Q: I need the pivots for the RPRS180 can you tell me which ones will work
A: From this document, which part do you need?
Download File
Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
Q: From the instructions can you confirmthe upper and lower mounting brackets are included in this assembly. I want to be sure I am ordering everything needed for a complete installation.
A: On our RPRS180 - yes indeed the upper and lower mounting brackets are included.
Please contact our sales department here:
Click Here
if we can assist you with entering this order and please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
Q: need something heavier duty then the 180lb. your website indicates a large tube assembly w a 300-500# rating. part number and how much?
A: This item:
Click Here
and specifically the worksheet here:
Click Here
Once completed will allow us to propely configure and price your custom scuttle (shock) assembly for you unit and application.
Q: How do I find the compression tool needed for the job?
A: This item here:
Click Here
and specifically:
Download File
Please reply to this email or contact our sales department here:
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if we can assist you by answering further questions or with entering this order and please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
Q: Can I purchase the compression tool only shown in the installation diagram as I have springs in the field I wish to "reuse"?
A: There is no need the compression tool for the new springs for the lifting mechanism as they new units come precompressed. We no longer have that tool, but the 180 should be easy enough to push down by hand. I have personally never tried this, but this advice comes direct from Bilco -
Is there a follow up question that we can perhaps attempt to answer? We take pride in our technical expertise, as we know it separates us from our competition, so don't hesitate to ask.
Please reply to this email or contact our sales department here:
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if we can assist you by answering further questions or with entering this order and please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
Q: is there a difference between part number RPRS2SS-E and part number RPRS180?
A: The Bilco RPRS2SS-E is only different from the Bilco RPRS180 in that is features Stainless Steel tubes and used on older Bilco units.
This item can be reviewed here:
Click Here
Is there a follow up question that we can perhaps attempt to answer? We take pride in our technical expertise, as we know it separates us from our competition, so don't hesitate to ask.
Please reply to this email or contact our sales department here:
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if we can assist you by answering further questions or with entering this order and please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
Q: These pictures are of a trap door that I installed a RPRS180 on this weekend that I purchased last week. My order #is 70812. The lift unit is exactly what I wanted. I just need some advice. If I get it set to close completely it will not open all the way without coming apart. Am I doing something wrong or do I need a lifter with a longer extension or a different type of device. The door opens to 90 degrees. Please give me your thoughts.
A: I have review the images of the trap door you have built (nice work). My initial review reveals the problem is when you want your hatch to open to 90° and alas the stock scuttles are not intended for a degree of opening beyond about 70° +/-
However when you are reviewing your images against a typical roof hatch you will notice a 90° opening is possible as seen in this catalog (these are when you have an installation over a ladder and the Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle is a size correct to allow a 90° opening cover):
Download File
When comparing the different images of the various roof hatches, you will come to conclude the way to solve your dilemma is to decrease the CtC of your upper and lower mounting brackets. But your problem will them become the amount of pressure required to operate the door in general as the Bilco spring will be under pressure and because this shock is rated for 180 pound lid, I doubt you will find a confluence of degree of opening and required operating force and the mounting such that the inner and outer tubes do not become separated (the short version is you spread out the CtC to account for the far lighter weight of your hand made lid). But this is the first question, when the lid is closed are your inner and outer tubes "bottomed out"? Is there any room for tweaking your installed CtC as your photo shows you are already quite close to 90° opening.
The Lifting Mechanism you have is rated for 180 pound. You would need to set your door to 90° and then attach your spring assembly, but if you did this when the spring is new from us (it is still under tension), you would likely not be able to actually pull your lid down and closed without great force (again what you have is expecting 180 pounds).
Thought - preposition your CtC of the upper and lower mounting brackets after sourcing a light weight spring with the same OAL and OD and replacing the stock spring (I poked around on the industrial hardware sites and think you might have success). Or perhaps you can increase the weight of your lid into the range the lifting mechanism is designed to work work.
