Review on Munchkin Aluminum Hardware Hallways Extends by Keith Ostby

This is the best baby gate I have found online and have been looking for for months. However, since this gate requires a very precise fit for installation, there are a few things to consider: Before you buy: The gate adjusts in approximately 1 inch increments, but odd increments will cause overlapping sections of the gate to move. form a solid "wall”, not boards (for example, use two combs, pull them along each other with parallel teeth). This changes the appearance of the gate, but not its function. If you expect it to look exactly like the picture, then you want the opening to match one of the "level" pitches. My setup ended up with three non-overlapping slats in the center forming a solid aluminum square, but it looks good - just unexpected. After purchase: As mentioned, these gates have tight tolerances. The hardest part is adjusting to walls that aren't "see through". To test, hold a weighted rope to the top of a ladder post or door frame. Unless the cord is parallel to the wall throughout, these gates are more difficult to install. Similarly, but more difficult, your wall should be straight/flat. When tightening the screws on an uneven wall, the laser-cut aluminum mounting plate prevents the gate from sliding inward. This can be corrected by leaving the mounting screws slightly loose (assuming they are in a stud etc) or by placing a washer or two between the mounting plate and the wall to allow for some misalignment. The gate will sag about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. So if you measure everything correctly and install the gate wall panels before sliding into the real gate, there's a chance the gate won't actually snap into place without carefully pulling it up so that the pins fit into the slots on the latch. This is annoying since you probably want to close the gate by swinging it vigorously and the swing will do the rest. If the pins don't match, it won't work. My tip: 1) mount the first panel on the side where you want to mount the gate hinge 2) insert the gate into the panel 3) insert the latch into the dismantled panel 4) press the removed latch + plate against the wall and align where the hinges fit 5) Circle the locking plate where it works best 6) Separate the locking and mounting plate 7) Using the line you drew around the locking plate, to align and pierce them. 8) Reinstall the latch and inspect the gate.