DeWalt 24-ft Aluminum 250-lb Type I Extension Ladder

24-ft Aluminum 250-lb Type I Extension Ladder

Features

  • 250 lb load capacity (Type I)
  • RungLock system to secure fly and base sections
  • D-shaped serrated (slip-resistant) rungs
  • Non-marring plastic hand grips
  • Rope and pulley included
  • Slip-resistant aluminum shoes (tread or spike position)
  • Dual-action slip-resistant shoes
  • Twist protection technology

Specifications

Duty Rating Type I
Load Capacity (Lbs) 250
Number Of Steps 24
Material Aluminum
Sku DXL2120-24
Weight (Lbs) 39
Total Length (Ft) 24
Max. Extended Length (Ft) 21
Closed Height 144
Section Length (Ft) 12
Open Height (In) 252
Open Width (In) 17.5
Closed Width (In) 17.5
Outside Width Base (In) 17.5
Inside Width Base (In) 15.25
Outside Width Fly (In) 16.125
Inside Width Fly (In) 14
Open Depth (In) 5.375
Closed Depth 5.375
Rail Depth (In) 3
Step Depth 1.5
Rung Type D-rung
Certified OSHA
Open Volume (Cu. Ft.) 13.72
Closed Volume (Cu. Ft.) 7.839
Open Volume (Cu. M.) 0.39
Maximum Standing Height (In) 16.917

24-foot aluminum extension ladder rated ANSI Type I with a 250 lb load capacity. It includes a RungLock system to secure the fly and base sections, D-shaped serrated rungs for slip resistance, non-marring plastic hand grips, a rope-and-pulley, and slip-resistant aluminum shoes that can be used tread-down or in spike position. The product meets or exceeds relevant ANSI and OSHA safety standards.

Model Number: DXL2120-24

DeWalt 24-ft Aluminum 250-lb Type I Extension Ladder Review

4.7 out of 5

Why I reached for this ladder

I picked up the DeWalt 24-foot extension ladder because I needed a reliable way to reach second-story eaves, run exterior cameras, and handle seasonal gutter work without wrestling with a too-heavy, too-flexy setup. The unit I tested came in a matte black finish that looks sharp and tends to hide scuffs better than bright colors. After several weeks of use on concrete, compacted soil, and turf, I’ve got a clear sense of where this ladder shines and where it’s merely serviceable.

Build, rating, and first impressions

This is a Type I aluminum extension ladder rated for a 250 lb load capacity. Type I is common on jobsites and plenty for many pros and serious DIYers, but it’s worth stating the obvious: if you regularly haul heavy tool belts, buckets, or materials aloft, a 300 lb Type IA ladder gives you more headroom. For my typical workload—hand tools, light fasteners, small devices—the 250 lb rating was sufficient.

At 39 pounds, it’s not featherweight, but for a 24-footer it’s manageable. The closed length is 12 feet, so it fits in a full-size truck bed diagonally with a flag, and it stores against a garage wall without dominating the space. The rails feel stout without excessive flex under load, and DeWalt’s “twist protection” seems to translate into less torsional wiggle than I’ve felt on bargain ladders of similar size. I noticed less side-to-side yaw when stepping across rungs mid-span, which boosts confidence.

Fit and finish are better than average: hardware is cleanly installed, the rope-and-pulley runs smoothly, and the slip-resistant rungs are straight and consistent.

Capacity, reach, and what it actually gets you

Specs say the total length is 24 feet, with a maximum extended length of 21 feet. In real use, that puts you in range for most two-story first-eave tasks. As always, remember you shouldn’t stand on the top few rungs of an extension ladder. Plan on a practical maximum standing height around the 17-foot neighborhood, depending on your comfort level and strict adherence to safe climbing practices. If you need to comfortably reach ridge lines or tall second-story windows, consider stepping up a size.

On a typical house with eaves at 18–20 feet, I was able to set the ladder at a safe 4:1 angle and still work on gutters and camera mounts without feeling overextended. The 17.5-inch outside width is standard; it won’t feel as planted as a wide-base specialty ladder, but stability was solid as long as the feet were set correctly.

