Mac Allister LL6A Easy Store Aluminium Loft Ladder - 3 Section

Safety First

⚠️ WARNING: Please read the instructions before using the loft ladder.

This ladder should never be used as a free standing leaning ladder.

General Safety Precautions:

• Ensure installation is in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and all safety labels are read and followed.
• Maximum one person on the ladder at a time. Maintain a secure grip when climbing.
• Never use damaged equipment. Ensure rungs are clean and free from dirt or grease.
• Always wear flat-bottomed, firm-soled shoes.
• The loft ladder MUST be fully lowered to the top stops on both sides before use.
• Ensure both ladder feet are on a firm, level surface.
• Avoid electrical hazards. Check clearances at the top and access points.
• Do not modify or repair the product in any way.
• The ladder is designed for an operating angle between 68° and 80°. Adjust catch positions to keep the red line as vertical as possible.
• IMPORTANT: Ensure locking catches are fully engaged before use.
• Observe normal safety precautions when working in the loft space. Place weight only on main ceiling joists. Do not drill above head height. Avoid contact with electrical wiring. Ensure someone else is aware of your location.
• Do not exceed the maximum load of 150kg.

Tools Required

• Stepladder
• Bradawl
• Saw
• Drill with 13mm & 2mm bits
• Large flat bladed screwdriver
• Small and medium crosshead screwdrivers
• Adjustable spanner/pliers
• Lever to prise off support battens
• Tape measure/Ruler
• Hammer

Product Specifications

3 Section Professional Loft Ladder Dimensions

* At handrail low position - 710mm (28") | At handrail top position - 965mm (38")

** At handrail low position - 1120mm (44") | At handrail top position - 1370mm (54")

Operating Angle: 68° - 80°

Components Checklist

Please check you have all components listed (tick boxes):

Twist Catch Assembly

• A1 Catch Operator x1
• A2 Travel Stop Ring x1
• A3 Catch Lever x1
• A4 Nut (M12) x1
• A5 Location Bracket x1
• A6 Screw (20mm) x2
• A7 Screw (12mm) x1

Hinge Guide Assembly

• B1 Hinge Guide (left) x1
• B2 Hinge Guide (right) x1
• B3 Screw (35mm) x6

Additional Top Stops

• C1 Top Stop Bolt (M4x8mm) x2
• C2 Additional Top Stop x2
• C3 Locking Nut (M4) x2

Bottom Stops

• D1 Bottom Stop x2
• D2 Screw (12mm) x4

Handrail Assembly

• E1 Handrail Spacer x3
• E2 Bolt (M5 x 60mm) x3
• E3 Washer (ø25mm) x3
• E4 Locking Nut (M5) x3

Pivot Assembly

• F1 Power Pivot Unit x1
• F2 Housing Cover x1
• F3 Screw (20mm) x6
• F4 Pivot Tip x1
• F5 Bolt (M6 x 40mm) x1
• F6 Plastic Washer x2
• F7 Locking Nut (M6) x1
• F8 Nut Cap x1
• F9 Card Template x1

Main Ladder Components

• G1 3-Section Loft Ladder x1
• G2 Stowing Pole x1
• G3 Plastic Stowing Hook/Key x1
• G4 End Plug x1 (Trapdoor not provided)
• G5 Trapdoor Hinges x2
• Screws (20mm CSK) x8
• G6 Handrail x1
• G7 Self-tapping screw x1

Diagram Descriptions for Components:

• Twist Catch Assembly: Shows the individual parts A1-A7 that form the locking mechanism for the trapdoor.
• Hinge Guide Assembly: Depicts the guides (B1, B2) that attach to the ladder stiles and the screws (B3) used for fixing.
• Additional Top Stops: Illustrates the extra stops (C2) and their fixing bolts (C1) and nuts (C3).
• Bottom Stops: Shows the bottom stops (D1) and screws (D2) that attach to the ladder stiles.
• Handrail Assembly: Details the components E1-E4 for attaching the handrail (G6), including spacers, bolts, washers, and nuts.
• Pivot Assembly: Displays the parts F1-F9 related to the spring-loaded pivot mechanism, including the unit (F1), cover (F2), screws (F3), pivot tip (F4), and linkage components.
• Main Ladder Components: Shows the main ladder sections (G1), stowing pole (G2), hook/key (G3), end plug (G4), trapdoor hinges (G5), handrail (G6), and self-tapping screw (G7).

