Werner Easy Stow Loft Ladder - 3 Section

Made the mistake of buying a cheap one for my son’s first house thinking that there couldn’t be a lot of different between them but there is. This one is great, good quality aluminium with a spring to help get it up and down. Straightforward installation and a joy to use.

It was a bit overwhelming when I first opened the packet but (unlike me usually) I took time to check all off against the very detailed inventory list on the front page of the instructions and separated them (a, b, c etc) into separate containers. Every last screw, bolt and washer etc was there. I then followed the instructions exactly. I'd kinda half watched the You Tube the night before and must have picked up more than I thought as it did give me a few extra useful tips. Anyway, the ladder works fine. It wouldn't be suitable for using day and daily, eg you've an attic bedroom, but for occasional things like putting the Xmas decs back after Xmas or retrieving suitcases or storing boxes until the guarantee period is up. For my purposes I'd certainly buy it again. I've used it every day since for one reason or another as Iwas wiring a light up there and fitting a TV aerial splitter and booster. (I still need to get (or make) a drop down trapdoor though!)

I wanted a safe ladder to get me in and out of my loft just for occasional use My choice was basically down to the Werner range or Youngman's. Ruled out Youngman's as I did not like there raising mechanism and the spring version looked complicated as you have to add blocks to the hatch and very expensive . The same idea is on the Werner 2 section and 3 section ladder a to lower it down. This down versions looks like they could drop down on you if your not careful.I chose the 3 section easy stow model as it has a handrail that has two positions to fit on the ladder. I chose to have it go further into loft , aiding climbing down . I liked the spring mechanism that eases the ladder down and helps raising it up. more about that later. It also has catches both sides for additional safety before climbing and storing. After watching the fitting videos I could see that this was not going to be difficult to fit and I recommend you do too.The best price I found was on Amazon as it had been discounted and with prime free delivery. As for sturdiness this is a lightweight ladder but it will take over 150 kg so it's safe to use and I feel safe climbing it . It also comes with a catch and hinges to convert your existing hatch if needed. I can say it took me no longer than 40 minutes to fit the ladder to the loft. It took me longer to adapt the hatch from push up to drop down but a tip is to draw a line round the existing hatch in the closed position and mark the hinge side on frame and hatch .Then cut it out and fit the hinges and catch .As for the criticism I have read the weak pole, not sturdy and weak parts and I agree with some of points raised. The instructions are adequate but could be clearer best to sort count out the screws before fitting and put them with the parts they intend to secure. The hinges need to be secured to solid timber and possibly the spring mechanism if you can. As for hinges , the hinges on the Youngman's are plastic too. On the Werner ladders they all have metal hinges to secure to loft connected to plastic guides to slide on the ladder when raised and lowered , only time will tell how good they are but my ladder goes straight up and down without twisting plus this ladder comes with 5 year guarantee anyway . The pivot at the top of ladder to connect the spring arm is plastic and maybe metal would have been better but again so far no problem. The pole is weak but the spring mechanism position maybe the problem . I too nearly broke the end off mine while trying to get the ladder down . I fitted the spring to the ladder using the template and it was not easy to get down at all . I don't think the ladder should lay flat when up but the instructions don't make that clear . I did ring Werner but got nowhere . I solved this problem by screwing a piece of wood under the arm to keep the arm raised at a slight angle and it now works really well and easy to get down and up. You will see pictures of it raised at an angle but nothing in instructions. If you want sturdier ladders then be prepared to pay a lot more but I feel they are safe enough even if I was using them every day

Reasonable value for money but not exactly the most sturdy set of steps. Was a little bit of a challenge to install all even though I am very competent at such things, it was still a challenge, mainly installing the spring loaded arm, and lining it all up as there really isn't much tolerance for error. I'm sure it would be far easier if the surfaces you are attaching all of this to our totally level with each other but the majority of lofts are not like that and therefore I actually had to make a fair number of modifications in order for this to actually work for my situation. I guess for the cost it isn't terrible, but the ladders themselves are not very strong and flex considerably, I can't say that I actually feel that safe on them and I'm only 92kg yet they still flex quite a bit when climbing. The handrail seems like a useful feature but does actually sometimes get in the way when you are lifting larger boxes into the loft, would be nice to have an option to fold it out of the way, maybe more expensive models have this option. The double side locking mechanism seems to work ok. Also the plastic attachment on the end of the retrieving pole doesn't seem like it's going to last very long.All in all it will do but I would definitely spend more money next time.

Impressed with this item, easy to install, instructions easy to understand.Very impressed with ease of use, strong & safety.

Once you fully read and fully understand the instructions, fitting is simple. Take care as some parts look similar and you need to check the orientation of some of the smaller parts. Would recommend.

the ladders are not very sturdy and the loft ladder pole that is used to pull the loft ladder down is shocking. i don't get why they decided to make the pole metal then the hook plastic as its the hook taking most of the weight as i went to use it for the first time thee plastic hook snapped and no longer could use. I was fitting this for a elderly customer who after fitting i had to leave with no access to the loft as the hook which has the key on broke. I have now made my own out of metal and is much better but its cost me money, time and most importantly inconvenience to the customer i'm not happy at all, wont be buying ever again.

Easy to use, very safe with locking clips.