BESSLER 20 - User Manual

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How To Install Bessler Model 20 Disappearing Stairway

All Bessler Disappearing Stairways are

designed for easy operation, safe and

convenient use. These instructions are

intended to speed your assembly and

installation, and allow you to understand

the Bessler system and how it works. If

you will read all the instructions, study

the drawings, check the parts for correct

dimensions (sometimes hardware may

get bent in shipping or rough handling),

it will save considerable time in assem-

bly and installation, and can add years

of life to your stairway.

Before

starting installation, we suggest

you study FIG 1 and acquaint yourself

with all the numbered parts and get a

mental picture of the completed stairway.

STEP 1.

Prepare the ﬁ nished opening

for the size as shown in FIG 6. Finish the

opening with all four jambs (not sup-

plied by Bessler) even with the top of the

attic ﬂ oor as shown in FIG 2 and with all

corners plumb and square.

STEP 2.

Remove the guide frame (Part

5) and panel bracket (Part 10) from the

hardware carton. To make sure these

parts have not been damaged in ship-

ping, measure the distance between the

slide bars on the guide frame and the

slide bars on the panel bracket. These

two dimensions should be 16-5/8” +/-

1/32”, and slide bars should be parallel

to each other.

STEP 3.

Remove the door panel from

carton and make certain this part has

not been damaged in shipping or han-

dling. To install door panel (Part 15),

see FIG 3, draw a line 1-5/8” above the

bottom edge of ﬁ nished jamb all the

way across the header where the door

panel will be hinged. Drive two small

nails half way through the jamb on the

line to act as a guide to hold the hinge

against when fastening hinge to jamb.

While your helper holds the door and

hinge against the nails above, center

the hinge between the side jambs, and

partially drive two more nails through

screw holes in hinge. This will hold door

in position while you complete installa-

tion using #10 x 1” P.H. screws in rest of

holes.

STEP 4.

Install guide frame (Part 5) by hooking the angle on top of the attic ﬂ oor in the center of the ﬁ nished opening,

directly above the door hinge, as shown in FIG 4. Attach with #10 x 1” P.H. screws. After all screws are tightened and guide

frame has been set ﬁ rmly in position, re-measure between the faces of the slide bars to make certain they are still 16-5/8”

+/- 1/32” and also parallel. If any adjustment is needed, now is the right time to do it. Grip the slide bar with vice grips,

crescent wrench, or other tool, and bend as necessary to set slide bars at 16 5/8” apart and parallel when measured from

face to face.

LIST OF PARTS

1. Stringers (2)

2. Treads

3. Handrail

4. Handrail Posts

5. Header Guide Frame

6. Piano Hinge

7. Panel Door Drum (L & R)

8. Stringer Drum (L & R)

9. No Item

10. Panel Brackets (L & R)

11. Door Cables (L & R)

12. Stringer Cables (L & R)

13. Catch Lock

14. Stringer Cable Holders (2)

15. Door Panel

16. Door Panel Chain

Stairwell Depth

Minimum 4-11/16”

Maximum 14-1/2”

FIG 1

FIG 3

FIG 4

FIG 2

Rough

Opening

Finished

Opening

Finished

Ceiling

Stop

Panel

Opening

Stop

Guide Nails 1-5/8” from Bottom

of Finished Jamb

Attach with

#10 x 1”

P.H. Screws

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The Bessler Model 20 Disappearing Stairway is a retractable attic ladder designed for convenient and safe access to an attic space. It is engineered for ease of operation and aims to provide years of reliable use when properly installed and maintained.

Function Description:

The Bessler Model 20 Disappearing Stairway functions as a hidden access point to an attic. When not in use, the ladder retracts and the door panel closes, concealing the stairway within the ceiling. When access is needed, the door panel can be opened, and the ladder extends to the floor, providing a sturdy and safe means of ascent or descent. The system utilizes a combination of drums, cables, and a guide frame to facilitate the smooth and controlled movement of the ladder and door panel. The design incorporates a piano hinge for the door panel, stringers, treads, and handrails for user safety and comfort.

Important Technical Specifications:

Stairwell Depth: Minimum 4-11/16", Maximum 14-1/2". This dimension is crucial for fitting the mechanism within the attic floor structure.
Finished Opening Size: 2' x 4'. This is the standard opening size required in the ceiling for the stairway.
Slide Bar Distance: 16-5/8" +/- 1/32". This precise measurement between the faces of the slide bars on the guide frame and panel bracket is critical for proper operation and must be maintained during installation.
Tread Length: 16-1/16". This ensures the correct width of the ladder, which will be 17-1/16" wide to the outside upon completion.
Tread Material: Standard treads are made from 1" x 4" material with grooves. The top tread is a flat surface made from 1" x 6" material.
Fasteners: #10 x 1" P.H. screws are used for attaching various components like the door panel, guide frame, panel drums, stringer drum, and panel brackets. #10 x 3/4" P.H. screws are used for handrail assembly. A 1/4" x 20 x 1-1/4" R.H. stove bolt is used for the cable holder.
Panel Drum Centerline: 30" from the header.
Stringer Drum Centerline: 5" from the header.
Handrail Bracket Placement: Approximately 6" below the top tread, though adjustable for space constraints.
Cable Tension: Minimum tension is needed on the panel drums. The stringer drum cable requires three turns of the spring drum to rotate.
Floor to Floor Height Ranges (and corresponding Radius Above, Plumb Height Above, Run Below):
- Size 1: 7'7" to 7'10" (4'9" Radius Above, 4'2" Plumb Height Above, 3'9" Run Below)
- Size 2: 7'11" to 8'4" (5'2" Radius Above, 4'7" Plumb Height Above, 3'11" Run Below)
- Size 3: 8'5" to 8'10" (5'8" Radius Above, 5'1" Plumb Height Above, 4'2" Run Below)
- Size 4: 8'11" to 9'4" (6'2" Radius Above, 5'7" Plumb Height Above, 4'5" Run Below)

Usage Features:

Concealed Design: The stairway disappears into the attic, maintaining the aesthetic of the living space.
Easy Operation: Designed for smooth and controlled extension and retraction.
Safety Features: Includes handrails, sturdy treads, and a load-bearing top portion of the ladder when extended. The top stops engaging the guide frame provide the load-bearing capability.
Adjustable Handrail: The handrail can be installed at different heights or shortened if space is limited.
Cable System: Utilizes a system of drums and cables (door cables, stringer cables) for controlled movement of the door panel and ladder.
Catch Lock: A catch lock (Part 13) is included for securing the door panel.

Maintenance Features:

Lubrication: Spring drum axles and slide grooves on the ladder should be lubricated annually or as needed to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
Cable Inspection: Cables should be checked periodically and replaced if they become frayed to prevent failure and ensure safety.
Tension Adjustment: The tension on the drums can be adjusted if necessary. This involves unhooking the cable, allowing the drum to wind up slowly, and then adding or removing wraps of cable before reattaching. Care must be taken not to let the cable slip from hand during this process, as it could break or backwind the spring. Panel drum tensions should be kept as equal as possible.
Parts Replacement: A parts list is included in the manual to facilitate ordering replacement parts. When ordering, the model number of the stair, the name and number of the part, and whether it's for the left or right side of the stair should be provided.

BESSLER 20 Specifications

General

Brand	BESSLER
Model	20
Category	Ladders
Language	English