Home DIY

The generic ladders from screwfix says to have a minimum hatch width of 380mm, doesn't mention the depth, but almost certain 56cm will be fine, seems to be one of the standard hatch sizes.

I installed one into an existing hole in the ceiling, but the hole was actually too big originally - had just been a plywood access panel screwed into the plasterboard.

Check the space above the hatch, we've got a new concertina one because it takes up less space

Brilliant, thanks all - it's the hatch length I'm worried about because that measurement seems to be missing on the screwfix site (et al). We've got bags of room above the ceiling, it's just the hatch itself that feels dinky and the guy we were asking to install it suggested we extend the hatch!

the guy we were asking to install it suggested we extend the hatch

That isn't a bad idea if you have the space. A bigger hatch and better ladder make the loft space much more usable.

A bigger hatch and better ladder make the loft space much more full of crap you wouldn't otherwise keep.

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Ours is square. I'd say it's best to go as big as is practical to make life easier.

Ha, when I did my loft in my old place this is how the living room was after clearing my loft out:

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All I see is a load of useful things that you might need in the future. Throwing them away only to have to buy them again is wasteful.

Anyone any good with staple guns. My staples are intermittently fine or a bit mushed up

Fortunately I got my loft boarded over in my new place so I managed to keep some of the most useful things.

What sort of gun? How old is?

Not brand new but hardly used.

I’ve advised the force screw which has improved it slightly but is a bastard to pull

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Looking at that I’m guessing that the front chrome bit has been knocked and the staples are either going passed the firing hammer or do far enough. Give it a little tap and see if it gets work or better and then tap to get it in the right place. Or the staples are wrong, some staples are under sized and some guns are slightly over sized put the 2 together and misfire misfire.

It doesn’t feel/look damaged.. does it?

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I’ve actually got an electric stapler which the person at Screwfix assured me fit the electric stapler, but they don’t yay!

That looks not too bad, the right hand edge of the hammer is a bit low, but it should work ok. But it doesn’t take much to make them act up. I dropped an expensive one when fitting a Roman blind it looked fine but didn’t fire 2 staples one after the other again. They did replace it, but only because it was only I day old. They really are sensitive things.

Screwfix is just a tool Argos, don’t expect anybody to know anything about the things they sell.

Hmm, chaps in our toolstation do take an interest and make sure it's what you want before taking the money .. @Light_EDDed , I don't do art club (and unsolicited obvs) but as best I know that canvas is unsanforized - stretch a little lose spray with water and (after practice) it'll shrink to a good drum sound, and not risk buckling the frame..

This is what’s coming out

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Are you sure you are holding the gun level, flush, square to the frame? With a fair bit of pressure? Looks like the hammer is moving across the staple, which could be because it’s bent, moved through.

Seen it before, (can't imagine them all crushing like that?) I'd fire another just underneath 2mm then pull the squiff one out , are the staples longer than 8mm?

You are very lucky.
I used to work for a national tool shop and our branch had people that were either keen hobbyists or ex trades, but when you covered other branches the majority had no interest other than adding related add on sales. One staff member was brilliant at convincing people they needed engine oil for their new two stroke product. You’ve got to hit those % targets.

When I bought this electric stapler and staples the lady who served me assured me they were compatible. I made a point of asking a couple of times in different ways without trying to be patronising. But no they don’t fit.

It is essentially Argos for tools unless you happen to get a hobbyist or trades person. But even then if you’re after plumbing and you get an ex electrician.

the black friday £199 bosch pillar drill on amazon managed to get me finally this year.

just need to get some sockets wired up in my workshop so I can plug it in now.

Hey, thanks for the info.

Did you need scaffolding as part of that £800 as well? We've got 8 that are all c.20 years old and been quoted just shy of 10k to replace them all (not including units). The guy quoting said it would be about 1 velux per day, which doesn't compare favourably with your 3 in a day!?