Folding Attic Stairs

[Marty Walsh]

This is the first (of probably many) offshot threads for my new shop...

Does anyone know of any suppliers for 'industrial strength' folding attic stairs? The typical wooden models sold by the borg have a weight rating of 250-300 pounds. I've had a set of those break on me, luckily while I was empty handed, so I'm looking for alternatives.

My shop ceiling will be 10', which complicates things since the borg usually only carries 8' models, making the 10' model a special order, accompanied by special order pricing!

I found the Super Simplex from Precision Ladder. They're all aluminum, rated at 500 lbs overall, and each tread is rated at 1000lb. Appeared to be just what I want, so I sent off for a quote. BOY are they SPENDY!!!! :eek:

Any other suggestions?

- Marty -

[tod evans]

build a real staircase and incorperate a moving level platform for bringing stuff like compressors/lumber up-n-down. the "lost" floorspace will be minimal compared to the convenience of attic access....02 tod

[Dave Falkenstein]

I bought an aluminum folding attic stair from Lowe's. This unit is made by Werner. I cannot find a load rating in the instruction manual. You can reach Werner at 724-588-8600 or 888-523-3370 or on the web at:

www.wernerladder.com.

Model S2210 is designed for a 10 foot ceiling height.

[Ken Garlock]

Check the REAL lumber yards around town. They will have what you need, most likely. I have a 10 ft. ceiling in my shop, and the builder had no problem procuring a folding stair for me. As I recall, the brand is Memphis Folding Stairs, MFS.

[Luther Oswalt]

http://www.louisvilleladder.com/default.asp
My ceilings are 12 ft and this is what I have. We built a drop down mount of 2x8 and it works great!
Mine is rated for 350 lbs.
Leo

[Marty Walsh]

Tod,

A full set of stairs isn't really an option for me given the fact that I'm dealing with trusses. I'm trying everything in my power to avoid having to modify them on site. Although I agree, a full set of stairs would be the nicest and most convenient solution.

Dave, Ken, and Luther,

Thanks for the leads. I might be looking at way overkill with the attic ladder I looked into. It's rated at 500lbs, which seems to be a load more than the ones you all have chosen. I'll look into the three you recommend. They can't be ANYWHERE NEAR as expensive as the one I looked at.

Thanks again...
- Marty -

[Richard Wolf]

I'm with tod, build your own. Most residentual staircases are about 40 degrees, if you built a ladder type staircase at about 70 degrees with no risers, you will take up a minimum of floor space and will hold a ton of weight, maybe not a ton.

Richard

[Tom Browning]

Hey Dave. I was in the process of buying an attic ladder and found a
lot of scary accident reports on the S2210 model that you bought (part of the werner S2200 series). There were MANY reported incidences of the hinges on this model breaking, with little use, resulting in serious injury to the user (including broken backs). Just do a google search with the search words: "Werner" "s2210" "broke". Most of the
reports are for the 10 ft version (probably because more sold), but the hinge problem occurs on both of the S2200 series steel models (S2208 and S2210; and both models have been discontinued).

Below is a list of some of the breakage incidences from counsel.net
Also check out the reviews on Amazon.com (scary). Anyway, just
thought that you should know so that you can either trash the ladder
or make sure you got one of the later produced ladders with steel
hinges (many of the earlier produced S2000 model (S2208 and S2210)
steel ladders had pot-metal hinges; I don't know why they made a
ladder of steel if they were gonna make the hinges of junk metal, but
they did). Werner customer service may know (by the lot/production
number) if your model has the stronger/steel or weaker/pot-metal
hinges).

One other word of caution: despite the overwhelming evidence, Werner
has not admitted a need to recall even the older ladders and they will
probably say that even those defective ladders are ok to sell. Unless
you are assured that the ladder is a newer redesigned ladder with
steel HINGES, do not use the ladder as someone could be seriously
injured/killed/paralyzed.

If you have already sold the ladder, please warn the buyer. Below is
the list of incidents.

Good luck.

Reports (from counsel.net):

- Hide quoted text -
Werner S2210 300lb Capacity hinge shear

1.) On 1/01/08, Scott Murphy wrote: Climbing the ladder today to
return Christmas items to garage attic. On top step of lowest ladder
segment, hinges sheared, I fell to garage floor. No injury, yet
pretty hard fall. With box and my weight, now where close to the
300lb capacity. Hinges were locked, not sure which hinge sheared
first, too busy with the fall. Hinges appear to be cast metal. Can
anyone provide information on how to get a refund,replacement or
recall information?

