Loose bolt on pulldown attic ladder


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Old 09-29-16, 03:25 PM
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Loose bolt on pulldown attic ladder

I've got a loose bolt on the right side of my attic ladder stairs. The only thing that seems to be holding it in the socket is gravity it seems. The bolt is loose enough that the right arm doesn't stay straight when moving it up or down. I've attached pictures for reference.

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The above picture is of the left side.

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The above picture is of the right side...the side that doesn't work.

I'm not sure if all that is involved is getting an appropriate size bolt to insert into the threads. If anyone could give me insight into what I need to do, it would be greatly appreciated!
 
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Old 09-29-16, 03:52 PM
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There may be a fix for this, but looking at the age and general condition of the metal fatigue, about the only saving grace would be to replace the stairs. You have a safety issue if that spring will not stay in the keeper cradle and should the bolt break or the nut come off. The stairs are not that expensive, and could save from serious injury or damage to property. I installed this one for a client last week. Easy install, and not too much money. Werner 8 ft. - 10 ft., 25 in. x 54 in. Aluminum Attic Ladder with 375 lb. Maximum Load Capacity-AH2510B - The Home Depot as an example.
 
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Old 09-29-16, 04:13 PM
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Gotcha. I'll head out to Lowes and pick one up!
 
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Old 09-29-16, 04:18 PM
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Oh, and the new ones don't use that goofy spring set up. They use pressure shocks. Much safer. Glad you are doing the right thing. Let us know if we can help.
 
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Old 09-29-16, 08:07 PM
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I had that same old ladder. The best thing I ever did for it was to send it packing.

When I work in some customers attics I come across those old ones.
I don't even want to climb them.
 
 

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