folding/unfolding loft ladder (from above)

MassiveJim

MassiveJim

MassiveJim

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So I have installed a folding wooden loft ladder (3 sections)
due to limitations of where it could have been installed, it kinda gets in the way of anyone wanting to move on the 1st floor, whilst the loft is "occupied".


Is there some kind of pulley/string based system that can be used to raise and lower the ladder from above ?
My google-fu is failing at this point.
 
Think ive probably got a similar loft ladder, the bottom section folds up underneath afaik, then middle section flips up over the top section - mine is also very stiff, maybe if you loosen the nuts so it moves more freely and attach a rope to the joint between the middle and lower section then pulling that might fold the ladder up? -

The problem will be getting the bottom section to unfold and meet the floor properly when you want to get back out i think

Ps, a metal slide loft ladder would be easy to pull up and down from inside
 
pepp77 said:
Except that metal ones are in sections that click/lock into place, good luck unsecuring those from above.
Click to expand...

You're totally right, I have the same problem. My partner has to shut me in the loft if I'm going to be up there for any extended period as it gets in the way of the stairs and as you say, there's no way I can unlock the sections from above without doing some crazy circus moves dangling by my feet.
 
pepp77 said:
Except that metal ones are in sections that click/lock into place, good luck unsecuring those from above.
Click to expand...

The ones i am thinking of are 3 sections and have a metal slide catch on the left hand side as you stand infront of it? the sections are small assuming a standard ceiling height and the bracket in the loft allows the sections to be pulled all the way up into the loft so catch would be almost at hatch level for you to unlatch it and then pull the next section up etc

These are the ones that when folded away sit to one side of the hatch with only a few inch overhang so they do slide up all the way to the bracket and the clips will be easy to reach

Or you could use a collapsible ladder - same principle and fold up to only 2ft long
 
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HardwareGeek said:
Think ive probably got a similar loft ladder, the bottom section folds up underneath afaik, then middle section flips up over the top section - mine is also very stiff, maybe if you loosen the nuts so it moves more freely and attach a rope to the joint between the middle and lower section then pulling that might fold the ladder up? -

The problem will be getting the bottom section to unfold and meet the floor properly when you want to get back out i think

Ps, a metal slide loft ladder would be easy to pull up and down from inside
Click to expand...

Yes this is the type I have.
Given that it has only been fitted about 2 months and cost me £350 I'm not about to change it any time soon ;)
 
and for anyone else who has no idea what we are talking about its this type

fakro_loft_ladder.jpg
 
What happens if you just push the hatch up when the ladder is down? (ie you could recreate this from above by pulling a fixed rope towards the edge where the ladder is fixed to the loft
That way you would be able to almost close the hatch with the ladder still "outstretched"

Otherwise you not only need to work out how to close the ladder but also open it again from above.
 
If you push the hatch up without folding the ladder, the ladder remains straight, you have to fold the ladder up (like the woman in the picture above) before pushing the hatch up.
And equally when pulling the hatch down you have to manually unfold the ladder.
 
Side note, any ideas how easy it is to extend the length of the loft hatch to install one of these myself?
 
Simple solution, have a loft conversaion and turn the loft in to some useable space. Best thing I have done to my house and a great investment :p
 
Kemik said:
Side note, any ideas how easy it is to extend the length of the loft hatch to install one of these myself?
Click to expand...

if you have the correct distance between the joists its easy, its probably nothing more than plasterboard (single skin) with some architrave or something round the outside

If your joist width isnt enough though (older property) then its a lot more tricky
 
Adam said:
Simple solution, have a loft conversaion and turn the loft in to some useable space. Best thing I have done to my house and a great investment :p
Click to expand...
honestly this would have been my preferred option, but i don'ty have anywhere to put a staircase without a serious amount of work (and consequently cost).
so i am stuck with what i have and am looking for a solution to the problem that I have.
 
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