Door closers are designed for automatic, smooth closing of doors. Using a closer is prerequisite when installing an intercom and a combination lock, in addition, door closers are used in public institutions, in entrance doors entrances and gates, in private households.
Types of door closers
The prototype of the closer was a spring, fixed at one end to the door or gate, and the other to door frame or a pole, next to the hinges. It was sometimes difficult to adjust such a “closer”, and the door was difficult to open and slammed loudly when closed. Modern door closers are silent and ensure smooth closing of doors without jerking. Structurally, closers differ in terms of installation location, type of mechanism and method of operation.
Overhead closers are installed on the top of the door or door frame, while hidden closers are built into the door leaf. There are closers bottom installation, they are usually installed on glass doors of institutions. In this case, the mechanism is located at the lower support point of the door.
The most common and easy to install are overhead door closers, with a sliding or rack rail. They consist of a mechanism in a silumin housing, a lever and a sliding rod with a fastening shoe or rack. To adjust the force and speed of closing the doors, adjusting screws are provided. The door closer often comes with a mounting template on a 1:1 scale, which is convenient for marking. Types of installation of an overhead door closer are discussed in this article.
The internal mechanism of a modern door closer consists of a spring that works when the door is opened in compression, and a gear with rack or cam mechanism. In closers that come complete with a combination lock, they usually use the first type of mechanism, which is characterized by increased force at the final moment of closing the door, which is important for latching the lock. Cam mechanisms have a smoother closing and are more often used in rack and pinion closers.
Methods and types of installation
An overhead door closer can be installed both outside and indoors. If we're talking about about interior doors, choose the standard installation method: the closer body is attached to the door from the opening side, and the rod with the shoe is attached to the door frame.
On the door leading to the street, it is better to install a door closer with inside, this will protect it from the harmful effects of moisture and dust. In addition, in cold weather, a closer installed on the street side may freeze, and the door will not be able to close at all. Therefore, at the slightest opportunity, choose internal installation. In this case, the installation of the closer depends on design features and door opening directions. According to the rules fire safety external doors should open outwards, therefore, you will have to attach the closer body to doorjamb or in a parallel circuit, on an additional mounting plate.
Door closer installation technology
- A closer is selected according to the width and weight of the door, using the table of the European standard EN 1154. Thus, for a door width of up to 750 mm and a weight of up to 20 kg, a door closer of class EN-1 is sufficient, with parameters of 850 mm and 40 kg - EN-2, and so on. . The device class is specified in the documentation. If it is impossible to select a door closer of the required class for a heavy door, you can install two devices that evenly distribute the load
- I choose the location and type of installation of the closer. In this case, the direction of door opening is first assessed. If the door opens towards itself, the closer body is mounted on top part door leaf from the hinge side, if “from yourself” - the body is installed on the door frame, and a lever is attached to the door leaf. Regardless of the type of traction - channel or lever - overhead door closers are mounted using the same technology.
- Attach wiring diagram on a scale of 1:1, attached to the door closer, simultaneously to the door leaf and jamb, and with a core through the paper, mark the locations of the holes. It is necessary to take the diagram that corresponds to the selected type of installation.
- Drill holes of the required diameter in the door leaf and frame. If the door is made of thin-walled metal or aluminum profile, it is necessary to use special fastening devices - bolts that do not allow the metal to deform at the place where the elements are fastened.
- Fasten with self-tapping screws through drilled holes closer body and lever shoe or rack plate. The mating part of the lever is attached to the body of the closer using the supplied screw, and the lever is connected at the knee.
- Adjust the knee lever so that it is installed at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the door leaf in accordance with the picture. Figure “A” corresponds to setting the closer to the “with clap” operating mode, figure “B” – without clap.
- Start adjusting the door closing force. To do this, open the door, evaluate the closing speed and, using adjusting screws, bring it to the desired value.
- When adjusting the closer in the “latching” mode, installed on doors with a latch or combination lock, it is necessary to clearly adjust the speed and force of closing the door in two zones: in the initial zone in the range from 180 to 15 degrees and in the final zone, from 15 to 0 degrees. The speed and force in the end zone should be slightly higher to successfully slam the door, but a significant difference in speed should be avoided.
