Loft catch stuck

[Stilernin]

I haven't opened the loft in a while and now the catch isn't releasing. It is operated by using a hook on a pole to pull down on an 'eye' on a screw. I remember that by screwing this 'eye' either clockwise or anticlockwise the catch can be loosened but I can't remember which way! I have tried tightening and loosing this screw, but to no avail.

As a lady of 'a certain age' I'm nervous of unscrewing it too much, in case it falls out. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

A pic might help .....

 

[Stilernin]

A pic might help .....

I don't seem to be able to upload a pic from my phone.. has the wrong file extension.

By 'eye' , I'm thinking hook and 'eye'. A ring on the end of the screw that screws through the hatch door to the catch. Pull on this ring and it should pull the catch back.

I'm guessing that the catch had stuck through lack of use but I can't remember whether the screw should tighten up to the hatch or loosen. I remember that if it wasn't tightened/loosened to the correct position the hatch would not stay shut.

 

[Jurassicspark]

Ask a neighbour to help, perhaps?

 

[RandomGrinch]

Can you press upwards on the loft hatch with a broom, at the same time as twisting the catch?
It might take some pressure off of a sticky latch mechanism, allowing it to release.

 

[Stilernin]

Can you press upwards on the loft hatch with a broom, at the same time as twisting the catch?
It might take some pressure off of a sticky latch mechanism, allowing it to release.

Thanks. I've had a go but I may need a second pair of hands with more muscles. I was trying to find someone who knew which direction to turn the screw to release it. I may have tightened it the wrong way now IYSWIM and no amount of 'persuasion will release it.

 

[foxhole]

Use a ladder , up close you will see which way the catch moves.

 

[Stilernin]

Use a ladder , up close you will see which way the catch moves.

Thanks, but the hatch is completely flush with the recess... nothing to see. Sorry to be so negative with everyone, but I'm stumped. I'll keep having a go to see if the catch loosens with persistence.

 

[jj4091]

Is it like this https://www.loftcentre.co.uk/mwdownloads/download/link/id/688 or can you see it here https://www.google.com/search?q=lof...YYHhgPmAMAkgcDOS43oAfiYQ&sclient=gws-wiz#ip=1

 

[Stilernin]

Is it like this https://www.loftcentre.co.uk/mwdownloads/download/link/id/688 or can you see it here https://www.google.com/search?q=lof...YYHhgPmAMAkgcDOS43oAfiYQ&sclient=gws-wiz#ip=1

Thanks. I'd had a Google and YouTube search but hadn't come up with it.

It's this one...

Loft Hatch Latch with spring-loaded catch and eyebolt

Loft hatch latch for wooden loft door & frame. Also spare part for the Supreme heavy duty loft ladder. Spring-loaded loft catch with eye bolt release

www.premierloftladders.co.uk

 

[foxhole]

So turning it clockwise increases the travel of catch .

 

[johnny2007]

Sledgehammer on offer at wickes...

 

[Stilernin]

So turning it clockwise increases the travel of catch .

Thanks.. I'll keep trying.

 

[Stilernin]

Sledgehammer on offer at wickes...

I'm tempted!!

 

[jj4091]

Thanks.. I'll keep trying.

So you pull it toward you at an angle to open it by pivoting the screw in the latch lever. Is it moving when you pull on it.
If not as Random Grinch says you probably need to push the door up at the same time as pulling on the latch