Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Warning! This review is lengthy and detailed. I am a perfectionist. Continue reading if you are having trouble making a decision like I did!!! I chose to purchase this gate after very extensive research and consideration of several factors or safety hazards. The main factors were: 1.) stepping over a bottom bar of a pressure mounted gate at the top of the stairs, with or without a baby = trip hazard, 2.) stepping through a narrow 15-18” swing gate in the middle of a pressure mounted gate at the top of the stairs with or without a baby(especially going down) = difficult, unsafe, and inconvenient. 3.) if I don’t need the gate closed all the time, or need the space to haul laundry baskets or furniture up/down the stairs, I can leave this gate open against the wall without taking it down or disassembling it like I would have to with a pressure mounted gate. The only downside to installing this North States easy swing gate is it’s permanent until uninstalled. I’ve attached pictures of my final install. Installation notes: Unfortunately, a wall stud was not located directly behind my install point on the hinge side of this gate. I had one of two options: 1.) install 2 cross braces horizontally between the two studs on each side of my hinge-install location using 1x3 or 1x4 lumber, painting it to match my wall color, and installing the hinges onto the cross braces, or 2.) drill holes in the drywall using a 5/16” drill bit to insert the plastic toggle anchors I have pictured(available at Menards) and using the matching screws that came with this gate instead of the screws supplied with the anchor package. I chose the latter of the two - use anchors! I’m glad I did. They are very supportive. Now, my mind might change over time depending on how much use this gate gets being opened and closed. However, I’m confident that there is no vertical/upward or downward forces that will compromise the strength of my install. Installation advice: Like many other reviewers have stated, overall install of this gate is confusing if you try and follow the directions verbatim and/or are using the install template. My advice.....follow the instructions for measuring and adjusting the gate to fit your opening. Install the hinge side of the gate, first. Let it swing freely. Then, line up the 2 latch points by hand where they need to be positioned. The spindles on the latch side can be lengthened or shortened as needed. First, align only the top latch point housing by hand while holding it tightly with one hand, and closing the gate into it with your other hand(a bit challenging by yourself, so it’s beneficial if you have a 2nd pair of hands). You may need to lengthen or shorten the spindles, depending on how much tension there is between the spindle and the latch. Use the screws provided to mark your holes in the latch housing once you find the best position and the gate latches smoothly. Drill a 1/8” hole for each mark, and install the top latch. Repeat these same steps for alignment and installation of the bottom latch. Ta-Da!!!