- When adjusting, it is important not to overdo it with unscrewing the screws, otherwise depressurization of the closer body may occur with oil leakage, as a result of which it will fail.
- Some door closer models have additional options, for example, opening inhibition. When adjusted, they are also brought to the desired level.
Non-standard installation schemes
If it is impossible to install the closer according to standard scheme resort to installing additional mounting strips or corner. Their design in each individual case has to be developed locally, taking into account all the nuances. At non-standard installation The following options are possible:
A. If it is impossible to attach the lever to the door frame, install mounting bracket, securing it with self-tapping screws in a horizontal plane. The lever is attached to the corner from the inside.
B. The closer body is installed on a corner fixed to the upper slope of the door frame, and the lever is attached to the door.
B. A mounting plate is installed on the door, extending beyond the upper edge of the leaf, and the closer body is attached to it. The lever is attached in the usual way to the door frame.
D. The mounting hanging plate is attached to the door frame, the closer itself is installed on it, and the lever is attached to the door leaf.
D. The closer is attached to the door in the standard way, and the lever is attached to the mounting plate, which increases the area of the door slope.
These fastening methods allow you to mount the closer on the most non-standard doors and gates without reducing its functionality and reliability.
To extend the service life of the closer during operation, it is not recommended to apply force when closing the doors automatically, to rush or, conversely, to hold back the door. If it is necessary to lock the doors, for example, when moving, it is necessary to disconnect the lever from the closer, but do not lock the door with various spacers. The closer installed outside the door must be protected from direct rainfall and protected from oil freezing. Subject to these simple rules door closer will serve faithfully for many years.
Doors are an attribute of every building and room: be it a house, apartment or office. In high traffic areas, they open and close frequently. A large number of People entering and leaving forget to close the doors, which is why heat escapes in winter or, conversely, cold in the hot season. When closing, the door leaf comes into forceful contact with the door frame, producing an unpleasant loud bang. To avoid irritating moments such as constant slamming and leaving open doors, use closers.
Closers - what are they?
Thanks to these devices, the doors close smoothly and almost silently. There are door closers different designs, but they all have common elements. The main nodes are return mechanism in the form of a steel spring, a hydraulic cylinder to reduce the closing speed and gears. Each model has its own advantages, thanks to which it is most widely used in certain conditions.
There are three main types of door closers:
- 1. Overhead closers. Can be used on door leaves made of any material except glass. It is these devices that can be seen most often, since their design is the simplest and most reliable. They, in turn, are divided into two types: lever, recognizable by the lever and rod connected to each other, and with a sliding channel, which has a solid lever, one of the ends of which slides along a guide bar.
- 2. Floor-standing. They are used mainly in stores where there are installed glass doors. Such closers are practically invisible and have reliable protection from external influences.
- 3. Concealed door closers. In addition to performing their main functions, such devices are created to preserve the original appearance of the room. As the name implies, they are mounted in such a way that they are not visible.
Selecting a door closing device
You need to choose a door closer based primarily on the type of door leaf. If it is made of glass, then only a floor-standing device is used. If it is made from any other material in which holes can be drilled, then any closer will do.
The second factor is the feasibility of using a particular design.
Of course, floor closers look beautiful and are almost invisible. But is it worth destroying the floor covering with the debris and dust inherent in this operation in order to get a dubious result?
The third factor to rely on is the width and weight of the door. According to the European standard EN1154 (analogous to GOST R 56177-2014), all door closers are divided into 7 classes, depending on the closing force they create. When determining the class of a door closing device, the width of the door leaf and its weight are taken into account.
You need to select a product based on the higher of two class values obtained by comparing the characteristics of the door leaf. For example, if the door weight is 80 kg and its width is 850 mm, then you should choose a door closer of at least EN4 class. Today you can find automatic door closers with adjustable closing force. Their class is indicated by two indices, for example EN3-EN5. If necessary, the power of such a device can be adjusted to the required level using special screws or by choosing the installation location.
Installation of an overhead door closer
Let's look at the step-by-step installation of the door closer with the method of installation on the door leaf. First, you should familiarize yourself with the device itself and its configuration. The operating instructions included in the package must be read to immediately determine the existing nuances.
