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UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > roof hatch issue.. (Viewed 352 times)
delton137 


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roof hatch issue..
< on 7/30/2010 4:03 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
quick question:

I'm trying to get on the roof of a building. There's a hatch at the top of a ladder, but I can't turn the handle. I've tried applying a lot of force, but it won't budge. It seems a little strange, as there is a metal bar going through the handle and going up through a hole to the roof. This bar has a square cross section and is not circular, so I'm thinking that it must have been dropped down to prevent the handle from moving.

So question is: is it possible the hatch is locked from above? If so, why would this be done? Is there any tricks to opening these things?

thanks

\/adder 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 1 on 7/30/2010 4:26 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Possibly, but locking a roof hatch from the outside wouldn't make much sense to me.

It may be rusted shut or it may be bolted closed. A picture would be really helpful here. Look for visible bolts or screws that could be undone.

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delton137 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 2 on 7/30/2010 4:44 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
yeah,

I can take a picture probably. There's some screws that can be undone, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to go that far.

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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 3 on 7/30/2010 6:51 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 

my powers of mental imagery are failing me, could it be the metal bar is part of a release/open mechanism ?

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Urban-Explorer 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 4 on 7/30/2010 4:22 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I agree, its prolly just rusted shut, as most of them are locked from the inside the building. I've done 1 rooftop so far, but of course the hatch was already open, another was in a janitors closet in a separate room. Course it had a lovely lock on it.

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delton137 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 5 on 7/31/2010 1:39 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I've actually been through a number of roof hatches. Some are difficult to open, because they are designed to spring open. The spring introduces a lot of pressure (and friction) on the latch.

This one is different though. Its strange because the bolt which holds it in place only has to move a little bit, but it won't budge. There are no signs of rust.

I was just wondering if there were any special tricks. Unfortunately I don't have a good camera, next time I go there maybe I'll take a picture with my iphone.

Its funny, I'm actually not interested in the roof. I'm actually interested in getting in the basement. But I'm pretty sure there are probably multiple roof hatches. So if I get on the roof, I can get to a maintenance room in a different part of the building where I might be able to get into the basement. (its a 1 story shopping center type building...)
[last edit 7/31/2010 1:41 AM by delton137 - edited 2 times]

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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 6 on 7/31/2010 2:26 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Find another way to the roof (another hatch?), then check out the other side of the "locked" hatch..

unlisted 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 7 on 7/31/2010 9:11 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Seriously, you again?

try using more leverage...
[last edit 7/31/2010 9:18 PM by unlisted - edited 1 times]

Vectored Approach 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 8 on 8/18/2010 11:25 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
It is unlikely that there would be more roof access hatches unless there is good reason for it, like the roof has major obstructions from going from that hatch to another point on the roof. If there is basement access, likely it is located elsewhere.

The square bar through the handle should be the shaft the handle turns on. It is square so that the handle won't slip on that shaft. Beyond the handle, there would be a cam or lever arm with one or two locking bars attached with pins. Turn the handle and the bars are withdrawn from slots in the door frame. Somehow the mechanism is locked. If the handle moves a little, then it is likely there is either a pin or a weld on the locking bars. If the handle is completely solid, likely somebody welded the handle, shaft or cam. If this strip mall is abandoned, likely its been welded. If not abandoned, I bet there's a hidden pin somewhere in the mechanism. Without a picture, I couldn't speculate further.

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vov35 


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Re: roof hatch issue..
<Reply # 9 on 8/19/2010 4:26 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 

195754.jpg (55 kb, 800x600)
click to view



I've run into this... on top of a bank/petco. ... I probably shouldn't be roofing a bank but the petco has the most interesting roof I've seen in a while.


195755.jpg (49 kb, 800x600)
click to view


random square area in which I wish to have a rave for all those capable of actually getting up...

and yes I know I shouldn't be on rooftops in broad daylight... bitch more.

"Only sheep need a shepherd." -- Voltaire
UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > roof hatch issue.. (Viewed 352 times)



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