Q: Good day we have several BILCO roof smoke hatches Model D-SH. These have plastic housings, which contain the spring assembly. The plastic housings are failing where they attach to the hatch. This is in spite of being open a couple of times since installation. When the plastic housings fail it causes the spring to fall from the roof ( which is 20feet above) the suspended ceiling below. Our Company is concerned because one of these spring assemblies has actually come through the ceiling missing someone by a couple of feet. I have contacted The Bilco Company several times with no response from them. My question is there a rebuilding kit for these doors which either will provide replacement plastic housing or an upgrade to a metal housing to hold the spring assembly. In addition would you be able to provide a company name on Long Island NY with being able to replace these springs. Please get back to me when you can. Thank You.
A: Please email me a photo of the unit you have and especially a photo of the failed unit?
Q: HI Rich, just the photo’s I sent to you . The site cannot open up the hatches to look for serial numbers and how many spring assemblies we will need because of the impact on manufacturing operations . As soon as time permits I will provide you the information . The only other option would be to ship to you what parts fell down ( spring and holder) for you to see .
A: Proceed as you see fit - I simply thank you for your response and feedback on this job and I stand ready to assist on this or future potential projects.
Q: I purchased 4 to replace existing shocks as seen in the picture, I attempted to install them in the existing location and found the new shocks to be way to short. What is the maximum extension of the shock or how far apart should the brackets be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Dennis
A: Dennis hello - first the length of the shock when it arrives, and is under tension is 12-1/2" when measured from the centerline of the top and bottom "bolt" preparations. When you refer the the full Installation Instructions you will see the shock installed, compression set and door at "full open". Therefore the maximum extension length is indeed the initial length of 12-1/2" and is also the dimension for the mounting brackets as well.
Your photo shows two shocks. Are these an upper and lower section of one shock or are they two shock assemblies?
Q: The picture shows the 2 shocks removed from the hatch. As you can see, at one time one was replaced with a slightly different type. Long before my time with this company. Thanks for whatever help you have provided. Hopefully, this will help with the installation. Dennis
A: What is the length center to center of the mounting bolts for your exiting shocks?
Q: How do I determine if I have the 'old' style or 'modern' style?
A: RPRS180 are the black composite tubes, where as the old style are metal tubes. See this link to the old style:
Click Here Is there a follow-up question I can assist with?
Q: Is the spring available as a stand alone product from the RPRS180?
A: After having spoken with the manufacturer Bilco, the spring is not available as a standalone part. Bilco was able to tell us the uncompressed RPRS180 spring has a length of 16 1/8 inch +/- 1/4" and a diameter 1 3/16"
Is there a follow up question that we can perhaps attempt to answer? We take deep pride in our technical expertise, as we know it separates us from our competition, so don't hesitate to ask.
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Q: how do I replace the old shocks 2 stories up on a straight ladder with one hand holding the latter and only one hand to work with, because the door has to be closed?
A: The link to the installation instructions for the Bilco RPRS180 Replacement 180lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle as shown in Step 1 state that the cover of the roof hatch to be opened.
Please click here to review the installation instructions here:
Download File
It would probably prove very difficult to remove the Springs from the roof hatch lid when the door is closed because that would be one the Springs inside of the lifting mechanisms would be at maximum pressure.
As a result, starting with the roof hatch open, would be the best way to begin.
Having said this, assuming you have access to the roof side of the building, the installation should be commenced with safety is your priority.
Is there a follow up question that we can perhaps attempt to answer? We take deep pride in our technical expertise, as we know it separates us from our competition, so don't hesitate to ask.
Please reply to this email or contact our sales department here:
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Q: Here are the pics of the Roof Hatch I spoke with you about eariler:
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It is needing all new hardware. Please let me know what you think may work. 22'' x 96'' 11 1/2 in depth Thank Brock
A: Brock - The issue and he really is that there is guesswork involved because modern lifting mechanisms and modern hold open arms are different than the roof hatch model that you have provided photographs for.
Here are links to two items that very well might work for your application however because I don't know with a guarantee that they're going to work I have to qualify this message to you saying comma there's no guarantee that they will work.
