Solution for our baby gate situation?

It sounds like to need to find a stud to anchor it into. I wonder if there may be one on the other side of the door on the left. Use a stud-finder to help.

You should remove it completely, repair the walls, then purchase a different type of gate. My SIL put in one that has a frame and swings open like an actual gate. I think that would be a better solution in this space.

Well, I can think of 1way to remedy this...

Find the stud and go into it, which is probably under the vertical frame of the short door, that is where you'd go with the attachment of the gate. Also, you'd have to move the baseboard attachment to that same line, closer to the vent.

You can try a toggle or molly bolt, which will secure the bracket. The type of anchor you show in the picture is not up to the task of what you need it to do. You would need a large fender washer to cover the hole. Finding a stud as others have suggested is the best solution. You can probe the holes you have to find one possibly or look at the baseboard trim and see where it is nailed in. That is usually where your studs are.

Yep. Stud finder. Or you an do what we do... We use baby gates that are a "press fit" into each side of two walls or a doorway. They are surprisingly stable depending on the size and weight of your toddler or dog, and cause no damage to the walls. If interested, look up pressure fit baby gate and see all the different kinds. Amazon has them too. Of course, if it's an animal that you are trying to barricade, you might try taking time to train it or direct its attention elsewhere (off the gate) when you are gone (give it frozen food in a Kong). There are also free dog training lessons on Youtube all the time. Best of luck.

I would repair the wall and use these when re-installing your gate. https://amzn.to/33YjGvK

Use toggle bolts. The butterfly goes into the hole and tighten the bolt. The butterfly opens behind the wall. The holes you have just happen to be the right size for the butterfly.

https://www.menards.com/main/hardware/fasteners-connectors/anchors/toggle-bolts/grip-fast-reg-1-4-20-round-head-zinc-toggle-bolts/232-3800/p-1444451985876-c-8725.htm?tid=3600172925993846945&ipos=2

You can fill it with drywall compound, sand it flat when it dries, and paint over it to match the wall.

it will continue to damage the wall why not just put up a door there instead? I have been in homes where they put up a screen door so they could see the child or pet and yet they couldn't get out...

I would definitely remove that gate. It does not even look safe. Fix the walls. But spray on wall texture to match the existing texture. Go to a builders surplus store and get a real gate. You need to find the studs to install the gate.

I wld take that down patch ur holes an maybe use lattice or somn like that instead of baby gates

Find a spot in the wall where there is a stud behind to anchor to.

Yes, there's a stud under the trim at the utility closet door. Use it or another one.

I'm guessing this is a dog gate.

I agree there are better door types and I'd make the investment.

This will help you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxD9mLqhuSc

The top gate being zip tied to the bottom gate, unattached to either wall, does not look to me to be safe for a toddler. I also see a pet dish in some of the pictures. Is your 'baby gate' set up for a child or for a pet?

I agree with Seth and William that the anchors you are trying to use are not the correct type for this type of textured wall.

i would remove it all .. find a stud and then install your gate into secure stud . Or build a door frame for that in which you can securly anchor that gate

Yes take it out and beef up all material used. Sometimes starting over with a new approach is the best thing.

Your gate will be more stable and secure by drilling into a stud for extra support or strength.