a recessed tool-holding center-hole on the top work tray. While this may not initially seem like a standout safety feature, falling tools, even if “only” from 8-10 ft, can easily cause serious injury. Especially if they are comparatively heavy and/or have a sharp blade! The X5’s tool hole offers a secure place to put down tools limiting (not preventing) you accidently knocking them off the top of the ladder. It’s great.
Final Thoughts | Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder
The Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder is a great ladder. And at $200 the price felt very reasonable for what you were getting. Does it cost more than your average step ladder? Yes, but as we discussed, it is much more than that. And the overall design quality and attention to detail compare extremely well to competitor multi-position ladders. Werner has a great reputation for a reason and the Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder will do nothing but reinforce that reputation!
Werner Werner X5 LEANSAFE Fiberglass Ladder
About the author
Ben Fecteau
Benjamin is a former project manager, CNC-designer, and AWS-certified welder with experience running a commercial and industrial steel design and fabrication company. Before making the jump to commercial construction, he spent years renovating houses and building furniture where he became skilled in the art of home wiring, flooring, siding, and custom tool modifications. Benjamin has a Masters Degree in Education and is passionate about sharing his love of design with his sons and through community-based outreach. He resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and enjoys spending time with his family, in his workshop, and serving as an Air Force Officer.
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I found that Werner does not stand behind their ladders. The ladder was very difficult to collapse, and one of the squeeze tabs broke off right away. At first, they offered to replace it with a different ladder that I had no use for, I asked to receive a credit and pay additional for a ladder I could use which they denied, then they wouldn’t respond when I asked to go ahead with the replacement ladder. But first, of coarse, they made me jump through all the hoops, pictures, questions, receipt, etc. They take weeks to respond and really don’t do anything for the customer. WERNER LADDERS? BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Jerry – That’s a bummer. We’ve used Werner ladders for years with great success. Did you try dealing with the place you purchased the ladder?