SAFETY 1st, Swing gate. What a good idea!
Written: Nov 29 '03 (Updated Dec 31 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Once set, it works well.
Cons: Takes some re-adjustments to set it properly.
The Bottom Line: The gate is sturdy and it functions well. This is especially true when it is hinged on one side.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Safety 1st Swing 'N Lock Gate |
I have two of these gates. At one time they were both used to keep my grand daughter in certain areas. These days one is used for keeping our dog out of places he shouldn't be when we are not home.
The GATE
The gate is white in colour. Think of it as a white plastic frame with a soft, yet strong enough plastic mesh stretched from the inside and set to the frame. It is actually two pieces of frame that slide in and out to accommodate different size openings. The gate will operate in openings of 26"-42".
SET UP
Set up can take a bit of time and re-adjustment. The panels slide in and out to the walls. You place it inside the wall area, tighten two large knobs, and you are set to use the gate, minus the hinges. I'll get to them in a bit.
There is a form fit handle on one side that should be in the "up" position. When you push it down, the gate "locks" into place by putting pressure on the opposing walls. If you made your first adjustments correctly, it's ready for use. I didn't find it that easy. I had to set it about three or four times to get it just right.
This a bit time consuming, yet it is important. Too close to the walls makes the snap in and release procedures very difficult. To loose and it will not stay in place properly and may fall to the floor when leaned on. This is not good, especially in stair areas.
What makes this particularly time consuming is the fact that you must tighten the large knobs snug enough so they will not loosen. I happen to over tighten things so it was a chore loosening them each time for set up. After a few adjustments it was just right.
The release handle takes a bit of strength to open. It was difficult, at times, to open the gate. Again, the proper adjustment must be found. The gate can be released with just one hand after it is set.
The SWINGING GATE
This is when the gate is used at full potential. The gate can be hung on either side. The hinges , screws, and other hardware come packed in the box. Once again the proper balance must be found of tension between the walls and a comfortable snap in and release.
There is also hardware to set the gate so it swings just one way. This is particularly good at the top of stairs. That is where we keep ours now. It has been hanging there in use for the last three years without any further adjustment.
AN OVERVIEW
The gate came with easy to read and understand directions. The hardware was included.
With some re-adjustment the gate can be set well for safety's sake. I feel ours is well secured. When it is tight, it's near impossible to push it open accidentally.
If it's too tight it's near impossible to snap into place and just about impossible to release it. That's not good. I once again stress that the proper adjustment may take time but it is the most important aspect to the gate working properly.
The gate is also designed to work between metal railing or combination of a wall and railing. The proper hardware for this installation is also included.
The release is not easily opened by anyone without fairly strong hands. A six or seven year old may have trouble opening it. At times a second hand may be needed.
The release handle is pushed down and a small tab is pushed to the side. This releases the tension so you can open the gate. It takes a little getting used to.
The gate wipes clean easily. It has stayed "fresh" looking during all these years of use.
The mesh material has never broken on our unit. Apparently it is a bit more tough than it looks.
From personal experience over a few years use time I can recommend this gate for safety 1st.
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Recommended:
Yes
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