The NEW new Graco buckle

whiteyacht

Active member

• May 9, 2013

• #1

So I finally got around to reporting my buckle sticking issues to NHTSA. We actually had issues with the old style, wrote to Graco, were sent the new style, and just lived with that one sticking occasionally. But I finally made the report because I was paranoid that it would be stuck in an emergency. NHTSA advised me to contact Graco again because there were some changes made to the new buckle at the end of 2012. Let me tell you, customer service asks a lot fewer questions when you say, "The NHTSA told me to ask you..."

Anyway, got the new buckle, old ones sent to NHTSA, and I've got to say I'm quite happy with it. No sticking, easy to open, and my newly 5yo can finally buckle himself. I will post a pic next time we go somewhere, because the button looks slightly recessed compared to my old new style. I don't know if that is a problem or defect? But it seems to be working fine.

I'm so happy they have addressed this because I badly wanted a MySize for when baby outgrows his bucket, but I didn't want to deal with the awful buckle!

Sent from my phone. Please excuse typos.

 

SavsMom

New member

• May 9, 2013

• #2

That's great news.
I actually bought a KeyFit just because of the buckle being easier. Now I may have to look at the Click Connect again

 

Kecia

Admin - CPST Instructor

• May 9, 2013

• #3

Yeah, the newer buckles of this style are definitely easier to operate than the older ones (clearly some running changes have been made to the internal components of this particular Amsafe buckle) but they're still far from easy and I still don't care for them. But they are definitely less horrible than they used to be.

 

MommyShannon

New member

• May 9, 2013

• #4

Oh that is good. Can't wait to hear more! I've been so tempted to get DD2 a MyRide even though I prefer rebound control, I'm not as set on it in the middle row. The buckle is what dissuaded me. Then again I shouldn't be buying new seats!

 

whiteyacht

Active member

• May 9, 2013

• #5

Kecia said:

Yeah, the newer buckles of this style are definitely easier to operate than the older ones (clearly some running changes have been made to the internal components of this particular Amsafe buckle) but they're still far from easy and I still don't care for them. But they are definitely less horrible than they used to be.

Click to expand...

Agreed, it's still not as easy as, say, the buckles on our Dorel seats. But so much better than before.

Sent from my phone. Please excuse typos.

 

whiteyacht

Active member

• May 10, 2013

• #6

Pics! I hope the links work (the files were huge so I couldn't attach with the app). Just showing how the button is slightly recessed. I might email Graco to make sure that is how it is supposed to be.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/bm2k875sataltm5/YrgPMHAxuI
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/o97vgwdv2h6yd97/ywPLtH3jxk

 

HaileysMommy

New member

• May 11, 2013

• #7

So I have a Graco DOM in 2012 I should probably call and get a new buckle sent out? I just got this seat so I haven't used it but I don't want the buckle to stick in an emergency!

 

whiteyacht

Active member

• May 11, 2013

• #8

HaileysMommy said:

So I have a Graco DOM in 2012 I should probably call and get a new buckle sent out? I just got this seat so I haven't used it but I don't want the buckle to stick in an emergency!

Click to expand...

What month? The NHTSA told me it was updated in December. But I know people before then have said they had no problems. I'd use it for a bit to see if it has any issues.

Sent from my phone. Please excuse typos.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• May 11, 2013

• #9

I had a seat at a check this evening that was made 1/2013 and its buckle was a bit sticky.

 

R

rodentranger

New member

• May 11, 2013

• #10

Is this applicable only only infant seats? My 6 yo can't unbuckle his Nauti because one side sticks so bad. He can unbuckle every other seat I have. I guess I'll call Graco on Monday.

 

HaileysMommy

New member

• May 11, 2013

• #11

rodentranger said:

Is this applicable only only infant seats? My 6 yo can't unbuckle his Nauti because one side sticks so bad. He can unbuckle every other seat I have. I guess I'll call Graco on Monday.

Click to expand...

They all have the same buckle so no.

 

Kac

Ambassador - CPS Technician

• May 11, 2013

• #12

It looks the same as (or incredibly similar to) my 6/11 DOM Nautilus.

 

kidzndogz

New member

• May 12, 2013

• #13

My friend got a Nautilus for her daughter that has a 3/2013 DOM and she called me freaking out that she couldn't get her kid out when in the parking lot at her OB office. This is ridiculous.

 

whiteyacht

Active member

• May 12, 2013

• #14

Dang. I bet they updated the buckle, but still used plenty of the older new ones for seats in production. Contact Graco, y'all, the newer buckle is a lot better! Not perfect, but better.

Sent from my phone. Please excuse typos.

 

whiteyacht

Active member

• May 12, 2013

• #15

Kac said:

It looks the same as (or incredibly similar to) my 6/11 DOM Nautilus.

Click to expand...

Ok, good to know. My original new buckle wasn't quite so recessed on the bottom edge.

Sent from my phone. Please excuse typos.