Installation Instructions

IMPORTANT: DO NOT attempt to climb your loft ladder until installation is complete and the ladder is pulled down to appropriate top stops. Then ensure that the locking catches are engaged.

Adapting the Trapdoor

The loft ladder is suitable for a loft opening flush with the ceiling, having a hinged trapdoor opening downwards, with a suitable fastener to keep the hatch firmly shut. If the trapdoor does not hinge downwards, or is not hinged at all, you will need to adapt or replace it so that it does. The parts needed are enclosed.

Diagram: Illustrates a trapdoor with hinges (G5) attached to one edge and a minimum clearance of 26mm (1") between the trapdoor and the top edge of the framework.

Hanging the Trapdoor

1. If a new trapdoor is required, its thickness must not exceed 20mm (3/4"). Consider the weight of the trapdoor and the security of the hinge screws. Chipboard and MDF may not be suitable.
2. Use the existing cover as a template to cut out the new piece, ensuring a slightly loose fit all round (3mm (1/8") maximum). Your DIY store may be able to do this for you.
3. Remove the existing trapdoor and hinges. Prise off any support battens so that the four faces of the loft trap frame are flat.
4. Screw hinges (G5) to one edge of the trapdoor using 20mm (3/4") wood screws.
5. For extra performance, fill the screw holes with wood glue.
6. Offer up the hinges to the face of the frame on the same end as you intend setting the ladder, and fix.
7. Ensure that there is at least 26mm (1") clearance between the top face of the trapdoor and the top edge of the framework.

Fitting the Twist Catch

1. Find the mid-point of the trapdoor edge opposite to the hinged side. This will give you your centre line. Mark with a pencil.
2. With the trapdoor fully closed, measure exactly 26mm (1") in from the edge of the frame and mark with a pencil.
3. Drill a 13mm (1/2") hole in the centre and sand off any rough edges.
4. Pass the catch operator (A1) through the trapdoor hole from the underside such that the position pointer points towards the trapdoor edge.
5. Place the travel stop ring (A2) over the operator such that the securing tag is at 45 degrees to the trapdoor centre line.
6. Place the catch lever (A3) over the operator and locate into the operator groove such that the lever points towards the trapdoor near edge and fully locates within the travel stop ring (A2).
7. Secure the travel stop ring (A2) using screw (A7).
8. Secure the catch assembly with M12 nut (A4), ensuring the nut is tightened sufficiently to allow the catch to rotate freely without any looseness.

Diagram: Shows the trapdoor centre line, measurement points (26mm), drill hole (Ø13mm), and the assembly of catch operator (A1), travel stop ring (A2), and catch lever (A3) with nut (A4).

Fixing the Location Bracket

When turned to the correct position, the catch lever will engage in the location bracket to hold the trapdoor shut. Fix as follows:

1. Measure the thickness of the trapdoor, add 9mm (3/8") to this.
2. On the closing edge of the hatch opening, draw a line this distance up from the bottom edge parallel with the opening.
3. Mark a vertical line on the inside of the trapdoor frame corresponding with the centre line of the trapdoor catch.
4. Position the catch location bracket (A5) as shown in the diagram, along the horizontal line.
5. Match up the indent mark on the bracket with the vertical centre line.
6. Make guide holes with the bradawl and fix, using two 20mm wood screws supplied (A6).

Diagram: Illustrates measuring the trapdoor thickness plus 9mm, drawing a horizontal line on the frame, and positioning the location bracket (A5).

Assembling the Ladder and Fittings

N.B. The long sides of the ladder are known as the 'stiles'. Each complete section of the ladder is known as a 'frame'. For correct identification, the front frame of the ladder can be identified by its rounded feet.

1. Carefully push out the studs (lightly tap with a hammer if necessary) and remove the plastic end tips from the bottom of the REAR frame of the ladder, noting which way round they go.
2. Slide the hinge guides (B1 & B2) onto the rear frame stiles. The brackets should be positioned outwards, with the double holed half uppermost.
3. Slide all the way up to the factory-fitted permanent top stops.
4. Do not replace the plastic end tips at this stage (see step 6.5).

Diagram: Shows the front and rear frames of the ladder and the attachment of hinge guides (B1, B2) to the rear frame stiles.

Additional Top Stops

Depending on the floor to loft floor height, you may need to fit the additional top stops provided (C2). Refer to the table below for guidance.

Diagram: Shows the position of additional top stops (C2) relative to the permanent top stop and hinge guides (B1, B2).

