Little Giant recalls 3.66 million Rapid Lock ladders after 19 injuries from sudden retraction
Little Giant Ladder Systems is recalling about 3,662,000 ladders with Rapid Locks sold between December 2015 and October 2026, because they can suddenly retract when the locks are not fully engaged, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Nov. 5.
The recall covers 11 models: King Kombo XT, Conquest 2.0, Epic, MegaLite, MegaLite+, Vector, Leveler, Multi, Quantum, Dark Horse 2.0 and Adjustable Fortress 2.0. Rapid Locks are the black or orange locks on each leg that slide into the rungs to set the ladder's height. Ladders already marked with a rectangular orange “QC” sticker on a rail just above either Rapid Lock are not included, according to the CPSC notice.
The Springville, Utah, company has 25 reports of ladders retracting, with 19 injuries among them. Three were head injuries, including traumatic brain injury, skull fracture and concussion; the other 16 included broken bones, cuts and bruises. Little Giant also has 39 reports of locks that did not work properly. The ladders sold for about $100 to $1,000 in Lowe's and Costco stores and at other retailers, and online at Amazon and other sites.
For most owners the remedy is a set of labels and instructions. The CPSC tells owners to stop using the ladders, read the recall page at littlegiantladders.com/pages/recalls or scan the ladder's QR code, and order the free kit. The new instructions say to check that the Rapid Locks are fully seated each time the ladder is used, and to keep them lubricated.
If a lock still does not work after lubrication, Little Giant will evaluate it. When a lock fails that check, the owner can choose a new ladder of the same model or an equivalent one, or a refund. The refund is depreciated by purchase date; full price applies only to ladders bought in the past 12 months. The recall line is 866-201-9069.
Why it matters: Check every Little Giant in the trucks and the shop for the orange QC sticker. Ladders without it should come out of service until the kit arrives, and crews should confirm both Rapid Locks are seated before each climb.
Sources
- Little Giant Recalls Ladders with Rapid Locks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fall HazardU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Nov 5
- RecallsLittle Giant Ladder Systems, Nov 5