Here is the link to the lifting mechanism:
Click Here
here is a link to the hold open arm:
Click Here
I would certainly expect that if you decided to use the hardware links provided above that you will likely have to relocate the top and bottom mounting points because the roof hatch lifting mechanisms ship under a pre compressed such attention that you do not determine the fully open position of the unit until you have released the tension.
However if you are uncomfortable, and I would certainly understand that you would be, in proceeding with unknown Hardware, the factory can calculate the proper roof hatch lifting mechanisms for your application - What you would need to know very accurately would be the weight of the lid from your roof hatch so that the proper lifting mechanisms can be calculated.
Q: Hello, I am Dale with [removed] and I need to know if you can tell me what type of springs these are as seen here
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and if you carry them. Please let me know and you can contact me by E-Mail: . Thank You
A: Rich,
Yes it is our door and on that inside frame area there should be a serial number on the BILCO label to help us identify a complete description for that door and the associated parts.
A: Based on your images I would guess you have either the
Bilco RPRS1SS-E Replacement 100 lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle - Zinc Plated Steel as seen here:
Click Here
or that you have the Bilco RPRS2SS-E Replacement 180lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle as seen here:
Click Here
but based on your image as seen here:
View Image
My best guess is you have the 100# unit above as my understanding is the 100# units use only one spring bracket to attach to the lid and the evidence of your top mounting "ear assembly" and the dirt mark tells me the hex bolt mounted directly to this assembly.
Q: Thank you - I have placed my order, received the 100# shock and you were correct on the shock type - the installation of the hatch socks went well, thanks again for your fast and good service.
A: Is there a follow up question that we can perhaps attempt to answer? We take deep pride in our technical expertise (something Amazon can not provide) as we know it separates us from our competition, so don't hesitate to ask.
Please reply to this email or contact our sales department here:
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if we can assist you by answering further questions or with entering this order and please let us know if there is anything else we can help with. If this answer was helpful -
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Thank you for your consideration.
Q: Any assistance would be greatly appreciated in matching these roof hatch shocks seen in the images here.
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Thank you Victor
A: I have the shock you need in a zinc plated 100 pound version or astainless steel 180 pound rated version.
The 100 lb version is the Bilco RPRS1SS-E Replacement 100 lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle - Zinc Plated Steel
as seen here:
View Image
and the 180 lb version is the Bilco RPRS2SS-E Replacement 180lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle
as seen here:
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Q: Thanks for finding this. Do you have a less expensive alternative? How soon for them to arrive in Chicago? Thank you for your help in this matter. Victor
A: I do have a less expensive alternative in both the 100 and 180 pound rated version but it was certainly require a more significant refit when it comes to the bottom boot of what you need to install.
Pleasee review the
Bilco RPRS100 Replacement 100 lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle for a review of what the aforementioned bottom boot will look like
as seen here:
Click Here
Less expensive alternatives are going to be about half of the cost and I keep the material in stock in my Chicago location.
Q: We ordered (2) of the 100# stainless shocks that you have in stock.
A: How did the shock installation go? Please take an after picture as well if you can.
Q: Sorry for the delay. Install went well. Minimal modification was required.
A: Possibly a little grinding at the boot area would be my guess great - I'm glad that it worked out well.
Thank you Richard
Q: I have a tag from our roof hatch with "ISD 129C". I need a replacement spring assemly for the unit. Could you identify the part for me please. Thanks.
A: I'm quite sure that we can if not completely identify your spring assembly we can at least help and assist you getting a replacement.
Please reply to this email with photographs of your roof hatch and your spring assembly.
Q: A workman broke the Lifting Mechanism on my Bilco Roof Scuttle (serial number 50077949) and replaced them with two mechanisms that are much too weak to safely lift the latch. There’s nothing on the new mechanisms that tell me what their lifting capability is. Can I reasonably assume that the ones that were installed are 100 lb Lifting Mechanisms, and that I need to install the 180 lb mechanisms to make the hatch easier to lift? Thank you for your advice.