To perform installation you will need the following tools and accessories:
- ladder;
- drill or screwdriver;
- drill (for plastic or wooden door- for wood, for iron - for metal);
- screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead;
- a set of hex keys (not always);
- a simple pencil;
- template from the door closer kit.
The first step is to make markings for future holes. This is done using a template in the form of a diagram on a scale of 1:1. If the template is missing, you will have to download it from the Internet and print it. The door must be closed tightly so that the door leaf and the frame are in the same plane (or at least parallel). The drawing is applied to the planes exactly as the door closer will be mounted, and marks are placed along the drawn holes. To make this easier, you can poke small holes on the template with a sharpened pencil in advance, and then mark points through them.
Now the holes are drilled with a drill or screwdriver. When they are all ready, the closer is mounted on the door leaf.
Then the rod is screwed to the door frame. All connections must be checked for play. If they are, then the hardware should be tightened. The rod and lever are connected. At closed door the thrust must be strictly perpendicular to the plane of the door. If the 90 degree angle is not maintained, then the thrust needs to be adjusted. To do this, it is disconnected from the lever and the adjusting nut is made longer or shorter. After adjusting the length, the rod and lever are reconnected and the closer is checked.
INSTALLING THE CLOSER
Congratulations, you have purchased a door closer. trademark"NORA-M"! Our devices have proven themselves to be of high quality and durable. However, the uninterrupted operation of the closer depends 99% on the very first stage - its installation.
How to install and adjust a door closer to close it automatically
How to properly install a door closer with your own hands is explained in the instructions that come with each model. In addition, you can download the same instructions from in electronic format on our website.
Before you begin installing the door closer, you should decide on some important parameters.
First, stand facing the door on the side where the door closer will be located.
If the door opens away from you, the closer is attached to the door frame. If the door opens towards itself, then the closer should be secured to the door leaf, and the lever to the door frame.
Please note that if the door leads to the street, we recommend installing the device indoors so that it is less exposed to external environment(changes in temperature, humidity, etc.).
Secondly, you should decide on the maximum possible door opening angle: 90, 120 or 180 degrees. note that different meanings The opening angle corresponds to different limiting parameters of the door leaf (weight and width).
To make it easier to select the opening angle, the instructions for each door closer have a diagram, see below (diagram 1 shows an example of the door opening angle from the text of the instructions for the 3S closer).
DIAGRAM 1 SELECTION OF OPENING ANGLE AND LOCATION OF THE CLOSER
After this, you need to cut out a full-size template from the instructions, which will help mark the installation location of the closer.
The template must be placed on the closed door according to the diagram below: the opening angle you choose will depend on the distance at which the closer body is fixed from the door hinges. Attention! Due to changes in air humidity, the template may change its size. Before installation, be sure to compare it with the actual installation dimensions specified in the instructions.
After you have secured the template to the door (it is convenient to do this with tape), you need to drill holes in the places where, according to the template, the door closer and lever will be attached.
You can do this directly through the paper - this is precisely the convenience of a full-size installation layout (Figure 1 in the instructions).
FIGURE 1 MARKING FOR INSTALLING THE CLOSER
Then disassemble the lever into two bends (Figure 2 in the instructions).
FIGURE 2 DISASSEMBLY OF THE CLOSER LEVER
Fasten the closer body to the door or frame and attach one of the lever arms to it from above or below - depending on where the body is attached (Figure 3 in the instructions).
FIGURE 3
After this, strengthen the second arm of the lever (on the door or on the door frame).
When the door is closed, the angle between this lever arm and the door leaf should be 90 degrees. Connect the parts of the lever together (Figure 4 in the instructions).
FIGURE 4 INSTALLING THE CLOSER LEVER
Tighten the nut securing the lever to the closer body (Figure 5).
This completes the installation of the door closer.
FIGURE 5 NUT INSTALLATION
After installation, it is necessary to adjust the closer. The instructions (Figures 6 and 7) tell you in detail how to do this, as well as the corresponding article on this website.
FIGURE 6 ADJUSTING THE CLOSER
Installation and installation of a door closer
All door closers are installed according to the same principle, differing only in the installation distances of the “body” and the closer lever from the hinges.
