The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled about 1.77 million attic ladders after bolts were found to potentially snap during use, creating a serious fall hazard. The recall affects gas-strut ladders sold under the Louisville, Featherlite, Lite and Century brands, made for 22.5-, 25.5- and 30-inch openings and in 54- or 60-inch lengths. Regulators have 11 reports of bolt failures, including one injury. Owners should stop using affected ladders immediately and register for a free repair kit using recall number 26-661.
1.77 Million Attic Ladders Recalled After Bolts May Snap — Stop Using Them and Get a Free Repair Kit
Photo Credit: Consumer Product Safety Commission
Federal safety officials have announced a major recall affecting more than 1.77 million attic ladders after reports that bolts can snap while the ladders are in use, creating a serious fall hazard for anyone climbing up or down.
What Happened
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says about 1,770,000 attic stairway ladders equipped with gas struts are included in the recall because bolts can fail during normal use. At least 13,000 of the recalled units were sold in Canada. Regulators have received 11 reports of bolt failures, including one incident that caused injuries to a person’s neck, head and back.
Affected Models And Where They Were Sold
The recalled ladders were sold under the brand names Louisville, Featherlite, Lite and Century. They were manufactured for attic openings measuring 22.5, 25.5 and 30 inches wide and are available in lengths of 54 or 60 inches. Consumers may have bought them at Home Depot, Lowe's, Do It Best, Orgill, Amazon and other retailers nationwide.
Time Frame And Price Range
Sales occurred from November 2012 through July 2026, and the ladders were priced between about $170 and $600, according to the CPSC recall notice.
Safety Risk And Impact
Attic ladders are load-bearing, installed fixtures used to access elevated storage. A bolt breaking mid-use can cause a sudden fall onto a hard surface below and is the type of hidden hardware defect most homeowners would not detect before an incident occurs. The recall creates both a safety concern and a practical burden for households—especially those with children, older adults, or anyone who regularly uses attic storage.
What Owners Should Do Now
- Stop using the ladder immediately.
- Locate the ladder model number on the inside of the attic door; you will need it to register for repairs.
- Register for a free repair kit through the manufacturer as directed by the CPSC. Reference recall number 26-661 when contacting the CPSC or the retailer.
- If you are unsure whether your ladder is included, contact the retailer or visit the CPSC website for details and images to help identify affected models.
Why This Matters
Beyond the immediate safety risk, the large scale of this recall raises questions about manufacturing quality control and creates inconvenience and potential expense for homeowners who relied on these ladders for years. Even when repairs are free, owners must identify affected units, stop using them and take time to arrange fixes.
For more information or to begin the repair registration, reference recall number 26-661 and follow the instructions on the CPSC recall page or contact the retailer where you purchased the ladder.
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