Choosing between a Screw Fit or Pressure Fit Stairgate?

When it comes to childproofing your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right stairgate. With so many options available, the decision often comes down to two main types: screw fit and pressure fit gates. Both serve the same essential purpose, keeping your little one safe, but they come with distinct advantages and potential drawbacks.

Should you go for the sturdy, permanent security of a screw-mounted gate, or does the no-drill convenience of a pressure-fit gate make more sense for your home? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and the best scenarios for each type, so you can make the safest and most practical choice for your family.

A pressure fit stairgate is held in place by tension rather than screws. It has rubber pads or pressure cups that push against the walls or doorframe, keeping it secure without the need for drilling or permanent fixtures.

The Fred Safety Pressure Fit Stairgate is designed for safety and ease of use. It can be opened with one hand, making everyday movement around the home simple. The two-way opening allows for flexibility, while the optional one-way setting adds extra security by controlling which way the gate swings. A visual colour alert clearly shows when the gate is unlocked, providing extra peace of mind and helping to keep your child safe.

• They do not require any drilling, making them a great option of renters or those who prefer not to leave marks on their walls.
• They are quick and easy to install, allowing for hassle-free setup and repositioning as needed.
• Since they are not permanently fixed, they can be moved between different rooms, offering flexibility in how and where they are used.
• They are ideal for doorways and hallways, where a secure barrier is needed without requiring permanent fixtures. 

• They rely on tension to stay in place, so may shift over time if not regularly checked or adjusted
• They have a bottom bar, which could pose a trip hazard and therefore should not be placed at the top of the stairs. For this reason, the Fred Safety Pressure Fit Stairgates have a glow-in-the-dark anti-trip strip which illuminates the bottom rail

A screw fit stairgate is securely attached to walls or doorframes using screws, fixing them directly into the structure of your home.

Designed for safety and convenience, the Fred Safety Screw Fit Stairgate can be easily operated with one hand, making it perfect for busy parents. The two-way opening adds flexibility, while the optional one-way setting ensures extra safety, especially at the top of the stairs by preventing it from opening in the wrong direction. A visual colour alert also lets parents know if the gate is left unlocked, providing extra peace of mind and keeping your home secure.

• Screw fit gates provide maximum security since they are fixed directly into the wall, making them the best choice for high-risk areas like the top of stairs.
• With no bottom bar, they eliminate tripping hazards, making them safe and accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users and children riding toys with wheels.
• They are designed to withstand more force, making them ideal for busy households with active toddlers or pets.
• Since they are permanently installed, they do not require frequent adjustments or repositioning,
  

• Installation requires drilling into the wall, which may not be suitable for renters
• As they are fixed in place, they cannot be easily moved to another location.
• The setup process takes a bit more time and effort compared to pressure-mounted options, but once installed, they provide a long-lasting safety solution.
  

If your home has skirting boards, you might be wondering how this affects the installation of your stair gate. The good news is that both screw fit and pressure fit gates can still be installed securely, but they may require a little extra support to achieve a proper fit.

With the Fred Safety Universal Wall & Skirting Kit, you can confidently install your stair gate over skirting boards without worrying about instability. This makes childproofing your home easier while providing a safe and secure barrier for your little one. 

Choosing between a screw fit and a pressure fit stairgate ultimately comes down to your home’s layout, your specific needs, and where you plan to install the gate. Screw fit gates offer the highest level of security, making them the safest choice for the top of stairs, while pressure fit gates provide a flexible and drill-free solution that works well for doorways and hallways.