Closure for loft hatch

[wolshouse]

We have a loft ladder accessed by a drop-down ceiling flap/hatch. It has worked perfectly until recently after having some work carried out in the loft. The loft clip was broken and although we have bought and had replaced a similar clip, it is no longer reliable and the hatch falls down unexpectedly and cannot always be made to stay in place. This makes the bedroom very cold at this time of year and we cannot keep decamping into another room. Does anyone have any experience of securing the drop-down flap in any other way? There is always the question of a new ladder with attached flap but it seems complicated to fit.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[BillyBB]

The classic was called a 'Touch Latch'. The branded ones should be reliable.

[wolshouse]

Thank you BillyBB, that is the catch we have. It seems that an absolutely correct fit is critical and we are having it looked at again today to see if it can be adjusted. (It actually managed to stay closed last night although I found getting to sleep was a bit difficult!.)

[Naomicorlett]

If not just fit a turn latch as a secondary measure or even a small bolt. Just done one on our new loft hatch as didnt feel that old catch was safe enough and when the new hatch swung down was just the right height to take off top of my head. Mr Oh I will do it later ( like in 10 years time!!) was not impressed with my diy but I feel safer.

[wolshouse]

Thank you Naomicorlett: The man came today, did a small adjustment and all seems well at the moment. If we have any more problems we shall do as you suggest. I really don't care what it looks like as ours, like yours, swings down at just the height to decapitate someone!