5. Locate the additional top stops over the holes approx 150mm (6") below the permanent top stops on the rear frame of the ladder.
6. Ensure the hinge guides (B1 & B2) are already in place and below the additional top stops when fitted.
7. Fix the additional top stops using two M4 bolts and nuts supplied (C1 & C3).

Fitting Bottom Stops

1. Both end tips should have been removed from the rear frame at step 4.1.
2. Slide the bottom stops (D1) onto the rear frame stiles.
3. Position the bottom stops 150 mm from the end of the stiles.
4. Fix with screws (D2).
5. Replace the plastic end tips removed previously and secure with studs.

Diagram: Shows the fitting of bottom stops (D1) onto the rear frame stiles, with a 150mm measurement.

Installing the Ladder

N.B. The ladder should be installed on the same side of the trap as the trapdoor hinges.

1. With the ladder preferably centred in the opening, and the trapdoor hanging down, locate the hinge guide bracket arms (B1 & B2) on the top edge of the loft hatch frame.
2. Make guide holes with the bradawl then pre-drill pilot holes (2mm diameter) for all screws.
3. Fix using 35mm screws (B3). N.B. the bracket arms with two screw holes should be on top.

Diagram: Shows hinge guide brackets (B1, B2) being attached to the loft hatch frame with screws (B3).

⚠️ WARNING: Do Not stand on the ladder to do this. Either using a second ladder, or from inside the loft space, secure the hinges using six 35mm screws supplied.

If flooring material covers the top edge of the loft hatch frame, ensure it is completely stable and use longer screws if necessary to penetrate the frame itself.

The ladder should now be free to swing from the hinges and slide freely up and down the guides.

Installing the Power Pivot System

Decide which side of the ladder the power pivot assembly will be fitted (left-hand or right-hand side) and follow the relevant instructions below, marking the lines as illustrated:

RIGHT HAND SIDE: Measure 28mm from the inside (LH) face of the right-hand hinge-guide bracket and mark a line 655mm long on the loft floor at 90° from the edge of the opening. Next, measure 435mm along the line you have just marked from the loft opening and mark a new line 100mm across on the loft floor at 90° to the first line.

LEFT HAND SIDE: Measure 64mm from the inside (RH) face of the left-hand hinge-guide bracket and mark a line 655mm long on the loft floor at 90° from the edge of the opening. Next, measure 435mm along the line you have just marked from the loft opening and mark a new line 100mm across on the loft floor at 90° to the first line.

Diagrams: Show the floor marking layout for Right Hand Fixing and Left Hand Fixing, indicating measurements.

8. Position the spring housing (F1) according to the side selected for the power pivot system:

RIGHT HAND SIDE: Place the spring housing (F1) so the front left-hand corner is positioned where the two marked lines intersect. The front face should be on the horizontal line, and the left-hand face on the vertical line. Ensure the arm points AWAY from the loft opening (slot in cover on the left-hand side).

LEFT HAND SIDE: Place the spring housing (F1) so the front right-hand corner is positioned where the two marked lines intersect. The front face should be on the horizontal line, and the right-hand face on the vertical line. Ensure the arm points AWAY from the loft opening (slot in cover on the left-hand side).

Diagram: Shows a 'LEFT HAND FIXING EXAMPLE' with spring housing (F1) and cover (F2) fitted.

8. Using a bradawl, mark the 6 fixing positions on the loft floor through the holes in the spring housing (F1).
9. Fix the spring housing to the loft floor with 4 x 20mm screws (F3) through the inner holes.
10. Place the housing cover (F2) over the spring housing and fix down using 2 x 20mm (F3) screws through the outer holes.
11. Position the ladder in its fully stowed (closed) position carefully in the loft.
12. Remove the stud and plastic top tip from the top of the required side stile of the rear ladder frame and discard.
13. In their place, fit Pivot Tip (F4).
14. Locate the power arm linkage plates on either side of the pivot tip (F4)/ladder stile and align all holes.
15. Secure the stile to the linkage plates using bolt (F5), washers (F6), nut (F7), and nut cap (F8). Ensure bolt (F5) and nut (F7) are tightened sufficiently to allow the linkage to rotate freely without looseness.

Diagrams: Show the assembly of the pivot tip (F4) and linkage plates, and the attachment of the stile using F5, F6, F7, F8.

Note: DO NOT over-tighten the nut (F7) as this will restrict smooth operation of the ladder system.

Handrail Assembly

The handrail (G6) can be fitted to either side of the loft ladder. It is advisable to fit the handle only after fitting the power pivot arm.