2.) On 8/05/09, Harmon wrote: My S2210 mk3 Werner attic stairs broke
at the bottom left hing. I fell and hurt my back. When I called,
they directed me to buy another model! When I complained that the
ladder was less than 3 years old, and it should not have broken
with almost no use, they told me there is a fix-
it kit. They are
sending it to me now, I'll update when it comes in.

warner s2210:

3.) Posted by George Rollins on 2/20/08: On Feb.16,08 both Hinges on
the bottom section of my Werner S2210 attic ladder sheared into
causing me (the victim) to fall and break back.

4.) Posted by Rolly Merrill on 5/03/08: On April 30, 2008 my
professionally installed Werner S2210 ladder suddenly snapped on one
leg at the bottom hinge. I'm lucky I wasn't killed.

5.) Posted by Benj on 8/25/08: I have a S2210 and 3 of the 4 hinges
broke. Thought I bought the best. Would like to see a recall.

6.) Posted by B. Osborn on 11/30/08: My Werner Ladder s2210 just broke
at the bottom two hinges sending me flying. Looks like this isn't an
isolated incident for this ladder. My house is only 3 years old and
the ladder was installed new at that time.

7.) Posted by Denny W. on 12/08/08: Last night one of the bottom
hinges on my s2210 broke. Luckily, nobody was hurt but it could have
been pretty ugly.

8.) Posted by Gary K on 12/14/08: I have Werner S2208 that I installed
about 3 years ago and today December 14, 2008 while climbing up the
lower section hinge broke on me. I was lucky that I managed to jump
down and did not get hurt. I could immagine if I was half way up I
could easyly fallen on my back.

9.) Posted by Bob Ford on 12/28/08: Mine failed on 12/27/08. Last
section snapped off at hinges while ascending. The hinge looks like
cheap "pop metal" broke clean. Purchased 9/2005.

10.) Posted by Dirk Parker on 1/03/09: Just bought a 10 year old
home. 1st time I used my S2210 Werner ladder, the bottom right hinge
broke. Dirk parker 503 435-9232

11.) Posted by Bob Ford (follow up) on 1/09/09: Werner must know it
has a problem...when I called, the customer service rep finished my
sentence for me....they sent me a repair kit for the bottom section
and it went on fine. However, I then saw that the locking hinge on
one side was cracked through, probably happened when the bottom
section broke out from under me. Anyway, called them back, very good
service, they are sending me a new aluminum AL2210 replacement ladder
and I was told the steel S2210 model is no longer being made....which
is no surprise, really, given the problems they are obviously
having....

12.) Posted by Ginny Jones on 2/20/09: I'm 65 years old and my s2210
snapped off on the bottom section at hinge site. I've used it many
times feeling safe, now I question the manufacture. Shame on Werner.
Thanks, Ginny Jones 503-914-5568

13.) Posted by Bob Martin on 2/26/09: I installed my S2210 in 05 and
only use it 2 times a month. the ladder is rated for 300 lbs and I
weigh about 185 so it wasn't overloaded. Today the bottom left hinge
broke off just as I started up. If it broke when I was on top it
could have been bad.

14.) Posted by Randy W. on 2/28/09: are there replacement hinges that
are available? I have the S2208 and the bottom left hinge snapped
this morning... but I dont see the hinge as a replacement part.

15.) Posted by Steph d. on 3/24/09: We have the werner S2210. This
weekend my husband, 195lbs, was going into the attic when the left
hinge snapped, sending my husband to the ground from 6ft or so. He
landed on his right heel, multiple fractures, crushed in the center.
Out of work for a minimum of 3 months, not sure if we will need
surgery, we are waiting for the swelling to go down to cast. Sure wish
we had kept that old wooden ladder!!

16.) Posted by Joe on 8/13/09: I experienced problem similar to
others.
 The lower step broke off by the sides and a gas strut jammed
and broke.
 I called Werner and they are sending me replacement pieces
free of charge but
 I have to wait 7-10 business days.

17.) Posted by Mark on 10/01/09: The bottom section of my S2210
snapped off yesterday as I was taking a box of Halloween decorations
from the attic. Box + myself weighed about 200 lbs. Hurt both feet,
but could have been MUCH worse if I would have been higher up.