A: The lifting mechanisms that were originally included with your Bilco roof hatch Serial number 50077949 were the Bilco RPRS180 Replacement 180lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle as seen here
:
Click Here
Q: Hi Richard, Please see attached
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The left and right side are both broken. All parts look to be bolt on. Also, need the part that locks down the hatch. Thank you,
A: I cannot promise they will work as that roof hatch is unknown to me, but I would review:
Click Here
Click Here
Q: Where can I find the compression spring tool to safety replace each spring? I believe we would need the Bilco RS spring compression tool, TL05.
A: Bilco - no longer manufacturers this tool because a number of years ago they migrated to shipping out all of the replacement lifting mechanisms free compressed rendering the tool no longer necessary.
It would be my guess that you saw this tool referenced in an old set of installation instructions and unfortunately they have not created a new set of installation instructions for using the compressed springs but basically when the lid is in the open position to about 35° you will bolt the new lifting mechanism to both the side wall and the underside of the lid and then remove the cotter springs that are keeping the tension set on the lifting mechanism permitting you to safely complete the installation.
Q: I am looking for a replacement SD4081-2. Please reference these photos.
Image 1
Image 2
What relacement arm do I need?
A: Thank you for your photographs. The proper replacement arm is the RPRS180 which can be found
here.Is there a follow up question that we can perhaps attempt to answer? We take pride in our technical expertise so don't hesitate to ask.
Please contact us here.
Q: I need document for leed certificate. can you send me please?
A: LEED certificate paperwork is available on entire roof hatch assemblies only and not individual parts.
Q: What lifting mechanism is required for Bilco serial #50623666?
A: A quantity four of the
Bilco RPRS100 Replacement 100 lb Lifting Mechanisms for Roof Scuttle
As seen here:
Click Here
Would be the equipment originally provided on this model.
Q: Hello, I have a very old cellar door that needs a lifting mechanism. It was not made with one but I am in desperate need of some help lifting it for the sake of my wife and kids. I've attached some pictures. Are you aware of a lift for this type of traditional metal cellar door:
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Thank you, Mike
A: I have not seen escape stairs in a long time - the home that my great-grandparents lived in that I partially grew up in as a child had those I found them a lot of fun to play with to get from the basement to the backyard.
The bottom line is this we would not have any hardware from the Bilco line, which for us is primarily vault doors and roof hatches, that would work for your application, or at least not work for your application in a way that the material has been engineered or tested and found to be completely safe in operation and as a result we need to refer you back to the manufacturer - luckily this manufacture does deal with basement escape doors as seen here:
Click Here
I would suggest that you contact the manufacturer directly and ask them for contact information for their distribution that deals exclusively with escape doors.
Q: I understand that the black telescoping tube version of your lifting mechanisms have been discontinued. Would you please give me a general idea as to the years that you folks used your black telescoping tubes for your lifting mechanisms. I would simply like to have an idea of when that material was sent out on units.
A: Bilco started using them with their floor, vault, sidewalk type door maybe late 1998 -99 and about the year 2000-2001 in our roof hatch type products. The floor, vault sidewalk doors in aluminum stopped using them in about 2014 when those doors switched to all stainless steel hardware but the steel doors continued to use them until present time. The roof hatches still used them up until the present. However, Bilco is currently transitioning the black composite tube assemblies back to our original metal tubes that are zinc plated chromate sealed (goldish color) but use a tab on the bottom tube allowing them to fit on the same bottom bracket as the black ones.
Q: can i open the metal cellar door to 180 degrees
A: I would not be the expert when it comes to residential cellar doors and you want to contact the manufacturer directly but I do not believe thats possible. Perhaps removing all of the hardware would allow you to do that but youd want to talk to the manufacturer directly.
Q: Looking for cost and availability of the Bilco spring compression tool
A: Bilco discontinued their spring compression tool many years ago I am sorry to report.
Q: If the RPRS180 were used on a custom roof hatch that weighed less than 180 pounds, would it cause the door to pop open or prevent it from being able to be closed because the door doesnt have sufficient weight?
A: We do not provide any engineering guidance when using Blco roof hatch equipment on custom units, assuming non-Bilco, manufacturer by others. It is not for a lack of desire but a lack of engineering skill. While I do not have all the facts, I can say countless clients ou ours engage in trial-and-error experimentation using Bilco lifting mechanisms on custom built units.