Quite often, doors of various types are equipped with a closer. This small device adds comfort when closing. The door does not slam and does not remain ajar. However, over time it may be necessary to adjust the closer. The more often the door opens, the earlier this action will be required. This is a simple process.
Adjusting the door closer, the instructions for which are discussed later, are quite doable on their own. The device will be operated for a long time and efficiently.
The principle of operation of the closer
Installing a door closer allows you to reduce the load on the hinges and fittings when opening and closing. The mechanism of operation of this device is simple. Its versatility allows the use of a door closer on almost any type of door.
Upon opening, the force is transmitted through the traction lever, the piston to the spring. It is in a chamber filled with oil or gas. At the time of opening, the spring is compressed. In this case, the contents of the camera flows into the free space. After weakening the pressure on the system (at the time of closing), through the channels of the hydraulic or pneumatic system, the substance returns to the primary chamber.
This process is fairly easy to adjust. Channel patency is controlled by screws. Thanks to them, the door closer is adjusted. The manufacturer's instructions indicate where these screws are located. Almost all types of devices are easy to find.
Types of installation on the door
There are several types of closers. They are distinguished by their design and installation method. The simplest are considered overhead mechanisms, as well as devices that are installed in door hinges (instead of contents).
More complex closers are mounted when arranging flooring. Their installation can be scheduled before starting repairs. Another type of mechanism is closers hidden in a box or door leaf. Instructions for their installation and operation require a fairly large thickness of the entire system. Therefore, such a closer for interior doors is rarely used. More often this mechanism regulates the closure of input varieties.
If you want to install a door closer on your door with your own hands, you should give preference to simple overhead models with a sliding rod. They are made according to one pattern.
Important device selection facts
When choosing a door closer on a metal door, interior or other varieties, a number of operating conditions should be taken into account. First of all, it is necessary to evaluate the dimensions of the door leaf and its weight. Next, the wind load is determined when opening and closing. With the same mass of the canvas, a more powerful closer will require a wide door.
To make it easier for the buyer to navigate in the process of choosing the right kind of mechanism, the classification EN1154 was developed. It includes 7 groups of devices. EN1 are designed for the lightest doors.
Also, when choosing take into account climatic conditions. Standard devices are operated in the temperature range from -35 to +70 º. If winters are colder, you should take this into account and give preference to special mechanisms. The door closer, the characteristics of which are necessarily indicated by the manufacturer, can function even in severe frosts.
Device pull
There are 3 main types of overhead door closer design. They can have a sliding, lever traction, as well as a latch to stop the blade in one position. When choosing a particular variety, the dimensions, the weight of the door, the design of the building, as well as the operating conditions, are taken into account. An important role is played by the taste preferences of the user.
Sliding traction is characterized by hidden structural elements. Not every owner is satisfied with sticking out lever mechanisms. Especially if you select a closer for interior doors.
Adjustment principle
To install the door closer to live up to expectations, you should pay special attention to the adjustment. Such devices most often have two or three settings. This allows you to maximize the operation of the mechanism to the operating conditions of the door.
The first setting is carried out immediately after installing the door closer. In the process of opening and closing the door, the elements of the system will require additional settings. Initially, you need to adjust the speed of closing the door. In the cold season, this should happen quickly. Interior doors require slow, smooth closing.
Then the power of the catch is adjusted. It should be sufficient so that the door does not remain open. But a strong catch can quickly disable hardware and hinges.
If you need to keep the door open for some time or increase the time for intermediate closing, you can use and configure additional latches. This allows you to increase comfort when using the door.
Adjustment instruction
Do-it-yourself door closer adjustment is carried out clearly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, the tuning principle for all simple mechanisms is identical. There are two screws on the closer body. They can be untwisted, but not very much. Having made two full turns, we can expect the depressurization of the camera and the breakdown of the device. It is impossible to repair it at home. Even a half-turn of the screw significantly changes the speed of the door leaf. If you turn it counterclockwise, the sash will close slowly.
The door closing speed is checked first. If it is large, the screw is turned half a turn. Further, you may need to add a little speed. To do this, the screw is turned in the opposite direction by a quarter of a turn.
To adjust the catch on the last 15 cm before closing, the speed is adjusted in the same way. To do this, the second screw is loosened. The procedure is similar to the previous step. Depending on the closer model, attention can be paid to the opening angle of the blade, as well as the average speed.
Expert Advice
A standard overhead type closer requires adjustment during operation. This is felt when changing seasons in oil models. The contents of the camera become more dense after severe winter frosts. Therefore, the mechanism of the front door has to be adjusted more often.
To avoid frequent system settings and to purchase a durable device, it is worth acquiring a special type of mechanism for exterior doors. Inside they contain gas, not oil. This is a pneumatic door closer. Device adjustment is required less frequently. Gas does not change its properties during operation.
Additional door closer functions are identified by a specific marking. If there is no need for them, it is better to buy a simple overhead door closer. The price of such a device will be lower. Additional features add value.
Model Overview
Today, the market for devices for smoothly closing the door is represented by domestic and foreign door closers. The most popular today are German (Dorma, Boda), Italian (Cobra, Cisa), Finnish (Abloy) devices. Domestic closers are represented by Expostroymash Plus.
Today you can buy a quality door closer, the price of which is 1000-1200 rubles. However, the cost of devices of foreign companies, which are endowed with additional functions, can reach 3500-4000 rubles.
Especially good in harsh winters, the models of the Finnish company Abloy and the German GEZE and Dorma have shown themselves. Domestic door closers are not inferior in quality to European models, and their cost is much lower. You should not buy cheap devices from unknown manufacturers that do not have the appropriate quality certificates. Such mechanisms quickly fail, reduce the life of the door.
Terms of use
Devices of well-known brands withstand from 0.5 to 1 million work cycles. This will require adjustment of the door closer. The manufacturer's instructions describe this process accurately.
Today, market leaders are ready to offer consumers various models of increased strength. They are most often filled with gas, not oil. Such mechanisms can withstand not only adverse environmental conditions, but also improper operation.
If the door closer is freely accessible, it must be equipped with a special valve. It will prevent the device from intentional hacking attempts.
But cheap overhead oil closers are in dire need of compliance with operating rules. Such a mechanism does not allow to hold or pull the door during its closure. Also, its fixation is not allowed (except for pneumatic models). Foreign objects cannot be placed under the canvas. It is also strictly forbidden to hang or ride on the doors. Therefore, if there are small children in the house, this must be immediately explained to them.
So that you do not have to change the device in the near future, you should correctly choose and responsibly use the closer. In this case, it will last a long time. From time to time, a simple adjustment of the door closer will be required. The manufacturer's instructions will allow it to be performed by almost every owner. This will give comfort when closing the door, and also significantly increase its service life.