Below we will provide you with the most detailed algorithm for installing the NOTEDO DC-100 model with illustrations and step-by-step instructions. All NOTEDO closers are equipped with similar instructions and templates, so based on these instructions you can install any model of our closers.
How to install a door closer
Standard and top installations
Standard installation
Top installation
Here are the most popular installation options, which differ in the location of the closer - on the door leaf or on the door frame.
The above images are installation templates. Each closer is equipped with similar templates on a 1:1 scale, which greatly simplifies installation.
Door closer installation: step-by-step guide
We install the NOTEDO DC-100 model on the left door, the type of installation is standard.
Rules for installing a door closer
- You have chosen the right closer model for the weight of your door
- The installation option you have chosen is possible (see.
installation restrictions in the instructions included with each door closer)
- After installation, the closer will not rest anywhere, for example, against a wall
- The closer and lever will be installed on a flat surface
Algorithm for installing door closers with your own hands
- Each door closer is equipped with a 1:1 scale template (see.
image "Standard installation"). Using the template, select the closer force you need - EN3, EN4 and EN5.
The choice of force determines the distance from the hinges to the body of the closer and the maximum opening angle of the door. For our installation we choose EN4 force. - Attach the template to the door using tape. Previously we selected the value EN4 (middle position of hinges), so when attaching the template, make sure that its position corresponds to the door hinges (see fig.
image above).
- Since the scale of the template is 1:1, it is not necessary to manually check the distances - use the template for marking required holes for installing a door closer.
- Take the lever and separate it into two parts (by unscrewing the screw) as shown in the image above. The lever rod with the fastening “shoe” and thread must be installed on the door frame, while the other part must be attached to the “body” of the closer with a special screw included in the delivery set.
Next, you need to use the supplied hardware (screws and screws) to install the closer and part of the lever into the previously prepared holes. - Next, you need to adjust the length of the rod with the fastening “shoes” so that, after connecting the two parts of the lever, it is perpendicular to the door leaf.
This can be done by increasing or decreasing the length of the lever. Do not forget to check the length of the lever you have chosen by turning the rod attached to the “body” of the closer to the rod with the “shoe” - when they are convenient for connecting with the screw we unscrewed in step 4, and the lever with the “shoe” after connection will be perpendicular to the door blade, then you have adjusted the length of the rod correctly.
If the above conditions are met, then connect the parts of the lever.
- Make sure that the angle between the lever and the door leaf is 90 degrees and that the closer is installed with the adjustment screws to the hinges, and only then proceed with the mandatory adjustment of your closer.
After adjustment, the closer is ready for use, but remember that it needs to be serviced, namely:
— Half a month after installation, check the tightness of screws and bolts
— Be sure to seasonally adjust the speeds of “finishing” and “closing” when the temperature changes by 10-15 degrees Celsius
— Be sure to follow the rules for operating door closers - turning the adjustment screw clockwise decreases the speed,
- turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise increases the speed.
Parallel installation of door closers
Parallel installation
with parallel installation, the efficiency of the closer will be lower.
This type of installation is possible, for example, if, during a standard installation, the door closer rests against the wall when opening the door or is too low ceiling interferes with installing the “body” of the closer on the door frame.
For this type of installation you need a bracket (purchased separately).
Individual information on parallel installation is contained in each instruction manual supplied with the door closer.
If you encounter any difficulties during parallel installation, we recommend contacting specialists.
How to install and adjust a door closer?
Installation and adjustment of the door closer
Door closer installation types
Standard lever installation
Top installation (on jamb)
Parallel installation (with mounting bracket)
2.
Door closer installation sequence
1. Cut out a template for your door and place it on the door and jamb, then drill holes for installation. 
2.
Install the housing onto the door or jamb with four screws or screws (on metal door) so that the adjustment screws point toward the hinges. 
3. Remove the threaded rod and mounting shoe from the main arm and install it on the door or jamb. 
4.
Install the main lever on the rotary axis of the closer and secure it with screw No. 1. 
5.
When adjusting the length of the rod, make sure it is perpendicular to the door when connecting to the main arm and secure them with the No. 2 screw. 
