you might want to check

[CountryGuy]

You might want to check the screws holding in that trap door to the basement now and then.

Al checked ours awhile back, and today, when I stepped up there, it made a cracking noise, which I reported and he immediately checked out.

3 of the screws were out and he is going to have to replace with larger ones.

Just a heads up to our good MOC friends.

[sreigle]

After Vicki read this to me I immediately checked ours. The upper five screws took a quarter turn each. The lower 5 took none. They were full tight. I guess this is another of those vagaries of construction. You just never know until you check. Thanks for the heads up.

[CountryGuy]

I think I step right about where that hinging area is, a lot, going in and out of the potty room.

The screws he showed me were not very large, very short.

I can see where wear and tear and walking and shuffling would wiggle those screws loose. Stuff comes loose, that is why Al has screwdrivers, eh???

[Montana Sky]

Carol,
Thanks for the heads up, my list of things to check this spring keeps growing. =)

[CountryGuy]

Let me correct that to read that those 3 screws were BROKEN. Not just lose, or falling out.

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by CountryGuy

Let me correct that to read that those 3 screws were BROKEN. Not just lose, or falling out.

See what those De Walt cordless drills can do

[CountryGuy]

Yep, those drills are something else, eh??

OKKKK, when he did the repair, this is what we think happened. The trap door was installed originally, so that it was flush in Montana. When you walked on it, it felt flat and flush with the rest of the flooring.

When we walked on it (before repairs) it put a lot of stress on those screws, because the trap door was not sitting fully flush ON the framing below.

Al decided we could live with a bit of uneven floor, and put it all back together so that the trap door sits on the framing better.

Hope that makes sense??

[Les and Julie]

Thanks -- just had Les check our trap door --- seems all is okay right now but we will keep an eye on that area. Julie

[stiles watson]

I am not looking at my trap door construction from here in Hong kong, but in trying to remember, I think that piano hinge is load bearing. It is not really the best way to suport the traffic in that area.

When I return, I will look at how I might be able to structurally shift the load off the hinge. If any of you creative folks get it designed before I get back, please share.

[Imp]

When we first had our 3400 we noticed the door had nothing to rest on, on the rt side. It fit fine on the left side. They added a piece of metal on the right so it had support and was level. We do feel a little give when crossing it but it is holding fine.
Myrna

[Montana_70]

Carol,

Thanks for the heads up. I just checked mine, and it's amazing, but all is like it should be.