E-Z Foldz Turtle Stool
I have other step stools, but none so handy, sturdy, easy to use, and simple to store away as this small, plastic folding step stool. One lives in the narrow crack between my refrigerator and wall—it breaks down to less than two inches flat, but pops out easily to give me the extra nine inches I need to root around in the back of the top cupboards. Very sturdy: rated for 300 pounds. Reasonably lightweight: less than 2.5 pounds. And it has a nice handle when folded, so it's great for use wherever, whenever. I'm belatedly realizing I should have brought mine to the Red Bull Soap Box Derby the other day; I would've seen something other than the backs of people's heads as the giant donut, belt sander, and Rubik's cube whizzed by. Live and learn.
I've used mine for five years, inside and outdoors, and it's not showing any signs of age; I just hose it off on occasion. Really good to have on hand anywhere space is at a premium -- apartments, boats, RV's, etc. They're also available in 6- and 12-inch heights, plus a two-step model (17 inches high), that folds to 4.5 inches (haven't tried those models myself, though). The stools also come in a variety of colors.
—Barbara Dace
We have a Turtle Stool in our kitchen which we use all the time. It's quick to unfold, easy to store, lightweight, and incredibly strong and stable. A reader noted in the comments that the inventor of the stool also makes wooden versions, in difference sizes. No prices, but lots of choices and inspiration at his Tower Stool website.
-- KK
E-Z Foldz Step Stool, 9-inch (aka "Turtle Stool")
$11-21
Available from Amazon
Favorite (15)
Wes Mantooth
We were given two of these as a gift. They seemed great, but the tabs on both of them soon broke off. This caused the legs to splay out.
The stools pinched out children's fingers, too.
I'm not saying it's a bad product, just not perfect :)
Jeannie Lu
I loved this compact step stool so much, we picked up at least 2 for our house and one for my parents.
Sean
I bought one of these for my truck. Unfolded and locked, it produces a very stable platform to stand on.
David Engel
Our family has had two for several years, and they're great! We mainly use them for the kids to get up to the sink because the kids found a way to break some others that we had, but I am overjoyed that these are rated to hold me, too.
Nico
I have several of these, and I love them. My two children carry them around the house so they can reach light switches.
R. Collins
I've never submitted a tool, but if I did, this stool would be one of my favorites. I'm 5'2" and this stool comes in awfully handy. As the daughter of an engineer, I really appreciate items that are unique and well-designed. This is one of them. It's cute (I love the subtle turtle pattern), sturdy, folds flat into a small space, and has comfortable handles. It has only one flaw in my book--the same one that was mentioned by Wes. If you're not careful, it will pinch your fingers when you fold it up. Nevertheless, I would like to have one in every closet in my house.
govtdrone
I love, love, love this stool. I love it so much I have given it away as presents to my friends, who like me, are vertically challenged.
David M
+1 for this little gem. Great design; functional product.
Kelly Lane
i, too love this stool! The folding design was created by a friend and entrepreneur in Faith, South Dakota (Look it up! This town is WAY out there!). Reed is an amazing man. His company, Tower Stools, offers a myriad of folding products (stools, chairs, tables, desks, etc) all based on his hinged design. Oh yes, all of Reed's original creations are made of plywood with brass piano hinges. Very COOL TOOLS!
Robitj
Great stool. Inexpensive, simple, light, sturdy and extremely useful..what more could you want? No metal parts (nothing to rust if you use it outside in the wet) and folds quite flat. Got mine in BJ's Whse Club.