Rungs and ergonomics

D-shaped, serrated rungs are the right call here. The flat surface offers better boot contact than round rungs, and the serrations provide grip without chewing soles. I spent extended time stepping up and down while routing cable, and foot fatigue was minimal. The rung edges are clean—no burrs or hotspots—so sliding your feet to adjust stance isn’t a chore.

Hand placement is straightforward. The non-marring plastic hand grips are a thoughtful touch when you’re carrying or repositioning the ladder against painted trim. They also make it easier to control the rails with gloved hands.

RungLock, rope, and pulleys

The RungLock system engages positively and didn’t let the fly section creep under load, even with some minor bounce while drilling overhead. The hooks sit cleanly on the rungs without a lot of slop, so you don’t get that unnerving clank-and-shift when you transfer weight. I appreciate that the locks are intuitive to operate even with gloves on.

The rope-and-pulley setup is smooth and geared for one-person operation. Raising the fly section is controlled; it doesn’t jump or snag. There’s no fancy rope management, so you’re still tying off the excess or looping it—basic but fine. If you’re working in the wet, the rope has enough grip to pull without slipping through fingers, but it’s not a high-friction “sailing” line either. No complaints.

Shoes, ground contact, and real-world stability

The dual-action shoes pivot between a rubber tread and a spike. On finished surfaces—garage floors, pavers, stamped concrete—the tread side stayed planted without leaving marks. On grass and compacted soil, flipping to spikes stopped the gradual walkout I sometimes see when the ground gets dusty or the angle is a little shallow. The shoe pivots are tight enough to hold orientation; they don’t flop around when you reposition the ladder.

I also liked the shoe footprint relative to the ladder’s weight. It inspires confidence, but remember that no shoe design compensates for poor setup. Use a leveler or pad on uneven ground, tie off when you can, and keep that 4:1 angle.

Rigidity and “feel” on the rails

DeWalt’s talk of twist protection isn’t just brochure filler. Compared to generic aluminum ladders I’ve used in this class, this one resists torsion better when you lean sideways to reach a fastener or pull a cable taut. There is still some flex—this is a 24-foot aluminum ladder, not a steel truss—but the elasticity is predictable, and the rails don’t telegraph springiness back into your feet. If you’re used to that trampoline feel on cheaper ladders, this is a pleasant upgrade.

Portability and storage

At 39 pounds and a 12-foot closed length, I can carry it solo for moderate distances, but you’ll feel it on long hauls or stairwells. The balance point is easy to find, and the hand grips help. Loading onto roof racks is a one-person job if your rack height is reasonable; the rails won’t scrape paint if you’re careful thanks to the non-marring grips and shoes.

The black finish looks good and doesn’t show grime, but it can get warm in direct sun. It’s also a bit less conspicuous in dim light than a bright yellow rail, so I’m extra cautious about visibility when working near traffic or around coworkers.

Compliance and safety notes

The ladder meets OSHA and ANSI requirements for its class. That matters for jobsite acceptance and, more importantly, for consistency in design and testing. It’s aluminum, so it is electrically conductive—keep your working environment in mind. If you’re anywhere near live electrical sources, step to fiberglass.

Load capacity is the sum of you plus your gear. A 250 lb rating is fine for many tasks, but be honest about your kit. Heavy material loads, paint buckets, and bulky tools add up quickly. I had no issues within the rating, but if you regularly push the margin, look at a Type IA.

What I’d change

  • A brighter visual cue on the rails would improve visibility in low light. Even a contrasting stripe would help.
  • A simple rope keeper or cleat would tidy up the tail without improvising knots each time.
  • Optional factory levelers would be a welcome add-on for those of us working on uneven landscaping. It’s compatible with third-party solutions, but having a branded, bolt-on option is always cleaner.

None of these are deal-breakers, and most are solvable with accessories or habits.

Who it’s for

  • Homeowners and pros who need confident reach to first-eave second-story work without jumping to bulkier 28- or 32-foot ladders.
  • Users who value a predictable, low-flex climb and firm shoe grip on a variety of surfaces.
  • Anyone who prefers a clean, understated finish and doesn’t need a 300 lb rating.

