DeWalt 24 ft Fiberglass Extension Ladder

First impressions and setup

I spent a weekend with the DeWalt 24-foot fiberglass extension ladder tackling gutter cleaning, second-story security camera mounting, and a fascia repair. Out of the packaging, it has the square-shouldered, jobsite-ready feel you expect from a Type IA ladder. The fiberglass rails are stout and straight, the hardware is tight, and the steel swivel shoes feel like they can take a beating. At a listed 50-ish pounds and a 12-foot closed length, it’s not a small or light ladder, but nothing about it suggests compromise.

The finish is black rather than the brand’s typical high-visibility yellow. It looks sharp and hides scuffs, but it also absorbs heat in direct sun more than lighter colors. That’s not a dealbreaker—just something I noticed moving it around midday. If you work in hot, full-sun environments, gloves are your friend anyway.

Extension, locks, and alignment

The rope-and-pulley runs smoothly with little friction, and the fly section glides over the outside slide guides without racking. I could raise the fly in a controlled way using one hand on the rope while bracing the base with a boot. The “Advanced RungLock” and quick latch inspire confidence. Each time I set a working height, the locks seated positively with an audible and tactile click, and I never fought with sticky pawls or misalignment. Lowering the ladder is similarly predictable—no sudden drops, no finger-pinching surprises.

One detail I appreciated: there’s very little slop between the fly and base sections. Even near the top of its safe extension, the ladder didn’t feel loose. You’ll still get some deflection at full working height—as you should expect with any fiberglass ladder—but the bounce was modest and well-damped. I felt comfortable stepping laterally to reach off-center fasteners without the ladder misbehaving.

Feet and footing

The heavy-duty metal boots with steel swivel safety shoes are the kind of component you don’t think about until you need them. On a concrete walkway, the tread-down position had excellent grip and didn’t mar the surface. On grass and compacted soil, flipping the shoes to spike mode took seconds and made a dramatic difference in security. I could plant the base, lean into the ladder to set the angle, and the spikes locked in without creeping. If your work takes you from driveway to lawn and back, this flexibility is worth its weight.

The rungs themselves are D-shaped and fully serrated. With dry boots they’re secure; with wet soles after rinsing gutters, they’re still trustworthy. The shape spreads pressure underfoot better than square rungs, which made 30-minute stretches at height more tolerable. I wouldn’t call the rungs “cushioned”—they’re metal, not rubber—but my arches weren’t barking after a long session.

Top end and usability

The V-shaped non-marring top is a genuinely useful touch. Against an outside corner of a two-story, the V seats cleanly with a wide, stable bite. On a round downspout and even on a tree trunk, it found a positive perch without wandering. The material didn’t leave marks on painted trim, and it absorbed minor vibrations rather than transmitting them through the rails.

Integrated tool slots are handy for staging a driver, fasteners, or a small hand tool. Still, treat them as staging, not storage—if you bump the ladder or reposition, secure your tools first. I mostly used a tool belt for heavier items and parked a driver at the top only when my hands were on the work. The balance of convenience and caution paid off.

Weight, transport, and noise

At just over 50 pounds, this ladder isn’t something you casually throw over a shoulder and sprint across a yard with. Carrying it solo is feasible if you’re accustomed to extension ladders—balanced at the midpoint, one hand guiding. The rung caps do reduce the clatter of rail-on-rung contact when you’re loading it onto a rack or setting it down, which neighbors (and your own nerves) will appreciate.

Closed length at 12 feet means you’ll want a proper rack for transport and real estate for storage. In a garage, a pair of heavy-duty hooks and a clear wall section are prerequisites. If you’re working out of a compact SUV or a small shed, plan accordingly.

Build quality and durability

The rails are fiberglass—non-conductive, which is a must if you ever work near electricity—and they feel robust. Hardware is appropriately overbuilt without being fussy. The rope is nylon, easy on the hands, and didn’t fuzz or shed during my time with it. Compliance badges for ANSI, CSA, and OSHA are present and current, which matters on commercial sites. The Type IA 300-pound rating is enough capacity for most pros and serious homeowners with tools and materials in tow.

DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Ladders aren’t high-maintenance tools, but it’s good to see service commitments that match the pricing and positioning.

Safety and technique notes

A few practical reminders based on how this ladder behaves:
- Mind overlap. Like all extension ladders, you don’t work at the absolute top rung. Maintain proper overlap between sections and keep your body centered between the rails.
- Aim for the 4:1 angle. The foot design helps the base stay put, but angle is still your best defense against tip-out or slide-out.
- Tie off when possible. The V-top seats nicely, and a quick tether or strap to a stable anchor turns “secure” into “locked.”
- Keep the rails clean. Fiberglass can get slick with dust or mud; a wipe-down after dirty jobs keeps grip predictable.

What I liked

• Stable, predictable extension with locks that engage positively
• Versatile feet that transition quickly between hard and soft surfaces
• Comfortable, grippy D-shaped rungs that inspire confidence even when wet
• V-shaped, non-marring top that hugs corners and round surfaces
• Solid jobsite credentials: Type IA, ANSI/CSA/OSHA compliant
• Quiet(er) transport thanks to rung caps and tidy hardware

Where it could be better

• Weight and bulk are real considerations if you move it frequently alone
• The black finish looks good but runs hotter in sun and isn’t as high-visibility as yellow
• No integrated levelers or standoff—plan on accessories if you regularly work on uneven ground or need more clearance over gutters

Who it’s for

If you’re a contractor, facilities tech, or homeowner who routinely needs safe access to second-story work—lighting, cameras, fascia, siding repairs—this is a capable, confidence-inspiring ladder. The 300-pound rating covers most loads, the fiberglass rails broaden where you can safely work, and the feet/top design reduce the improvisation that too often creeps into ladder setups.

If you prioritize ultra-light weight, need to toss a ladder in a small vehicle, or rarely go above a single story, a shorter aluminum model will treat you better. And if your work demands extra capacity, look at Type IAA alternatives.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 24-foot fiberglass extension ladder for pros and serious DIYers who value stability, thoughtful contact surfaces, and jobsite-ready compliance over absolute portability. The locks are reliable, the feet earn their keep on both concrete and turf, and the V-shaped top makes real-world setups cleaner and safer. Factor in the weight and storage needs, and add accessories if your terrain demands them. If those points align with your work, this ladder is a trustworthy, long-term addition to your kit.