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(More customer reviews)After a long search for a quality top-of-stairs gate, this is what I decided to buy. Although it works OK it could be better.
Two things really bother me about this gate. First, Amazon is selling it as a pressure-mounted gate. This isn't exactly true. While technically it is pressure-mounted, you also need to use the cups that come with and either stick them on or screw them into the wall. This gate is not designed to have a firm mount, it uses hand wheels to adjust tension. As a result, it's not sturdy enough to use without the wall mount cups, meaning you won't be able to move it around much. The hand wheels are "tamper proof", basically meaning that they are a pain to loosen. Since this gate can't be set up in multiple places easily anyway, this shouldn't be a problem. Nevertheless, I would prefer wrench-adjusted tension for a more secure fit and the ability to mount the gate without the cups. This would require a redesign, as it doesn't take much pressure to close the gap at the top when installing (compared to true pressure-mounted gates).
Second, I thought this gate was made in the USA. This statement is prominently displayed on North State's website today. But it is actually now made in China. This was a factor in my decision and I don't appreciate inaccurate websites.
Now, to the details. This gate was easy to setup and did not require any tools. Previously I had purchased a Summer Infant Extra Tall gate but returned it because I was not satisfied with the gate mechanism. I couldn't get it to operate both smoothly and safely at the same time. The release mechanism on this North States gate works very well. The auto-close feature also works well. However, whether or not you will like that feature is another thing.
It became immediately apparent that the auto-close feature can be a pain in a high-traffic area. Keep in mind this gate is not easy to remove, so once installed you will need to open it each and every time you go through it unless you rig up your own doorstop to hold it open. The main advantage is that it will always be closed, and that makes it safer. I prefer the safety, but I can see where some people might get annoyed.
It also closes with a fairly loud clang, which can be a nuisance when you have a sleeping baby. The metal latch is pulled into place by a magnet so even if you manually close the gate, it will probably clang, although sometimes you get lucky and it doesn't. A little duct tape over the magnet helps.
Another thing to keep in mind is that since this is a top-of-stairs gate, it will only open in one direction and it cannot be setup to operate in both directions at the same time.
As with all pressure-mount gates, there is a steel bar at the bottom of the gate that you will need to step over.
All in all, this is still the best top-of-stairs gate I have been able to find. It does the job I need it to. But obviously it isn't the most flexible gate and there is a lot of room for improvement. If you don't need a top-of-stairs gate, I would recommend The First Years Hands Free gate, which we use in our kitchen. But please remember that if you need a gate at the top of the stairs, there are only a handful available that are designed for this, and they are all hardware mounted.
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Supergate Auto-Close Metal GateFor protecting small children and pets from potentially unsafe areas of a household, the North States Auto Close Gate is the ideal solution. This is the only gate in the world that will automatically close and lock from any position. Never again will you have to worry that you left the gate open! The sturdy metal gate is pressure mounted and fits most doorframes. Its unique auto-close mechanism features an automatic lock, offering you a reliable, worry-free way to keep your household child- and pet-safe.
A Gate That Automatically Closes and LocksAn indispensable product for households with small children and pets, the North States Auto Close Gate allows you to block door openings, ensuring that your little ones are safe and secure at all times. Featuring a unique closing mechanism, the sturdy metal gate opens fully, then automatically shuts and locks. Adults can open the security latch with easy, one-hand operation, while children will require assistance.
Stairway-Approved for Safety in Multistory HomesWhether you have a basement or a second story in your home, this gate is a great way to protect young children and pets from entering unsafe stairwells. Because of its locking hand wheel with a built-in mounting cup, which provides added security, the North States Auto Close Gate is approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association for top-of-stairs installation.
Sturdy Build Makes it Easy to Install and ExpandConstructed with a strong powder-coated white metal, the 16-pound gate's heavy-duty design provides long-lasting durability, so you can count on it for years to come. The gate is 30 inches high and fits in most standard doorframes. And because it's pressure mounted, the North States Auto Close Gate requires minimal hardware and can be installed without tools.
The ease of installation also makes the gate easy to move from one opening to another. Use it to keep the pets secure while you are out of the house, or use it on the door of a toddler's bedroom, so he or she can play in a safe space.
The standard gate fits openings 29.5 to 38 inches wide. Optional extensions (sold separately) are available, which will allow expansion up to 125 inches. To customize the gate to meet your specific needs, please refer to the opening chart.
To ensure 100% satisfaction with your purchase, all North States products come with a one year warranty against manufacturer's defect.
About North StatesLocated in Blaine, Minnesota, North States Industries offers versatile and economical gates and enclosures in the juvenile and pet categories. All of the company's products are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association for safety, and are engineered to provide the highest quality, durability and ease of use.
What's in the BoxNorth States Auto Close Gate, mounting hardware, and assembly instructions.
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