We’re happy you found Smart Retract, and we’re excited to tell you why our 100% Made in the USA Retract-A-Gate offers value far beyond any other safety gate on the market. Smart Retract has done extensive testing of other available retractable gates, and by comparison, Retract-A-Gate is far easier to use AND keeps kids and pets safer. Unlike the others, Retract-A-Gate has no complex parts, and its mechanism and tough mesh fabric both stand up to prolonged use. Simple to install and use, built to last, and security for the ones you love – what better value is there than that?
Here is a list that explains how Retract-A-Gate offers the best balance of features and safety compared to any gate in its class:
After installing the wall brackets, attach the retractable safety gate to one side of the doorway by fully snapping it into both brackets. Once you pull the mesh across and hook it in place, you then operate the lock. The lock is a double acting (and very secure but simple) push-and-turn mechanism. Once the reel is in the locked position, gears inside the lock prevent the mesh from unwinding. There will be a little give to the material, but it will not unwind.
When you want to retract the safety gate, simply unlock, then unhook the handle rod from the brackets. Retract-A-Gate uses an internal spring to automatically rewind the mesh, so no manual winding is required.
Our gate was designed to have a steady, smooth, and simple operation while still being safe and secure for use with children. The gate does not lock until you use the push and then turn lock mechanism. This feature allows you to open or close the gate as much or as little as you wish before re-latching and locking it. This enables you to quickly step through without being forced to fully open the gate (no interruption to the smooth operation). Retract-A-Gate offers a superior balance of ease-of-use, functionality, and style than any other retractable gate on the market.
Smart Retract manufactures two Retract-A-Gate models, which can cover openings up to a maximum of 52 or 72 inches. Here are a few more product measurements and requirements for installation:
Retract-A-Gate can be installed in nearly any location, both indoors and outdoors, and its wall brackets can be mounted to a variety of surfaces.
Top of stairways: We recommend that the gate be mounted at a minimum of 6 inches away from the edge of the top step. If the bottom of the mesh is too close to the stair edge, it can create a gap where a small child or pet could potentially slip through. If this 6-inch requirement is difficult due to space challenges, it can still be accomplished by installing the Retract-A-Gate at an angle, away from the staircase. One of the advantages of Retract-A-Gate is that it can be installed and work at nearly any angle. With an angled installation, the opening of each bracket should face away from the safety gate. As another option, nearby areas could be fenced off with the safety gate which would still provide a barrier to stair access.
Bottom of stairways: A Retract-A-Gate mounted at the bottom of stairs should be mounted on the floor. It is not recommended to install the gate up on a step; if a child climbed up the step, they could potentially have farther to fall if they happened to tumble backward.
Attaching to stair spindles/posts: The wall brackets can be attached directly to the stair posts or spindles, but if drilling holes in the spindles is not desired, or if the posts are thin or made of metal, Stair Banister Adapter Kits are available. For stairways with no wall, the Retract-A-Gate can be attached to the posts or spindles on both sides, and the Stair Banister Adapter Kit can help with this type of installation as well. The mounting brackets would be attached to the Banister Adaptor, and the whole assembly is strapped to the post or spindle with the included straps, which will fit square stair posts up to 7 inches. One Banister Adapter kit would be needed if there is a wall on one side of the stairway, and two would be needed if both sides of the gate will be attached to spindles or posts. For more information, click here.
Other surfaces: At Smart Retract, we understand that there are unique installation situations, and we address many of the potential alternate installation surfaces here.
Bookcase or cabinet: The Retract-A-Gate may be safety mounted to a cabinet or bookcase if it is completely stable and wall-mounted. Installation to free-standing units is not recommended. The screws for the mounting brackets require at least 1 inch of solid wood, so if the wall of the bookcase or cabinet is thin, a backer board may be needed on the inside. In the case of a countertop overhang, Wall Spacers can be used under the brackets. These will help push the safety gate out and provide clearance from the overhang.
Concrete, stone, brick, or mortar: A board can be attached to these types of surfaces, and then the brackets can be attached to the board. If you need screws that are shorter than the 2-inch screws that are provided with the Retract-A-Gate, be sure to use #6 flat head screws with the included washers. As another option, you can take the provided screws to hardware store and have them size masonry anchors for you.
Fiberglass or vinyl siding: Before installing to any type of vinyl or fiberglass siding, check that there are boards or solid wood sheeting underneath. If there is no supporting material under the siding, you will need to use suitable anchors to make the safety gate installation secure.