Werner S2210:

18.) Posted b Frank Sheasley on 10/02/09: I had a S2210 10" 300 lb
ladder break at the right side 1st
and second hinge break as I was
ascending the ladder in
 March. Not sure which hinge broke first/ I
fell to the
 right on to concrete floor. I fractured my shoulder was
in
 sling for 8 weeks and Physical therapy for 5 months. Just
 now saw
this post.
Werner pull down attic ladder:

19.) Posted by David Resley on 2/09/07
On 12/07/07 I was descending my 2 year old steel pull down ladder
that had replaced a similar Werner pull down made of wood (that had
pulled loose from the pull down door)
when the right side lower hinge
just fell apart plunging me off an adjacent wall to the floor. The
hinge looks like it was made of cast pot metal. Upon inspecting the
left side hinge, I found a crack in it as well. If the damn ladder
is made of steel, why are the hinges made of junk metal? I have a bad
nack as well and wound up nursing it the rest of the day. I found
this link while looking for possible replacement hinges. Anyone up
for a class action suit?
20.) Posted by Roger Groves on 8/12/08: i to fell from my s2210
ladder after the lower hinges broke, lucky i wasnt hurt, did you find
any replacements

RE: Werner Ladder

21.) Posted by Michael Doeringsfeld on 5/08/08: I have a steel Werner
Attic Ladder model #2210 in which both lower hinges broke causing me
to fall the the garage floor. I received a broken wrist that required
surgery (steel plate and 12 screws). My accident happened March,
2008. Please send me an e-mail if you had the same incident with
Werner Ladder, . Thanks,
Michael Doeringsfeld
22.) Posted by Betty Carol Clark on 9/02/08: Same ladder model broke
this last week. metal hidges broken. Any recouse on this
Posted by J.B on 11/03/08: 1/03/08 Both lower hinges broke, I fell to
floor and twisted my back and neck
23.) Posted by Ray Dinterman on 12/02/08: am shocked this is still
going on, mine broke January, 2008. I busted open my head and was
knocked out for awhile. I contacted Werner and they replaced my
ladder, paid for installation, and told me to send them any medical
bills. But truly these ladders need recalled. Someone is going to get
killed.
24.) Posted by Jim Walters on 1/01/09: Same ladder model (s2210) for
me. One bottom hinge broke 12/22/2008
just as I stepped to the next
higher section. I was lucky in that the results could have been much
worse than the temporary back strain I received. I'm contacting
Werner
25.) Posted by steph D. on 3/23/09: 03/21/09 We also have the werner
attic ladder, left hinge at the top broke, causing it to swing
around, dropping my husband to the ground from about 6ft up. He is
195lbs, crushed his heal, multiple fractures, hoping to see an
orthopedic this week.
26.) Posted by Alberta Gardner on 9/20/09: We have Werner model
#2208. The lower hinge broke when I was coming down the steps in
March of 2009. I sustained compression fractures at L1-2. Now I find
out that they filed for bankruptcy. What can we do now?

Warner S2210 Attic ladder:

27.) On 6/03/09, Mike Smith wrote: Hello, i have the Werner S2210
Attic ladder and while using it the lower section snapped off
breaking the hinge. Has anyone else had this problem and if so do
you have any photos of the broken hinge and area. please if it would
not be too much of a problem could you e-mail them to me at
michael@wilsonferry.com Thank you

28.) On 7/07/09, dave d wrote: installed about 2 yrs ago,just had
the same thing happen. need to find replacement hinge parts.

29.) On 9/06/09, Gary wrote: I had the same problem, and it sounds
like the same exact place. I have pictures and will be sending them
shortly.

Some additional incidents since my original compilation from October 29, 2009:

1.) Re: werner s2210
On 11/15/09, patrick benz wrote:
On 11/12/09 my werner S2210 pull down ladder bottom hinges broke while
I was on the ladder. Luckily I was able to jump back off it without
hurting myself.

2.) Re: werner s2210
On 11/20/09 Mariann Rosenquest wrote:
I just bought my home 3 months ago. I was putting some boxes up in the
attic when my Werner S2210 ladder, right bottom hinge broke, sending
me straight to the ground. I am only 157 lbs and it says it was rated
at 300 lbs. I have been looking for a replacement hinge and can find
nothing. During my search I happened upon this site. It appears this
is quite common.

