How easy is it to open the latch to the gate? I have arthritis and I need a gate that has a button/latch that doesn't take a lot of force to use.
1515656
You need to be able to slide a button with your thumb (away from you), while simultaneously lifting up the entire gate to open. It's a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's not terrible. I haven't encountered anyone with arthritis using it in my home, but my in-laws have a hard time figuring it out, so they just hop over it - but I think it's more of a patience thing!
1515657
It is not hard to open, I can open it with one hand while holding the baby. My 8 years old has no problems either. Hope this helps.
1515658
This gate is a bit tricky to open until you figure out how it works - but OK after that. The rest of the system is difficult to adjust to the position you want, but once it is adjusted - it is really sturdy and works great. This is a good system to just set up and leave, but a bit difficult to put up and take down frequently.
1515659
I think it depends on how bad your arthritis is. As Kimberlee said, you must simultaneously slide a button back & lift up the entire gate. If it's hard for you to squeeze your hand/make a fist, it might be difficult for you to lift up the gate. It's not particularly heavy, but can be awkward.
1934065
Yes, it opens from both sides. From the front, you push a button that unlatches and you push the gate at the same time to open. From the backside you simply lift up the latch and pull the gate open.
1237730
Opener will open and close gate, but I removed previous latch and eventually put an electronic lock on. The important thing is the gate swings freely and is fairly level. I don't see how you can use the existing latch with the gate.
1115612
No, you have to lift it up to close it in place. The latch that locks it is a really cheap bad design. I wouldn't trust this gate if your using it for small kids. I'm using it to keep a large dog on the deck.
221532
You pull the lever up and reajust the gate when you close the gate. It's as easy as that. I love this gate because it doesn't budge when you the lever goes down. I use it to keep my little schnauzer from falling down the stairs. I just recommended this gate to keep my niece from doing the same.
1992274
Yes. The gate should latch properly. I have the same siuation. The only issue we have is in opening the gate. The attached pin on the hinge side often pops out of the hole. It's an annoyance but not a big deal since it goes back in easily.
1898894
It was a little difficult for me because I have arthrtis in my hands, but to open I used a flat screwdriver in one of the 2 slots along the edge of the bottom. If you gently pull the handle of the screwdriver away from the unit, it will release the lever and the bottom will come off. To replace, just snap back on.
1146181
Possibly, even for an adult it takes some practice to open it. But it is not physically hard to open just a combination of turn and pull to release the latch.
780657
I think it is easier to snap open than to snap shut but I do not have arthritis. I can pop it open using just my thumb, then I press with my whole palm to latch shut.
230322
Mine was very easy to open when I received it. I actually bent the metal prong a little to make it more secure. But you can adjust it however you like.
665752
I agree with the other answer. Only a small click. I've actually learned to minimize that click by jamming my thumb into the latch release instead of using the handle.
792491
Yes. It is very easy to open. You just lift the door a little, and push open.
1893361
Very easy... simply lift up on the door slightly and swing it open. It locks on its own when it swings closed.
1053563
The gate works well for us and even my 48 year old husband has a bit of difficulty opening it. Honestly, it would probably be quite difficult for either child to open but not impossible. The latch is a basic lever type latch. You push the lever down and a claw latch opens. You still have to maneuver it out of the eye hook that it is in. So, it would be difficult, but a determined four year old may eventually get it. I have to say that it's worth the try. It is a great gate and you can remove it from the eye hooks if you want to take it down for a bit.
2102080
I wish I could help you with this. I have the same gate and can open it and close it with one hand. Is it possible that it may not be alligned right?
2102077
When we were attaching the gate to the walls, it was hard to open/close. I believe my husband adjusted the tension on the screws going into the walls. Opens/closes great. We LOVE this gate!!!
792983
This gate does not close automatically - you need to push a button and lift the gate slightly to open it. It only requires using one hand though.