making a heavy loft hatch door safe

[JP_]

I bought a custom made loft hatch. It's made of metal and insulation. A great fit, well insulated too. But, much heavier than I thought it would be. A bit treacherous when opening it, and also a bit iffy when closing too. And it will only get harder as I get older....

Any suggestions on how to make it open slow? I did see these, that might work if I can safely attach into the metal door, but these are a bit expensive. I have contacted the company I bought from to see if they have anything, but can't seen anything on their site.

 

[bernardgreen]

A counter balance might solve the problem.

Add the red bits to form a counter ballance.

 

[JP_]

Maybe, but it might stick up in the way when open? I guess not a problem with the size of the hatch... Actually, it will have to be right on the side or it will get in way of ladder.

 

[Tigercubrider]

use a bit of design and it will provide a hand steady for the top.
My old hatch had a spring like a gate closer to help it

 

[Mottie]

A rope attached to either front corner running up through a pulley above with a weight added, a bit like old fashioned sash windows? Like the diagram but the other way round perhaps?

 

[foxhole]

Sorted one as MOTman, until weight came loose and nearly brained someone.

 

[JP_]

The guy that helped me fit it suggested weighted pulley. Need to check what fixing options i have.

 

[Burnerman]

You wouldn't be able to lift your car hatchback tail door without the assistance of a pair of gas struts......any future in them?
John

 

[JP_]

Ah, something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Force-Stru...175mmx50mm/dp/B01EZPS36S/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_1

 

[Burnerman]

That is the sort of thing, but that particular one has only 50mm of movement.
You may be surprised at how powerful these things need to be - sorry I cant advise on which to choose!
John

 

[JP_]

Thanks, I'll keep searching, and get the tape measure out. I just searched for 25kg thinking that would be sufficient, maybe I'll go 50kg next time....

 

[Burnerman]

It could be a good move to get a car tailgate strut from a breaker, and experiment with that - you can always double up if its not strong enough.
I've fitted a small one to an up and over kitchen cabinet front and it hardly made any difference
John

 

[foxhole]

It could be a good move to get a car tailgate strut from a breaker, and experiment with that - you can always double up if its not strong enough.
I've fitted a small one to an up and over kitchen cabinet front and it hardly made any difference
John

Gas struts are intended to hold open doors, not aid opening .

 

[Burnerman]

Tailgate struts have dual function.....try lifting your tailgate up without them.
John

 

[Brigadier]

Sorted one as MOTman, until weight came loose and nearly brained someone.

Use a can of paint for a weight, à la Home Alone