3.) Re: werner s2210
On 12/17/09, fortunate to have been uninjured when mine broke on
12/17/09 wrote: Mine broke (three of four hinges and one of the legs.
I called Werner and they, without hesitation said that they have made
an arrangement with Lowe's to replace these. They did and the new
aluminum model I installed seems to be a much better design.

4.) Re: Werner S2210 Attic Ladder
On 11/03/09, Tom wrote:
Same thing just happened to me while I was on it. ladder about
6yrs. Old

5.) Post: werner S2210: On 11/05/09 Justin wrote:
while i was using my "trusty" attic ladder, my second step
from the bottom where the first set of hinges are, snapped
on me. i then fell back and my tote full of halloween
stuff fell n top of me. it sounds like a few people have
had this problem. whoever is thinking about buying this
product, i would really do a bit of research before
spending the money and time installing this product.

6.) Re: Werner pull down attic ladder
On 11/30/09 Ross Anger wrote:
My ladder hinge broke at the lower left hinge as I was decending. I
didnt fall and there were no injuries. I called Werner the next day
and they are going to send me replacement parts. No reason to sue!

7.) Re: Werner Ladder
Posted by Russ on 11/30/09
I had both hinges snap off when I started up the ladder tonight to get
the Christmas decorations down. They appear to be made out of a cheap
pot metal. I can't get the model number until I can get another ladder
to get up to it but I'll try to post it tomorrow. I'm still sore.

8.) Re: Werner S2210 Attic Ladder
On 12/07/09, Dan F. wrote:
Both hinges on the second section snapped off over the weekend. The
metal hinges sheared off cleanly at approximately the same locations.
I just called Werner and they are aware of the problem, and have a
replacement kit to repair the hinges.
You'll need to drill out the rivets and reinstall. They need
the model# and the MK# which are located on the ladder.

9.) Re: werner s2210
On 12/28/09, Faber wrote:
Model s2208 the bottom hinges broke and left me suspended in
the air. I called Werner and they offered me new steel
hinges or a new attic ladder no questions asked. I was glad
to a new ladder system did not want the old one to fail
somewhere else and hurt my family.

10.) Re: Werner Ladder
On 1/02/10 Derek Meersman wrote:
I just had my ladder snap at the bottom joint while coming down from
the attic. I bought this latter because it was rated for three hundred
pounds and figured it wouldn't have any problems supporting my weight
plus whatever I wsa carrying out of the attic. Needless to say I am
very upset and my daughter almost had a heart attack while she watched
her father fall from the attic stairs. I don't think I sustained any
serious injury, thankfully.

11.) Re: Werner Ladder
On 1/02/10 John wrote:
That's exactly what happened to me. I was coming down the ladder empty
handed put my foot on the bottom section and the whole thing broke
off. Luckily I had both hands to grab and hold on.

They sent me a new bottom section. And later they ended up sending me a new
ladder.

12.) Re: werner s2210
On 1/04/10 Rick wrote:
I purchased an s2210 MK3 from my local Home Depot. Worked
fine for along time, then last night I was putting Christmas
decorations in my attic and the left bottom hinge sheared at
the connection to the bottom section. I'm about 170 lbs and
was carrying a box weighing about 5 lbs. I will call the
Consumer Protection hot line to report this failure as well.

13.) Re: Werner Ladder
On 1/05/10 Steve M wrote:
I just had the same problem on Jan 3rd. I went to step on the first
step with nothing in hand and the right lower hinge snapped followed
by the left.

14.) re: werner s2210
On 01/09/2010, R.Sirois wrote: Just went to put Christmas Items away,
home is 4 years old, ladder installed by builder, right leg snap at
the hinge. Fell about 3ft lucky I'm in shape and was able to absorb
the impact. This unit needs to be reviewed. The hinge is not easy to
replace since its rivoted.

15.) Re: werner s2210
On 1/18/10, George S wrote: My 2210 snapped off at the bottom as I
was ascending to the attic in Dec 2009. Installed in March 2005 in a
new house. I would like to find better replacement hinges because I
would rather not have to pull the old unit out to replace.
 Upgraded
hinges would be nice.

16.) Re: werner s2208: On 1/30/2010 Ed Gill wrote: bottom right hinge
broke. I was lucky I held on to the top section of the ladder.

