Pivit Tool Could be the Best Under $100 Investment You Make
If your work involves much use of extension ladders, then you’ve likely encountered awkward set up locations. The Pivit tool from ProVision is a safe, convenient and cost effective solution.
A stout, wedge-shaped implement made of durable polypropylene, the Pivit weighs in at 14 lbs. It is 22” long, 16” high and 10” wide, highly portable and functional in use.
With a robust, non-skid housing (rated to 500 lbs), the Pivit is stable when positioned under a ladder foot, allowing the user to ascend with confidence.
We have used these tools for years, most commonly when laddering in stairways and on roof pitches. Instead of planking off a step ladder at the bottom of a stairway, and setting an extension ladder on the plank to reach top of walls and ceilings, the Pivit allows us to ladder up in a safe and simple manner – reducing the amount of set up gear we carry.
On roof pitches, there had never been a good ladder footing solution short of rigging up a makeshift jig and hoping for the best. The Pivit’s anti-skid design grips most roofs that we work on securely enough for us to eliminate the jigs.
The Pivit can be used for other uses as well, such as a ladder stand-off or staging, though we prefer to use tools designed for those specific uses. As with any tool, it’s important to follow the company’s instructions and safety precautions carefully.
Priced under $100, the Pivit tool pays for itself quickly.
Scott Burt is a contractor and freelance writer whose column "From the Field" has appeared in American Painting Contractor magazine (www.paintmag.com) since 2008. His writing and projects also appear in other print and digital venues. This site is an extension of Scott's publication work, and he encourages readers to leave comments and questions about articles published here. Hope to hear from you!
This pivot tool looks like a great buy for stairway jobs! I am definitely interested in seeing it in action on a roofing job! Will definitely be trying a few out for my crew!
I bought one this fall for a stained staircase. I was worried it was going to tip out, so I asked a colleague to foot the ladder. Was I just being a chicken? I only used in 8 movements on one job. Huge time saver.
Hey Jeff, no it is good to play it on the safe side with any new equipment until you gain total understanding and confidence in what it can do for you.
Completely agree Scott! Bought one lasts summer. It has saved us a lot of time and has kept us safe painting in Helena Montana. Especially when working alone on the job.
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A stout, wedge-shaped implement made of durable polypropylene, the Pivit weighs in at 14 lbs. It is 22” long, 16” high and 10” wide, highly portable and functional in use.
Merle Gilliland
Bill Dawson
Scott Burt
This pivot tool looks like a great buy for stairway jobs! I am definitely interested in seeing it in action on a roofing job! Will definitely be trying a few out for my crew!
I fed 4 to 6 in the Pivit tools in the field since 2005 or 2006. They are fantastic!
They sure are!
I bought one this fall for a stained staircase. I was worried it was going to tip out, so I asked a colleague to foot the ladder. Was I just being a chicken? I only used in 8 movements on one job. Huge time saver.
Hey Jeff, no it is good to play it on the safe side with any new equipment until you gain total understanding and confidence in what it can do for you.
Completely agree Scott! Bought one lasts summer. It has saved us a lot of time and has kept us safe painting in Helena Montana. Especially when working alone on the job.
Spring is coming Scott. We are gearing up 🙂
Cheers!
Awesome Nathan, glad to hear it. I have family in Montana, so I am glad to hear there is a Spring in sight! Cheers