Anyone know how to open this loft hatch?

[Mark V GTD]

I can't figure out how you operate the catch on this 7 year old drop down loft access hatch. The square recess is quite shallow so wondering if it slides away from the frame rather than needing a key. Suffice to say I have tried a few ways but it wont budge and only really want to exert force in the correct way.

Thanks in advance!

Edited by Scrump on Monday 12th January 11:00. Line returns added between each image.

[finlo]

Square key quarter turn and down she'll drop.

[Andeh1]

Picture not showing!

[Mandat]

finlo said:

Square key quarter turn and down she'll drop.

If it doesn't drop, perhaps it might have a latch that you need to push up first to disengage.

[Little Lofty]

You should have the long pole with the square key on one end, and the hook to pull down the ladder on the other end.

[ukwill]

big flat blade should do it

[alangla]

As before, either a quarter or half turn, then probably push up the way to disengage the catch. If there’s a push to release catch then you should hear it clicking as you push up, even if it doesn’t release

[RGG]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spare-Hatch-Access-Panel-...

That'll do it

[RGG]

[Hol]

RGG said:

That’s exactly what I use. Although it was sold as a train guards key.

Much easier than using the long pole the hatch came with.

[OutInTheShed]

If it doesn't turn, try sliding the part with the square recess towards the centre of the loft hatch?

[RGG]

Mark V GTD said:

I can't figure out how you operate the catch on this 7 year old drop down loft access hatch. The square recess is quite shallow so wondering if it slides away from the frame rather than needing a key. Suffice to say I have tried a few ways but it wont budge and only really want to exert force in the correct way.

Thanks in advance!

Edited by Scrump on Monday 12th January 11:00. Line returns added between each image.

Watch your head when it opens .............

It will most likely open with a clockwise turn, so watch out for that as well.

I've just read your post properly - there's a chance you might have been trying to turn anticlockwise?

[fooman]

Flamethrower should do it.

[Mark V GTD]

Thanks for the fast advice! Will try to find the key :-)

[CoolC]

I'm going against the grain here and saying that will slide away from the edge to release the bolt. Painted over which is probably stopping it from sliding smoothly.

[dingg]

CoolC said:

I'm going against the grain here and saying that will slide away from the edge to release the bolt. Painted over which is probably stopping it from sliding smoothly.

Looking at the pics ,you may well be right

Take the weight off the latch and slide the mechanism

Bobs yer aunties husband


Hate to see the op with a difficult situation to resolve though

[Mark V GTD]

Couldn't find anything suitable to try to turn it (ie; a key/tool) so will try the latest advice.

UPDATE - found a big screwdriver and its a quarter turn job! Thanks again for all the responses PH at it's bets!

Edited by Mark V GTD on Monday 12th January 14:36

[CoolC]

So come on, what did you find up there?

Anything exciting?

[wolfracesonic]

CoolC said:

So come on, what did you find up there?

Anything exciting?

I think a picture of the loft hatch hanging down limply is in order, it’s best efforts to remain closed thwarted by the collective genius minds of PH.

[Mark V GTD]

Haha good point. Just a lot of insulation! I was looking for the power switch for the TV aerial and I did find it.