17.) Re: Werner pull down attic ladder: On 02/28/2010 Tom wrote: hinge
on my S2210 broke today, I almost fell. I have wrote Werner. It was a
cheap Chinese cast with a bad spot.

18.) Post: Werner Attic Ladder S2208 Junk
On 3/01/10 Charles Rogers wrote: I have a Werner S2208 Attic Ladder 3
or 4 years old that has been used about 10 times. The hinge broke at
the locking point. I called Werner - Their response " You can't
replace that part you'll have to buy a new ladder." If the lower
hinge would have broken I could get a
replacement kit for free. Strange, both hinges are made
from the same cast alumimun. Rest assured the replacement
ladder will not be a Werner.

19.) Re: Werner s2208: On 3/01/10 JaminATL wrote, Apparently holiday
visits to the attic were trouble for a lot of people.
 Well add me to
the record, mine broke week after xmas, thankfully wasn't
 hurt beyond
a scrape. Finally googled about it today and found this every
 growing
list of incidents.
 Called Werner, was offer replacement piece and
when I specifically asked, b/c I saw what other here were offered, I
was told I can take it down and
 return it to Lowes for a replacement
ladder. I opted for fix kit for the
 moment so I wouldn't have to take
the whole thing down.
 Calling Consumer Protection now to report my
problem with the ladder
 officially there.

20.) Re: Werner Pull Down Attic Ladder: On 03/07/10 Chris Moll wrote:
.
this past fall the right hinge midway up ladder broke. sending me on
a rapid/fall/twist to the floor. I must call Werner for a
replacement.

21.) Re Werner s2210: On 03/11/2010 Bonnie wrote: My Werner S2210 MK2
attic ladder broke some time ago. When it initially broke, my now
ex-husband said he called Werner and they wouldn't do anything. I've
been worried about having to replace the ladder because I can't do it
myself... plus I didn't want to spend the money to buy a whole new
ladder. Thanks to this chatboard, I called Werner again and this time
they offered to send a repair kit. It should be here in 7 to 10 days
at no charge. I'm not sure what the other posters said to get Werner
to replace theirs, but they wouldn't do it for me.
 No more proping
the broken side up on a stepstool to get into the attic! Has anyone
here installed the repair kit?
 I also reported the issue to CPSC.
Thanks everyone!

[Von Bickley]

Tod,

A full set of stairs isn't really an option for me given the fact that I'm dealing with trusses. I'm trying everything in my power to avoid having to modify them on site. Although I agree, a full set of stairs would be the nicest and most convenient solution.

Thanks again...
- Marty -

Marty,
I had trusses at my last house and tore out the sorry fold-up-stairs and replaced it with a set of real stairs. My real stairs were only 22.5 inches wide, but that was the same width as the fold-up-stairs.

I never saw a set of fold-up-stairs that I liked.......

[Chris Padilla]

http://www.calvertstairs.com

I have a set of these in aluminum to reach my attic. I had a minimal opening.

I basically got tired of having to drag a ladder to my second story to reach the attic.

The stairs are solid but they do reduce what you can fit through the opening due to the space they take up.

Thankfully, I don't have to get into the attic very much.

[Brian Tax]

I have 12 ft. ceiling in mine also, I just bought a Werner 26 ft multi-ladder, in step ladder format it goes up over 12 ft, that way I am not locked into on location for the ladder and I can use it for other uses also.

[Matt Meiser]

Anyone else notice this thread is from 4 years ago? And that the person who bumped it registered today and his only post is to copy and paste a bunch of info from somewhere else?

[Steve Clardy]

U-huh. Thread reviving seems to be popular lately

[Chris Padilla]

Goshdarnitalltoheck!!! Caught me!! I'm usually the one to point this out...missed this one. :(

[Cody Colston]

Yeah, I think Marty completed his shop about three years ago. :D

[Matt Meiser]

Well, if he put in those Werner stairs, maybe he needs new ones anyway. :)

[Sam Layton]

Marty,

Check out www.bessler.com (http://www.bessler.com) Bessler stair company. I installed one of their ladders for my attic. The ladder is a one piece ladder, and is rated at 800 pounds. You just have to have enough room in your attic for the ladder to go.

This ladder pulls down and it becomes stairs. It works great.

Sam

[Tony Perrone]

I don't like aluminum attic stairs they get slippery if your feet are wet and the wood atic stairs the steps are wider just my two cents though. I agree with real steps if you can do it.