Attic door handle options?

Question

Hi all,

We've got a small attic door leading into our attic/loft space as can be seen in the photo below. The small door was not fitted with a handle of any kind, only a small wooden wedge was placed at its base to keep it shut. This doesn't work well, lots of draughts come through the loosely closed door, plus the wedge just looks sloppy.

I'm trying to think of what type of door handles would suit this type of scenario and would keep the small door shut to the point of being airtight. I don't think a regular door handle would work for this situation. I was thinking of a rotating type handle, the ones that are often used on boats to seal latch compartments might work, perhaps one at the top and one at the bottom of the door. Although ideally, the attic door could be opened on both sides so that the kids don't accidentally lock themselves or each other inside. Any thoughts (or links to handles) that may work in this scenario would be much appreciated.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You have a good answer, but a neat way is a spline or star key bolt which just leaves you with a 10mm hole and you take the key out when not in use.

Common Sense · Answer

I would make a magnetic closure with a simple knob for a handle. This way... NO ONE EVER gets stuck in a hot attic as simply pushing the door would open it. You can NEVER be too careful with children or expect them to be as careful as we hope or taught them to be.

Anonymous · Answer

First off you got to make better pictures.  
 The wedge is used because it is free.  Anybody can make one with a chunk of wood.  You were suppose to supply the hardware.
. Though, because the door opens into the room, if a kid was inside and a swift kick and door is open. Unless a ton of stuff gets put in front of it from the room.  Then that is deliberate. Never was a trap.  
 It really looks like a cheap way of making a somewhat insulated door.  I have no idea what the inside stuff is.  It looks like ceiling tile(which is a fibrous sawdust combined with paper and pressed together insulative value is basically none.
. without showing a close up of the frame it is hard to see how this fits together.  Otherwise this needs something similar to outside door weatherstrip to seal it.
Pictures, pictures, pictures and measurements. You need that and show any one in any hardware type store.  Even a hand-drawn picture of an opening with measurements LxWxHxD and a  better idea of the contour of the casing.  With measurements.
 It only takes you with a pencil and tape measure  and some drawing skill to draw this out.  Having too much information NEVER HURT.  Which way the door swings matters.
. My closet doors have a regular door knob.  They are held closed by magnets like https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hickory-Hardware-P109-5-8-X-1-3-4-Magnetic-Cabinet-Catch/22131636
. but not the same as the magnets are double stacked. I can't find an image of them but imagine 2 regular magnets a top of each other so DOUBLE THE STRENGTH.  Suitable for 72" high door. Regular magnets(not Neodymium magnets) rare earth super strong magnets that cost super high price too.  My magnets on my doors have lasted 45 years and still hold as they did the first day.  Magnet goes on the door casing and the metal plate on the door.  You would need 2 because that wood is the type that warps out of shape.
I see the base of the door is a 2x4 stop, so the top of the casing has a stop(or groove)
.  Look at you bedroom doors and see how the door stops.  there is either a groove or a "stop strip" that is the name this painter is giving them, I don't care what they are called, they stop the door from going farther and bending the hinges.   Some don't have anything...relying on the hinge to stop the door which is just cheap as you can see light into the room and the credit card method of opening the door latch is possible.    With the groove or stop strip your credit card would have to fold like a "L" which it does not do.

You can figure out how to put up weatherstripping to stop cold air from entering the room as it is screwed to the frame as the instructions show.  This is how your entry doors(from the outside) should be also.

? · Answer

Replace it with a hollow-core door (if it is not already) cut down and put a non-locking knob set on it. Basically make it like any other door in your house.

Anonymous · Answer

Fit a ring pull, set flush, and a ball bearing catch. Ball catches are easy to fit and adjustable to hold as firm as you need. Another option is a sprung touch latch, provided there is a couple of millimetres play on the door. These can open from inside with a handle or pull.  Many are sold for loft access latches so you don't have any hardware on a ceiling.

Attic door handle options?

5 Answers