Concertina Loft Ladder fitting guide

Fitting (Manageable for most DIYers or easy for your local Handyman)

1. Unless already done, you'll need to convert your existing loose push up board into a swing down door A operated by a pole. The board is best re-fitted low i.e. flush with the architrave; looks best and allows plenty of room for ladder to be fixed. If existing board is not suitable (e.g. plastic or too heavy) buy a new piece, ideally cut to size by your local timber yard or DIY 'shed'. Hinges (incl. screws) and a catch B (incl. bolts to connect the white plastic eye C to the underside of the door) are supplied.
   
   
2. Screw the ladder back board D (having pre-drilled 4 holes) to the hatch surround E. Alternatively use 2 bolts. Screws or bolts not supplied as length is determined by the thickness of the hatch surround's lining and the joist behind it + the 17mm thickness of the back board. N.B. Ladder must be securely and therefore safely fixed!
   
   
3. For the operating pole, purchase a length (determined by your ceiling height) of 18mm dowel (round shaped wood) and fit into the hook F supplied (with 2 small screws). For a stouter pole use thicker dowel or a broom handle but you'll need to fashion the end so it fits into the hook.

Operating
To Lower

1. Carefully lower the door by pulling with the pole hook in the ’eye’.
   
   
2. Offer the pole hook down into the hole G on the carriage and lower the ladder using a downwards and backwards motion therefore keeping the hook in it’s hole.
   
   
3. Lift the ladder by hand, up and out of the retaining hooks H on the carriage and lower to the ground. If you can’t reach the ladder, use the pole (held at a sideways angle) offering its hook into the hole provided in the bottom tread of the ladder.

1. Lift the ladder back into its carriage, using the pole to reach if necessary.
   
   
2. Offer the pole knob I (not the hook which could break if incorrectly used) behind the hole in the carriage and raise ladder using an upwards and backwards motion.
   
   
3. Raise the door with the pole hook in the ‘eye’.

Notes / Tips

• Suitable for ceiling heights of up to 9'. Extension kit available for ceilings of up to 10'
• Ladder heavy whilst fixing so easier with 2 people; support with G clamps or temporary batten under back board whilst fixing.
• Depending on ceiling height, once installed, ladder will benefit from having any excess treads removed.
• To fit larger items through the hatch, the ladder can be set vertically, allowing them to be handed up from below by another person.
• If your hatch is unusually small (or items to store unusually large) it may be worth enlarging; not normally necessary though.
• Maximum load 150kgs (23.5 stone).