Who should pass: electricians or anyone near live circuits, and users who routinely exceed light-to-moderate carry loads. In those cases, pick fiberglass or a higher duty rating.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 24-foot extension ladder for users who want a stable, well-built aluminum ladder with a smooth RungLock, solid rope-and-pulley, and genuinely useful dual-action shoes. It hits the sweet spot for exterior home maintenance, camera installs, light fascia work, and seasonal chores, with enough rigidity to feel secure at height. The 250 lb Type I rating is the main limiter; if you need more capacity or non-conductive rails, choose accordingly. For everyone else, this ladder delivers dependable performance without unnecessary complexity.



Project Ideas

Business

Holiday Light Design & Install

Offer turnkey holiday lighting: design, installation, maintenance, takedown, and off-season storage. The 24-ft reach covers most two-story eaves; RungLock and serrated rungs keep you steady while clipping lines and replacing bulbs. Sell tiered packages (basic roofline, roofline + trees, full yard) and charge by linear foot. Upsell smart timers and color-changing bulbs for repeat business each year.


Gutter Cleaning and Guard Installs

Provide gutter clearing, downspout flushing, and leaf-guard installation. Use spike-position shoes on lawns and tread-down on driveways for safe placement while moving along rooflines. Price per linear foot with add-ons for minor resealing, hanger replacement, and debris haul-away. Offer semiannual service plans to stabilize cash flow.


Exterior Window & Sill Detailing

Specialize in second-story window washing, screen cleaning, and sill/detail work. The ladder’s non-marring grips protect trim, and the rope lets you hoist a caddy with squeegees and pure-water tools. Charge per pane with premiums for French panes and storm windows. Bundle with light fixture bulb swaps and cobweb removal for higher ticket sizes.


Real Estate Curb-Ready Prep

Partner with agents to prep listings fast: minor paint touch-ups on trim, address number installs, wreath/hooks, shutter fixes, and quick power-wash of eaves. The ladder gives reliable access to second-story details without heavy equipment. Offer 24–48 hour turnaround, flat-rate packages by home size, and before/after photos for agent marketing. Upsell same-day exterior photo add-on from elevated angles.


Local Signage & Banner Service

Install and rotate storefront banners, seasonal flags, and temporary event signage for small businesses and HOAs. The aluminum ladder’s RungLock provides steady reach to gables and awnings while non-marring grips protect finished surfaces. Sell monthly subscriptions that include install, swap-outs, and light maintenance. Add emergency service fees for last-minute promotions or event days.

Creative

Skyline String-Lights Canopy

Design a dramatic canopy of cafe lights over a patio, driveway, or garden path. Use the ladder’s rope-and-pulley to fine-tune height as you span lines between trees or anchor points on the house. The dual-action shoes let you go spike-down on turf or tread-down on concrete for secure footing, and the non-marring grips help protect siding. Add dimmers and lantern drops for layered ambiance. Always keep three points of contact and respect the 250 lb load capacity including tools.


Community Mural Day

Organize a neighborhood mural on a permitted wall. The ladder’s RungLock and D-shaped serrated rungs provide secure footing while you grid, sketch, and paint higher sections. Work in teams with a spotter at the base and non-marring grips against delicate surfaces. Use the rope to haul paint trays and brushes in a bucket. Great for school projects, festivals, or to refresh a tired facade.


Vertical Garden Trellis Wall

Build a living wall on a garage or fence using furring strips, trellis panels, and modular planters. The ladder makes it easy to mount brackets, route irrigation lines, and position planters up to second-story height on many homes. Spike the feet into soil beds or keep them tread-down on hardscape for stability. Mix herbs, trailing flowers, and strawberries for a functional art piece.


Backyard Pop-up Cinema

Create a large outdoor screen by tensioning a grommeted tarp or fabric on your garage or between posts. Use the ladder to place anchor hooks and a top cross-line; the rope-and-pulley helps adjust sag for a flat surface. Run a safe, tidy cable path for the projector and speakers at ground level. Invite neighbors for movie night with themed decor and snacks.


Urban Wildlife Habitat Trail

Install birdhouses, bat boxes, and bee hotels along a mapped neighborhood trail. The ladder’s spike-position shoes stabilize on uneven soil near trees, while non-marring grips protect siding when mounting to structures. Host an event where volunteers log locations and species with a QR code trail map. It’s a hands-on way to boost biodiversity and community engagement.