KidCo offers a range of installation kits designed to facilitate the secure mounting of safety gates in various doorway and stairway configurations. These kits address installations beyond standard wood-framed doorways, accommodating baseboards, non-parallel surfaces, and potentially damaging wall coverings. This article details the components, installation procedures, and considerations for KidCo installation kits, specifically the K100 and K12 series, based on available documentation.
Installation Kit Contents and Applications
The KidCo K100 safety gate installation kit is intended for use when attaching safety gates to surfaces other than solid wood walls or door frames. The documentation indicates that some applications, such as those involving wrought iron, may require two installation kits per gate side to ensure a secure fit. These kits are also useful when pressure-mounted gates require additional support due to baseboards or uneven surfaces, or to protect wall coverings from damage.
A single K100 kit includes the following components:
- 1 x 36” long hardwood board (knots and irregularities are normal)
- 1 x 2 ½” hardwood spacer
- 1 x 3/16” butterfly toggle bolt
- 1 x 3 ½” machine screw
- 1 x 3/16” wing nut
- 1 x flat washer
- 2 x 1 ½” wood screws
- 1 x 2 ½” wood screw
- 2 x 18” long plastic tie straps
The K12 series is specifically designed for stairway gate installations, fitting posts ranging from 2 ½” to 3 5/8” in diameter.
General Installation Procedures
While specific procedures vary depending on the installation surface, the general process involves mounting a hardwood board to the wall or post, then attaching the gate hardware to this board. The documentation outlines a procedure for installations requiring drilling into a wall. This involves drilling pilot holes and using appropriate screws and toggle bolts to secure the installation kit to the wall.
The steps for a typical installation include:
- Determine the appropriate location for the installation kit, considering potential interference with gate hardware.
- Drill a pilot hole for the initial screw.
- If a wall stud is not present, drill a ½” hole into the wall and use the 3 ½” machine screw with the butterfly toggle bolt to secure the installation kit.
- Mount the gate hardware to the installed wood installation kit.
Wrought Iron Installations
For installations involving wrought iron banisters or railings, the documentation recommends using two installation kits per gate side. This “sandwich” configuration provides a more secure mounting surface. Wood spacers may be necessary at the top or bottom of the board to create a vertical mounting surface.
Safety Considerations and Common Sense Rules
KidCo emphasizes that safety gates should not be solely relied upon to protect a child, particularly at the top of stairways. Constant adult supervision is paramount. The documentation highlights potential hazards associated with certain gate designs, such as widely spaced mesh that could create footholds or entanglement risks.
Additional safety recommendations include:
- Avoiding gates that are easily climbed.
- Keeping large toys away from the gate to prevent climbing.
- Inspecting gates for rough edges or openings and sanding them smooth if necessary.
- Ensuring gates are sufficiently tall (over 22”) to discourage stepping over.
Available Accessories and Extensions
KidCo offers a variety of accessories and extensions for its gates, including:
- Gate Installation Kit (K10 and K100 Series)
- Stairway Gate Installation Kit (K12 Series)
- Extensions for various gate models (G11, G15, G20, G3000, G2100, etc.) in lengths ranging from 5.5” to 24”.
- Bed Rails (BR200, BR201, BR202 Series and Convertible Crib Bed Rail Series)
- Pods (BouncePod, DinePod, DreamPod, GoPod, PeaPod, PeaPod Plus, SwingPod, TravelPod)
- Buggygear
These accessories allow for customization and adaptation of KidCo gates to various spaces and needs. The documentation lists specific extension sizes available for different gate models.
Product User Guides and Customer Support
KidCo provides assembly and user guides in Adobe Acrobat format on its website. The documentation encourages users to read all instructions before using the product. Customer support is available by phone at 800.553.5529 to assist with questions and concerns.
Conclusion
KidCo installation kits are designed to provide secure mounting solutions for safety gates in a variety of situations. The K100 kit addresses installations beyond standard wood frames, while the K12 kit is specifically designed for stairways. Proper installation, adherence to safety guidelines, and regular hardware checks are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of these products. The availability of accessories and extensions allows for customization to meet specific needs. Users are encouraged to consult the provided user guides and contact customer support for assistance.