FAKRO OWM 22inx54in Basic Metal Non-Insulated Attic Ladder 300lbs 10ft 1in

My needs in an attic (loft) ladder were specific; outside use, fit lengthwise across joists 24 inches on center so I'd only need to cut onejoist, ceiling of 7 feet 5 inches, 300 pound rating, metal ladder, spring assist closure, no gas cylinders, no plastic latch. It was for aremote cabin with an enclosed space above a porch. Local sources, Lowe's and Home Depot, had nothing close in stock so I did an internet search of the common names; Warner, Century, Louisville, etc. - again no joy.The name Fakro popped up on a few searches. Never heard of them. After reading reviews from many web sites I selected the 66861 OWM model. Specifications and description varied between sites so I went to FakroUSA.com directly. Even there I found minor "errors" with one page calling the door material chip board and another particle board. And, the most important thing was the OWM video that clinched the deal on this ladder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omVRZt_StW8After cutting the ceiling panel, one 2x4 joist, the upstairs floor and framing the opening (the hardest part of the project) we unpacked theladder. It was nicely cushioned by foam on the corners and shrink wrapped. The outside box was barely adequate, I'm glad it only took 2 days to arrive by Fed Ex. Even transferring it from the Fed Ex truck to mine the outer box ripped while carrying it.The unit is heavy, even for 2 people, so my brother and I deviated from the pictures by unbolting the ladder from the 4 brackets on the particle board door. The instructions included with the ladder are pictures, no worded steps on installation so you need to watch the video too. I copied it to my laptop so we could refer to it as we went along. No electric grid, all power tools were battery operated.We carefully opened the metal latch, extended the hinge arms, duct taped them open and raised the frame into the 25" x 47" opening carefully because the frame is only stapled on the corners. Two pieces of 1x4 screwed to the ceiling below held the frame up as we centered it with shims and screwed it to the supporting joists taking care to keep it square and even all around.The only hitch was one hole in the hinge support shown for a mounting screw was above the wood frame. A 2x6 would have worked but the floor upstairs was a 2x4 setup so we added a couple more shims and screws than called for. I'll work out a metal bracket and bolt fixture later but it was 86 degrees and way hotter upstairs so we attached the ladder back to the door, cut the legs to length, added some trim around the opening and called it a day. Paint will come on the next trip.The ladder worked great, we moved some things upstairs and opened and closed it a few times to test it. The only hitch (and this was noted on several reviews) were the foot pads on the ladder legs. One of them split when we put it on the shortened legs. We taped it with plastic tape for now until a better solution is found, that's why the 4 star rating.

Decent ladder but not as safe feeling as a regular ladder. I actually managed to install it myself by building a pulley system to hoist the unit up. I would have preferred a little better guidance via simple suggestions clearly pointed out, like "make hole an extra 1/2" wide, or before final X board is nailed to header your hole should be XX.X".I must have not noticed the shoes and tossed them or they simply did not come with my ladder. Looks like they are just rubber feet (not a big $ item) and i was surprised that Fakro didn't just send me a pair when I asked them how I can acquire feet to level my ladder. When I buy the top of the line attic ladder I guess I expected a bit more so I am a little disappointed it's not of the sturdy quality of a lightweight Gorilla Ladder or Little Giant. I had to buy adjustable feet to attach to the bottom to ensure it stands properly and it has been a MAJOR hassle to deal with.Tomorrow I need to replace the latch because it's a dinky little 1/2 wide lip that just looks weak and is. It can only handle about 1/8" lateral movement before failing and I guarantee it's failed others as well.

I replaced a ladder from an older home. Lowes and Home Depot didn't carry one this dimension. This ladder was easy to install. Took about as much time as a Werner Ladder to install I installed 2 years ago. I'm thrilled I could find one that fits the rough opening. Good product. Seems like quality built.

Just what we needed. We did not use the last piece of the ladder as the building we were installing it in was one of those prefab units with lower ceiling height.

It has been installed, looks great, just haven't had a chance to use it.

I HAVE USED 2 OF THESE ..... BUT SOMEHOW ORDERED MORE THAN I NEEDED SO RETURNING 2 MORE....

The ladder is alright now, after l had it modified for a cost of $150.00 When we opened it up afterinstallation. it would not open all the way. all sections were of equal size. After it was modified, it works well.Sorry. but l really could not recommend this to anyone. Thanks, but no thanks. Joe Russo