1. Fix the handrail to your chosen side of the rear frame.
2. Use 3 x spacers (E1), 60mm bolts (E2), washers, and nuts (E3 & E4) supplied.
3. You have a choice of 2 different handrail heights, dependent on the amount of "in-loft" handrail required. Check that all fixings are secure.

* Position 1 fixes handrail in top position

** Position 2 fixes handrail in low position

Diagram: Shows the handrail (G6) being attached with spacers (E1), bolts (E2), washers (E3), and nuts (E4), illustrating the two height options.

Operating the Ladder

1. Locate the plastic stowing hook/key (G3) into one end of the stowing pole (G2) and push firmly to ensure it is fully located. Secure hook/key (G3) with screw (G7). Push the plastic end plug (G4) into the opposite end of the stowing pole (G2).
2. To open the trapdoor, insert the key (G3) into the slot in the catch operator (A1) and turn the catch anti-clockwise until it reaches the travel stop, then lower the trapdoor.
3. Locate the stowing hook/key (G3) over and at the centre of the REAR ladder section bottom rung and steadily pull the ladder outward and downward until both top stops reach and make contact with the hinge guides.
4. Retract both right-hand side catches 'C' & 'D' (blue) and rotate both catch levers upwards into the locked open position.
5. To extend the ladder, retract left-hand catch 'A' (black) while supporting the front frame of the ladder. Lower the frame slowly until catch 'A' (black) engages again.
6. Then retract catch 'B' (black) and lower the middle frame until catch 'B' (black) is engaged in your required position. Extend the ladder until the feet rest firmly on the floor.
7. When the ladder has been fully deployed, rotate both right-hand side catch levers downward to unlock and release both catches 'C' and 'D' (blue) and ensure both catches are fully engaged. DO NOT use the ladder with any catches ('A', 'B', 'C' or 'D') disengaged. Read the safety labels on the product.
8. Ensure the ladder is pulled down so that the top stops or additional top stops (if fitted) rest firmly on the hinge guides. This supports the top section and prevents it sliding down when climbed.
9. Check the ladder angle against the safety label or refer back to deployed requirements on page 1.

Diagrams: Show the ladder extension mechanism with catches A, B, C, D labelled. Also illustrates the stowing hook (G3) and pole (G2) operation.

Stowing the Ladder

1. Retract both right-hand side catches 'C' & 'D' (blue) and rotate both catch levers upwards into the locked open position.
2. To stow the ladder, retract catch 'A' (black), slide the front frame fully upwards until catch engages again.
3. Repeat step 11.2 for catch 'B' (black) and the middle ladder frame.
4. Reverse step 11.1 and ensure both right-hand side catches 'C' and 'D' (blue) are fully engaged.
5. Engage the plastic stowing hook/key (G3) over and at the centre of the REAR ladder section bottom rung and whilst maintaining the stowing pole near vertical, push the ladder vertically upwards.
6. Continue to slowly push the ladder up and fully into the loft.
7. Finally, use the stowing pole to raise the trapdoor and turn the catch operator clockwise to close.

Diagrams: Show the states of catches C & D (Released/engaged vs. Retracted/locked open) and the stowing process.

⚠️ WARNING: DO NOT attempt to climb your loft ladder until you have: Checked that it is pulled down to the stops. Fully read all safety labels and ensured that it is set at the correct angle. Ensure that the locking catches are fully engaged.

Manufacturer and Distributor Information

UK Manufacturer: Kingfisher International Products Limited, 3 Sheldon Square, London, W2 6PX, United Kingdom

EU Manufacturer: Kingfisher International Products B.V., Rapenburgerstraat 175E, 1011 VM Amsterdam, The Netherlands

UK Distributors:

• B&Q Limited, Chandlers Ford, Hants, SO53 3LE, United Kingdom (www.diy.com)
• Screwfix Direct Limited, Trade House, Mead Avenue, Yeovil, BA22 8RT, United Kingdom (www.screwfix.com)

French Distributors:

• Castorama France C.S. 50101 Templemars, 59637 Wattignies CEDEX (www.castorama.fr)
• BRICO DÉPÔT, 30-32 rue de la Tourelle, 91310 Longpont-sur-Orge France (www.bricodepot.fr)

To view instruction manuals online, visit: www.kingfisher.com/products

Customer Helpline (Freephone):

• UK: 0800 324 7818 (uk@kingfisherservice.com)
• Eire: 1800 932 230 (eire@kingfisherservice.com)

Product Contains Information

The product contains materials that may be recyclable:

• PETE
• PP
• OTHER