trap door springs?

[katmat]

I have a trap door in my garage that goes into the attic. The door is approx. 3' x 6' (plywood), hinged on the 3' side. I have permenant stairs that go to the attic & my wife stores all kinds of stuff up there. The problem is that the
door is tough for her to push up. I had a counter weight on it untill I raised the ceiling to put a lift in. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[trbomax]

I have one like that in the house. I put 2 old garage door springs (the coil type) on the attic side and attached the other end to a nailer between 2 trusses.A metal handle is used to pull it closed and a slideing gate bolt latch on the inside keep it closed. The only drawback is that the handle shows and you need a good grip on it when you release the deadbolt.

 

[kbs2244]

How did you have counter weight set up?

If you put them on a lever hinged at the same point as the door and standing straight up when the door is closed they will pull the door to straight up when they hit the floor.

Or run some rope and pulleys.

 

[trbomax]

The trap door hinges up into the attic. The springs were an afterthought because the door ended up being so heavy..I used a OH door gasket so there is a good seal.The springs are always trying to pull the trap door up and open.

 

[gatchel]

Use two or three pulleys and some steel cable to relocate the counterweight.

edit: just noticed pulleys were mentioned above.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I was going to suggest a counter weight/pulley that already has been done. How about a cheaper electric hoist to raise the door ?

Something like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/110-volt-440-lb-capacity-electric-hoist-with-remote-control-40765.html