Installing to openings wider than 72 inches: The best option is to connect multiple Retract-A-Gates together using zip ties. How this works is the handle rod of one gate connects to the rod of the reel section on the next gate (see slideshow). This can be repeated with as many gates as you need to cover your opening. The benefit of this solution is that you can still easily use one hand to open or close the gates. If you decide to use this solution, make sure to always lock ALL connected gates. This solution is only for special situations such as non-critical applications or where only a visual barrier is needed. Hooking multiple gates together with zip ties has not been certified for use with children. It is just a special option for non-critical applications. There are 17-inch zip ties (Gate Connector Straps) available for purchase on the Prices/Buy page if you decide to use this option.
Some customers have hooked two Retract-A-Gates together using two S-hooks in order to cover openings up to 104-144 inches. Each retractable safety gate mounts to either side of the opening, and then the handle rods hook together in the middle with the S-hooks. One S-hook would be used in the top cutouts and one S-hook would be used in the bottom cutouts (see slideshow). This solution is also for special situations such as low traffic areas, non-critical applications, or where only a visual barrier is needed. Retract-A-Gate is very easy to operate with one hand; however, when using this option, you would need two hands and the process will be slower. The S-hook solution has not been tested or certified for use with children; it is just a special option for non-critical applications. If you decide to use this option, a set of S-hooks is available for purchase on the Prices/Buy page.
The only other option to allow the safety gate to span a wider distance would be to put up a partition to close the gap and then attach Retract-A-Gate to that. You could then paint or stain the structure to match the surroundings.
For complete installation instructions, including detailed information on optional accessories, please see our Installation & Accessories page.
Here at Smart Retract, we are proud to say that we have produced a product that meets or exceeds safety standards in a variety of ways. Retract-A-Gate can hold up to a push-out force of up to 200 pounds and is tested and certified for use at the top and bottom of the stairs. It’s tough, durable mesh fabric is made of a reinforced polymer composite material that is also non-toxic and free of latex, BPA chemicals, lead, phthalate, and formaldehyde.
As part of Smart Retract’s dedication to infant and child safety, the Retract-A-Gate undergoes yearly testing with an independent evaluator for compliance with standards for the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). This process is done to maintain Retract-A-Gate’s certification with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The JPMA certification allows Smart Retract to label the Retract-A-Gate product with the JPMA-certified seal, and lets customers know that the product was developed with safety in mind for infants and children aged 6-24 months. In addition, Retract-A-Gate also exceeds the Canadian Safety Standards for baby gates.
Designed for easy, one-handed operation by an adult, the Retract-A-Gate is also difficult for small children to open, since the locking mechanism must be pushed down and turned at the same time, similar to child-proof lids.
Retract-A-Gate has a 34-inch mesh height, making it one of the tallest retractable gates on the market. When the gate is locked, the tightly woven mesh is taut which makes it difficult for a child or pet to climb over. If you happen to own a cat or dog that can jump higher than three feet, you will need to purchase a taller gate.
With the purchase of a Retract-A-Gate by Smart Retract, there are several tips to remember to help make the use of your gate as safe as possible.
The mesh has been tested for pets in several ways and has achieved outstanding results. It is very resistant to scratching, ripping, and tearing. Please note, however, that most any fabric material will not withstand repeated biting and chewing by a pet. For dogs and cats that have a tendency to chew, or if they are inclined to dig or burrow, we recommend a metal safety gate.
As an indoor/outdoor gate, the Retract-A-Gate was designed to withstand the elements and was tested for all-season outdoor use. Even so, we highly recommend storing the Retract-A-Gate indoors during freezing temperatures. Items left outside continually will have a reduced lifespan, and some color fading may occur, compared to items used solely indoors.
For smudges and light soiling, mild soap and water will work well to clean the Retract-A-Gate. For more stubborn stains, rubbing alcohol can be used.
Smart Retract is proud of the value we bring to our products, and they are priced with this value in mind. We don’t generally offer coupons or other discount codes, but if any promotion is available, it will be found only on our websites. Any promo codes or coupons you may find on other sites are not legitimate.
We do offer savings for customers purchasing multiple gates with the Combo Case, available on our Prices/Buy page.The Combo Case contains 12 gates – 3 of each type of gate available. With this promotion, savings total over $300 when compared to buying individual gates. Also, shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S. is FREE!
Check out our wholesale pricing – a great way to get a deeper discount when purchasing multiple gates. Anyone purchasing a case of 12 gates all of the same size and color would be eligible for wholesale pricing. If you would like to learn more about wholesale pricing, email our customer service at: info@SmartRetract.com.
