I need it to be easy to open and close because I will use it to keep the dogs out of my elderly mother's room. She can't operate a lock.
512599
The "lock" on this- which is really the tensioning knob on the top of the unit- can be put into a permanent stationary state. Meaning the retraction/extension is a bit easier. The toughest part for an elderly operator will be enough hand strength to pull the gate across to latch it. It's not a trivial amount of tension, like a window shade.
512600
If she can't operate a lock and you want her to operate this, I doubt she will be able to. My 5 year old can do just about every baby gate out there but this one. It is harder to attach to the other side than I thought it would be. You really need 2 hands to get it to latch around the plastic lip on it. I also doubt my elderly grandmother could turn the mechanism. Again my 5 year old can make it turn, but it is hard for him to do. I know it sounds silly to compare her to a 5 year old, but depending on how elderly your mother is it might be a decent comparison. Please take no offense, none is intended, just trying to help. If she can't operate a lock and you want her to operate this, I doubt she will be able to. My 5 year old can do just about every baby gate out there but this one. It is harder to attach to the other side than I thought it would be. You really need 2 hands to get it to latch around the plastic lip on it. I also doubt my elderly grandmother could turn the mechanism. Again my 5 year old can make it turn, but it is hard for him to do. I know it sounds silly to compare her to a 5 year old, but depending on how elderly your mother is it might be a decent comparison. Please take no offense, none... » Read More If she can't operate a lock and you want her to operate this, I doubt she will be able to. My 5 year old can do just about every baby gate out there but this one. It is harder to attach to the other side than I thought it would be. You really need 2 hands to get it to latch around the plastic lip on it. I also doubt my elderly grandmother could turn the mechanism. Again my 5 year old can make it turn, but it is hard for him to do. I know it sounds silly to compare her to a 5 year old, but depending on how elderly your mother is it might be a decent comparison. Please take no offense, none is intended, just trying to help. « Show Less
1893361
Very easy... simply lift up on the door slightly and swing it open. It locks on its own when it swings closed.
2102079
Mine is very easy, both 95-year-old mother and grandchildren, just old enough to stand can open it. I wonder if one of your walls isn't square, pushing the gate into an incorrect position.
1257854
Are you trying to keep something out of it or in it? There is no place to put a lock on it. It does latch closed so a young child would have a time getting it open.
626461
The box is not designed to be locked. A magnet is used to keep the door closed and there is nothing to lock the handle to.
156007
Really easy. Just pull it up and press the bottom down. It locks in place. Pull up bottom to close.
1093490
The doors close shut, but there is no lock. I can tell you they do not open easily on their own. I've been very happy with my purchase. If you want you can add a latch lock to it.
102868
Yes you can. Just grasp in by the small handle and pull it open then close it back. I sometime turn my batteries off because my cocker spaniel sometimes hops up so it will open .
710749
It can be left open. My dog would nudge it open. To close the gate, you have to latch it. It's very easy to open and close.
1422250
My 2 year old grandchild can close it but not open it. It also has a lock to prevent it from being opened.
140806
No, there isn't. I have these all over my house and I don't like the one at my bedroom door to stay shut so I just bought some decorative chain and a nice hook at the hardware store and I hold it open that way.
1372174
There is not that much room inside. The lock mechanism takes up most of the room. It is good for holding a single, flat, ordinary door key, and maybe a piece of paper or something else small, but that is it. If you are trying to put something with the dimensions of 1 1/2" x 2 5/8" x 3/4" inside then that is not going to work.
574945
There is a latch for a small lock under the bars. You could also put a bigger lock on the handles which come together when box is closed.
1058277
The opening is approximately 1/4 x 3/8 inch. A medium size padlock will fit in there.
93421
I think you are looking for something guaranteed to hold the door all the way open. You may want to consider a device that can be locked in the up (open) position. I have seen hinged devices that do that.
340624
This one does lock but it's really easy to open and close. I like personally like the security of the locking and it's not cumbersome at all
230321
I haven't had problems opening or closing. Id say as long as the door latches its secure but it can be adjusted to your liking