Help - can't open loft hatch

[topless360]

We've recently moved into our new flat and the loft hatch has a hole in it which I can only assume needs some kind of key to open it.

Is anybody able to advise on what tool I need? It also looks like our decorator painted over the edges of the hatch so it should be interesting getting it open.

I've posted a couple of pics below:

[jpringle819]

It looks like it needs a square key http://www.amazon.co.uk/L-S-Engineers-Square-Drive...

If it was me I would try a suitable sized flat blade screwdriver first, run a sharp blade round the edges to cut through the excess paint.

[Wacky Racer]

You'll have to change your user name to Loftless.......


Sorry....




Good luck.

[Gav147]

Looks like a standard door handle/latch square will fit it, take one of your door handles off one of your interior doors and try it, if so you should be able to get a handle/knob of some description from any local diy or hardware store to give you permanent access, or if you just want to look in there, a large flat blade screwdriver will open it

Edited by Gav147 on Tuesday 28th April 17:51

[Rosscow]

Come on OP, surely you don't need a thread for this!!?

Large flat blades screwdriver as already mentioned.

[Riff Raff]

Careful it doesn't open downwards with a Slingsby ladder on the other side....

[topless360]

Rosscow said:

Come on OP, surely you don't need a thread for this!!?

I definitely do, I'm useless when it comes to such matters. So much so I had to call IKEA twice just to assemble some flat pack furniture (maybe I shouldn't admit to that on a public forum...)

Anywho, got to love PH, flat screwdriver has worked a treat. Thanks chaps!

[Simpo Two]

Can't stick a screwdriver in a hole, but can taker a digital photograph, upload it to the internet and type

[stuart313]

Careful now.

https://youtu.be/Uzl3udlsLD0?t=27m47s

[justanother5tar]

Wacky Racer said:

You'll have to change your user name to Loftless.......

[pjfamilyguy1]

looks like you might need to carefully run a stanley knife blade round the edge to break the paint where it has bridged the gap and then stick a screw driver in the square hole if you don't have the key. But be careful there could be a folded up ladder on the other side.

[Simpo Two]

pjfamilyguy1 said:

looks like you might need to carefully run a stanley knife blade round the edge to break the paint where it has bridged the gap and then stick a screw driver in the square hole if you don't have the key. But be careful there could be a folded up ladder on the other side.

Whoosh - kablam - thud - tweet tweet

But do Stanley knives have downloadable PDF instructions...?

[netherfield]

Spindle bar from a door handle and an adjustable spanner,

Or go the whole hog and fit one of these www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/products/locks_latches...

Hide the key somewhere and then you'll forget and still not be able to get in .

[wolfracesonic]

Maybe the loft ladder has been fitted upside down and the OP is trapped in the loft.

[Wacky Racer]

wolfracesonic said:

Maybe the loft ladder has been fitted upside down and the OP is trapped in the loft.

He'll be a skeleton by now.

RIP

[Funkycoldribena]

[Mikepcon]

I have what looks like the exact same hatch and have unlocked it with a screwdriver but cant get it open.
I have tried prising it open but with no success.

Any advice?

[King Herald]

Wacky Racer said:

You'll have to change your user name to Loftless.......


Sorry....




Good luck.

If he can't work out how to open that loft, I'd be inclined to call him 'useless'!

All in the best possible taste.

[davepoth]

Mikepcon said:

I have what looks like the exact same hatch and have unlocked it with a screwdriver but cant get it open.
I have tried prising it open but with no success.

Any advice?

Push it.

[JulianHJ]

How do you know you've turned it far enough to disengage the latch? Ours is temperamental and sometimes needs a bit of effort, as I keep neglecting to give it some silicone spray.