Upside down gas struts

[ldoodle]

My house is 1950s/1960s so is a 'cut roof', and so the loft opening is all custom. I've asked a few places for a custom all in one unit but no one will do them for my size (~700x700mm).

Currently the hatch is made of 18mm ply with kitchen cabinet hinges (so drops down rather than pushes up into the loft) and push magnets the other side.

It's a bit dodgy/flimsy when closed!

There's a lip around the whole hatch that overlaps the opening and fits flush to the finished ceiling.

My loft joists are only 100mm, and to form the opening there is 22mm timber attached to the joists. This padded timber is where the ladder and hinges are attached too.

So to my question: the gas struts that are used in kitchen over fridge units that hold the door up and open... is there something like this that can be used to softly open a drop door, but also self hold it up against the ceiling?

Thanks.

 

[HayMaker]

this sort of thing (Amazon link) would probably do the job, if the length and the throw would suit the travel of the window. They do different strengths of resistance but I think all the struts are the same length. Same sort of thing in our ottoman bed and it's amazing how strong it is. You could maybe rig up a suitcase scale or something and see what sort of weight you are dealing with, but my guess would be if fitted properly it should cope ok

 

[foxhole]

Heavy loft hatches use heavy springs to aid use.