How to Install a Saftidor Retractable Security Gate

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Installation Video

PDF instructions

Before You Start

  1. Initial Check
    Check that the gate fits your opening and that you have a suitable fixing surface on both sides.
    Saftidor gates can be installed inside a door or window opening. 

  2. Do Not Overextend the Gate
    Choose the most suitable Saftidor size for your opening rather than unnecessarily stretching a smaller gate across a large opening.
    As a retractable gate extends, the diamond openings become larger. The Saftidor guidance therefore recommends avoiding excessive extension where possible. A correctly sized gate provides a tighter security barrier and better overall operation.

  3. Adjusting the Height
    In some installations, the height of the gate may need to be reduced.
    The Saftidor installation guidance states that when height reduction is necessary, material should be removed from the top of the gate rather than the bottom.
    The bottom of the gate is intentionally retained because removing material from this area can affect the way the lower part of the gate resists leverage. 
    Because cutting permanently modifies the gate, confirm your required dimensions carefully before making any alteration.

Installation Directions

  • Where there is sufficient space, the gate can be mounted between the sides of the door or window opening.

    This is generally the simplest configuration because the hinges and locking side can be secured directly to the surfaces inside the opening.

  • If the gate cannot be mounted inside the opening, it may be installed across the face of the opening.

    Additional mounting posts may be required to provide suitable fixing surfaces for the hinges and locking side.  

  • Tools You Will Need

    • Drill
    • 4 mm steel drill bit
    • 6 mm concrete drill bit
    • Level
    • Flat head screwdriver
    • Phillips head screwdriver
    • 7mm spanner

  • Before drilling...

    You will also need the screws, nuts, bolts, hinges, lock components and other fittings supplied with your Saftidor gate.

    Before drilling, temporarily position the gate in the opening and check that it sits square and operates comfortably.

Step 1 — Fit the Hinges to the Gate

Start from the top hinge

  1. Position each hinge approximately 10 mm from the slot on the Saftidor steel frame.
  2. Mark the fixing holes.
  3. Drill the holes into the steel frame using a 4 mm steel drill bit.
  4. Secure the hinges to the Saftidor using the supplied No. 2 screws.
  5. The hinges may be positioned so that the gate opens inward or outward, depending on the installation.
  • Hinges of the Saftidor
  • Hinges of the Saftidor retractable security grille installed on residential doorway

Step 2 — Fit the Wheel

  1. With the gate compressed, position the wheel assembly at the bottom of the gate.
  2. Mark the three fixing holes.
  3. Drill 4 mm holes into the Saftidor using the steel drill bit.
  4. Secure the wheel assembly using the three No. 2 screws supplied with the caster bracket.

Set the wheel height

Place a 5 mm spacer beneath the wheel.

The wheel should sit approximately 5 mm above the floor while the gate is in its compressed/stacked position before the hinges are mounted to the wall or frame.

This helps the wheel support the gate correctly as it is extended.

Step 3 — Position the Gate

Compress the Saftidor and place it beside the frame where it will be installed.

Place a spacer underneath the gate before fixing the hinges.

Use the wheel position established in Step 2, with the wheel approximately 5 mm above the floor when the gate is stacked. A magazine or book can be used as a temporary spacer.

Step 4 — Fix the Hinges to the Frame

    1. Mark the hinge fixing holes.
    2. Drill 4 mm pilot holes into the wood.
    3. Secure the hinges using the supplied No. 3 screws.
    4. No wall plugs are required for a suitable timber fixing.

  • Use No.3 Screws

    1. Mark the hinge fixing holes.
    2. Drill 6 mm holes using the concrete drill bit.
    3. Insert the supplied wall plugs.
    4. Secure the hinges using the supplied No. 3 screws.

  • Use No.3 Screws

  • Use a level to position the Saftidor parallel to the door or window frame.

Step 5 — Fit the Lock Box

    1. Position the lock box against the Saftidor.
    2. The centre hole of the lock box should line up with the centre rivet of the Saftidor.
    3. Mark the fixing positions.
    4. Drill 4 mm holes using the steel drill bit.
    5. Secure the lock box with the supplied No. 2 screws.

    Installation Tip

    Where possible, install the lock toward the inside of the protected area to make tampering more difficult.

  • Use No.2 Screws

  • Fit the Handle

    1. Once the lock box has been securely fitted, install the handle.
    2. Position the handle at approximately a 45-degree angle to the backing plate.
    3. Clip the handle into position.
    4. Check that it is securely attached and does not interfere with the surrounding frame or door hardware.
Saftidor retractable security grille installed on residential doorway

Step 6 — Installing Lock Brackets

  • Option A — Lock bracket: Reveal Fit on Concrete

    1. Attach the lock bracket:
      Snap the lock bracket onto the bracket.
    2. Mark its position:
      Close the gate fully.
      Using a pencil, mark the position of the lock bracket on three sides.
      Remove the lock bracket from the lock.
    3. Mark the fixing holes:
      Place the lock bracket back inside the pencil lines.
      Mark all four mounting holes.
    4. Drill the holes:
      Using the 6 mm concrete drill bit, drill the four fixing holes. Insert the supplied wall plugs.
    5. Secure the lock bracket:
      Position the lock bracket over the holes.
      Secure it using the supplied No. 3 screws.
    6. Final Check:
      Extend and close the gate several times to confirm that the lock engages correctly.

  • Option B — Lock Bracket: Face Fit Using the L-Bracket

    1. Assemble the lock bracket and L-bracket:
      Temporarily attach the lock bracket to the L-bracket.
    2. Attach it to the lock:
      Snap the lock bracket onto the Saftidor lock.
    3. Mark the bracket position:
      Close the gate.
      Use a pencil to mark the position of the L-bracket on three sides.
      Remove the lock bracket from the lock.
      Separate the L-bracket from the lock bracket.
    4. Fix the L-bracket:
      Place the L-bracket inside the pencil marks.
      Mark the three fixing holes. For timber, drill 4 mm pilot holes. Position the bracket and secure it using the supplied No. 3 screws. For wall or masonry installation, use the appropriate supplied wall plugs.
    5. Reattach the lock bracket:
      Secure the lock bracket to the L-bracket using the supplied No. 1 bolt and nut fixings. Check that all fixings are tight.

Step 7 — Test the Gate and Lock

Extend and retract the Saftidor several times. Check that:

  • The gate remains parallel with the frame.
  • The hinges are firmly secured.
  • The wheel operates correctly on C–H models.
  • The gate extends without catching.
  • The lock lines up naturally with the lock bracket.
  • The lock engages without needing excessive force.
  • The lock releases correctly with the key.
  • The handle is secure.
  • The existing door handle does not interfere with the Saftidor.

Make small alignment adjustments if required before considering the installation complete.

Need Help With Your Installation?

If you are unsure about your opening, gate size, mounting position or installation method, contact DIY Xpanda before making permanent modifications to the gate.

When contacting us, it is helpful to provide:

  • the Saftidor model or reference size;
  • opening width;
  • opening height;
  • photos of the installation area;
  • and whether you intend to install the gate inside the opening or face-fix it.

The supplied installation guide lists DIY Xpanda contact details as diy@xpanda.co.nz and 021 532 035.