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Original poster

How the eff do I get in the loft?

28 replies

Roseberrry · 09/02/2016 14:26

Bought our house a few months ago and we still can't figure it out. Asked countless people at B&Q and similar shops and no one seems to know.

Please help! You can reach inside the black hole and just about feel a square hole inside but nothing I've bought has fit it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Roseberrry · 09/02/2016 14:28

Photo

How the eff do I get in the loft?
OP posts:
RidersOnTheStorm · 09/02/2016 14:29

There should be a pole to fit it somewhere. We have that - it's a loft ladder.

Fizrim · 09/02/2016 14:31

There should be a thin pole with a square end that you put in and twist - it will undo the catch inside and then pull down the door. There may be a ladder inside than you can hook down (often with the other end of the thin pole).

Have you see a thin metal pole lying around anywhere? Or google loft hatch doors.

Nosnowjustrain · 09/02/2016 14:31

Sorry - like this

How the eff do I get in the loft?
Fizrim · 09/02/2016 14:32

Lots of cross posts! Have you tried an allen key (work your way through a set ...)

Fizrim · 09/02/2016 14:39

A quick google brings up Manthorpe - have you tried them for a pole (or they might be able to give you the dimensions of the key you'd need). Good luck!

wowfudge · 09/02/2016 15:20

I bet the removals people packed it when the last people moved out. Ours packed the timer and thermostat for the heating thinking it was a clock.

Have you tried looking in any built in wardrobes/cupboards, etc for the pole?

unimaginativename13 · 09/02/2016 15:31

Have you ever looked in it?

Sorry not helpful but I know someone who sold a house and took it way so no one could see the mess the roof was in.

Along with plastering over loft hatches .

PigletJohn · 09/02/2016 15:39

A carriage key might fit it. It probably has a Budget Lock.

You can get a 4-ended meter box key for about a pound in a (super)market, the square end may fit. Carriage keys are slightly tapered so they will fit squares that are a bit bigger or a bit smaller.

PigletJohn · 09/02/2016 15:41

p.s.

If you have a doorknob with the square spindle attached, it may fit. From memory British ones are 3/8"

Original poster
Roseberrry · 09/02/2016 17:22

Thanks, I will try your suggestions. There's definitely no long thin pole hiding anywhere, I'm sure they took it with them. They moved out themselves with no removal company so it must have been done on purpose.
I'm worried now after your comment unimaginative! The house is fairly new, less than 10 years and I can't see any damage on the outside so hopefully that's not the case here!

OP posts:
JolseBaby · 09/02/2016 17:28

Giving my username away to DH here as he has just told me about this thread.

Our loft hatch is identical. You need a flat head screwdriver - like this. Put it into the hole in the hatch and jiggle about until you slot it in, then turn to open the catch.

Original poster
Roseberrry · 09/02/2016 18:02

Thanks Jolse and your DH! I'll see if I can find a long screw driver before I buy a proper pole thing. Think I have the head you mean but not sure if it'll be long enough, fingers crossed.

OP posts:
Ruhrpott · 09/02/2016 20:35

Yes I agree with the others. We have one like this and have a pole with a square end that fits in and turns.

mejon · 09/02/2016 21:08

Is your house by itself or in a street/estate of similar ones? If the latter, might a neighbour have something you could borrow if they have matching hatches.

PigletJohn · 09/02/2016 22:37

If you use a screwdriver, it needs to be a large (wide) flat one, because the grips need to engage in the corners of the square socket. The length is not important, though a long one may help if you do not have a stepladder to get you high enough to reach easily.

A screwdriver is not the right tool, as it will not fit the square properly.

Pipbin · 09/02/2016 22:40

Giving my username away to DH here as he has just told me about this thread.

What was your DH doing on MN looking at threads about loft hatches? I would be suspicious.

Original poster
Roseberrry · 10/02/2016 08:38

Suspicious about what Pip?!

OP posts:
JolseBaby · 11/02/2016 19:13

He is a long time lurker - the thread appeared in 'Active' and he was amused by the title so he clicked on it.

I keep teasing him about signing up. One of these days an AIBU thread will make him crumble...it's just a matter of time Grin

origamiwarrior · 11/02/2016 19:16

Desperate to know what is in the loft!!!

didireallysaythat · 11/02/2016 19:28

I can't watch. Shallow Grave territory here !

Original poster
Roseberrry · 12/02/2016 13:16

The long screw (Wink) worked! There's no ladders though so I am going to volunteer dh to climb up while I stand guard with the cricket bat Grin

OP posts:
wowfudge · 12/02/2016 16:02

So what do we all think is up there? I'm voting for some old Christmas decorations and a mystery suitcase.

origamiwarrior · 12/02/2016 16:40

Old tiles. People always leave old tiles in roofspaces.

OP - we want a FULL inventory!

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