Unable to open loft hatch

[JimboEvans]

To open my loft hatch, I normally just push it up with the end of the pole and the spring releases the door. It is not opening and I can't get into the loft to see what is wrong. Can't take the hinges off as these are also above the door.

I bought a similar lock catch (see picture):

Loft Catch

• JimboEvans
• 4 Mar 2012
• 1

After trying for ten minutes I discovered there are occasions when the metal tongue gets completely stuck, making it impossible to open.

I have two questions:

1) How to saw off the metal tongue without damaging the wood
2) What to replace the catch with.

Many thanks, Jimbo

 

[masona]

Try and apply slightly more pressure on the latch area

Or push on the 2 corners at the same time of the latch side, could be the door got a slight twist therefore putting pressure on the latch

Or a wide chisel or flat blade in the gap to prise it open and spray some WD40

As above push hard up and lever it out at the same time

 

[catlad]

You can buy blades for stanley knifes which is about 6" long and is like a hack saw blade that may do it.

 

[JimboEvans]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. I tried all your suggestions but it failed to release the lock.

I decided to try to drill out the screws holding the tongue. I made a guess at where the tongue was and started to drill into the tongue itself! I then took a punch and hit it hard ... This was a mistake as it split the wood.

I've had a good look at the latch. Over the years the bottom of the catch has become rounded causing the tongue to be jammed inside.

So I now need to decide whether to replace with a similar latch or a different one. If I use the same latch I shall bolt it in position so I can release the nuts from outside the loft.

Any thoughts? Many thanks, Jimbo

 

[masona]

If you're not bothered about the appearance then have a look at external locks type, many difference type of locks out there, this one approx £6

 

[JimboEvans]

I secured the tongue using two bolts with the nuts on the outside of the hatch and hacksawed the thread level to the nuts. The nuts are hidden from view by the plastic catch.