Drill Pilot Holes and Insert Anchors

What happens in this clip

Using a drill, create pilot holes at each marked location on the wall. The size of the drill bit depends on the wall surface: for wall stud surfaces, drill a 1/8 inch (3mm) hole. For drywall surfaces, drill a 1/4 inch (6mm) hole, and then insert the provided plastic wall anchors into these larger holes. If necessary, use a hammer to gently tap the plastic wall anchors flush with the wall surface. Ensure all marked holes for both the gate mounts and handle mounts on both sides of the doorway are drilled appropriately according to the wall type.

Goal: Create appropriate pilot holes for all mounting screws and insert wall anchors where needed

What's used

Tools

• 1/4 inch (6mm) Drill Bit
• 1/8 inch (3mm) Drill Bit
• Drill
• Hammer
• Plastic Wall Anchors

About the full video

This project provides step-by-step instructions for installing a Carlson retractable gate, including marking screw hole locations using paper templates, drilling pilot holes for mounts, attaching the gate and handle mounts to the wall, and finally, installing and demonstrating the operation and locking mechanism of the retractable gate.

Step 3 of 6: Drill Pilot Holes

Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws provided with the baby gate. For each marked screw position, drill a pilot hole into the solid wood. The depth of the pilot hole should be sufficient to accommodate the length of the screw, but not so deep that it compromises the integrity of the wall.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install a Hardware-Mounted Baby Gate at the Top of Stairs

1. Step 1: Identify Mounting Surfaces

   • 0:24–0:31 Install Lower Wall Mounts (First Side)
   • 0:13–0:18 Prepare Mounting Boards
   • 0:23–0:32 Install Wall-Mount Baby Gate

2. Step 2: Mark Bracket Positions

   • 2:59–3:10 Mark, Drill, and Secure Top Mounting Bracket (Side 1)
   • 1:21–1:35 Position Gate and Mark Wall
   • 1:26–1:45 Position Gate and Mark Wall

3. Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes

   • 1:05–1:12 Mark and Drill Wall Holes
   • 1:50–2:02 Mark and Drill Bottom Pilot Holes (Side 1)
   • 1:18–1:48 Drill Pilot Holes and Insert Anchors (this video)

4. Step 4: Attach Mounting Brackets

   • 1:43–1:50 Secure Wall Brackets
   • 3:44–4:19 Secure Mounting Brackets (Side 2)
   • 3:14–3:37 Mount the Bracket to the Wall

5. Step 5: Attach Gate to Brackets

   • 3:44–4:19 Secure Mounting Brackets (Side 2)
   • 1:48–1:55 Mount the Gate into Brackets
   • 3:37–4:15 Install the Safety Gate

6. Step 6: Adjust and Test Gate Functionality

   • 17:06–18:29 Test Gate Functionality and Latch
   • 1:30–2:19 Final Assembly and Testing
   • 3:49–4:22 Verify Security and Functionality