6.
Place the decorative cap on the opposite part of the rotary axis of the closer.
Adjusting the door closer
The closing sectors (“CLOSING” and “FINISHING”) are controlled by two (2) separate speed adjustment screws, first set the “CLOSING” speed, then the “FINISHING” speed.
ATTENTION: Under no circumstances should the closer be depressurized by completely unscrewing the adjustment screws!
The “CLOSING” speed is adjusted by turning the screw.
Self-installation and adjustment of the door closer
The “LATCH” speed is adjusted by turning the screw.
Parallel installation of a door closer
1. Find right size in the table, then drill holes in the door or jamb.
Install the original mounting plate on the top jamb.
3. Install the closer on the door using the adjusting screws for the hinges.
4. Using a key or other lever, turn the rotary axis of the closer by approximately 45 degrees, install the main lever on the rotary axis parallel to the door and secure it with screw No. 1.
Connect the rod with mounting plate. Adjusting the length of the rod, connect it to the main lever with screw No. 2. (See figure)
6. Place the decorative cap on the opposite part of the rotary axis of the closer.
1. The closer has a self-closing function - don't push the door.
2.
Screw No. 1 should always be securely tightened.
3. After half a month, check the tightness screws and screws.
4. Door closer needs seasonal adjustment.
With a significant change in temperature ambient air be sure to adjust the speeds closing and closing the door.
Springs, rubber bands, counterweights and other devices traditionally used to ensure “automatic” closing of doors are a thing of the past. Now there are inexpensive mechanisms on sale that collectively solve all these problems. If you know how to properly install a door closer, you won’t have to pay for someone else’s services. Moreover, the method of attaching and adjusting it is simple.
general information
Door closers are available in different designs. The technology of their fastening and the method of regulation have some peculiarities. How are the products different?
According to the specifics of installation
- Hidden devices. The mechanism body is placed in the frame or door leaf. Installation of door closers of this type requires a professional approach ( practical experience, special tool). They are mounted only on doors whose leaves are at least 40 mm thick.
- Floor models. Their installation is carried out during the process of arranging the floors, since the “body” of the device is placed under the flooring. In the private sector, products of this group are used extremely rarely.
- Invoices. The most common options in everyday life. Installing such a door closer with your own hands is quite simple. Even if you have no experience, it will take no more than half an hour.
By mechanism type
- Rack and pinion + hydraulics. The “working” element in closers of this group is a spring.
- Cam models. Such products are installed in homes much less frequently.
By traction force
This characteristic is called differently - closing force, door closer size, EN class. When choosing a mechanism, the determining factors are the parameters of the door leaf: its weight (kg) and width (mm). This is taken into account when determining the installation option for the device.
Installation procedure
Door closers are mainly installed in residential buildings (apartments) rack type, with hydraulics. Using the example of a device from this group, we will consider the recommended procedure for the wizard. Having understood the specifics of the work, it is easy to understand the nuances of fastening other types of products.
Installing the closer on plastic door is absolutely identical to the procedure for installing it on wooden and metal analogues.
Scheme is selected
If the door swings outward, a lever is fixed on the leaf; accordingly, the body is on the jamb. When opening inward, everything is exactly the opposite. But in any case, the closer is installed so that the adjustment screws are located on the side of the door hinges. This will facilitate the process of “adjusting” the position of the canvas and its further adjustment. And this will have to be done, since its “subsidence” will gradually appear. It’s not difficult to figure it out, especially since the product always comes with instructions that contain standard schemes installing a door closer.
The closer should be installed so that its “body” is always inside the building. External placement is impractical for a number of reasons - metal corrosion; low temperatures, as a result of which the oil thickens (and at high temperatures it becomes more liquid), and the hydraulic part of the mechanism begins to work incorrectly; possible icing, which interferes with the free movement of the lever.
Marking in progress
And here the master’s task is greatly simplified. The products are supplied with special installation templates. They are made on a 1:1 scale and are universal, as they take into account various ways opening doors and curtains. All that remains is to place the closer stencil in place and mark the drilling points for the channels for installing fasteners.
Fixing the components of the device
After marking, secure the lever and the mechanism body to the base with hardware (included with the product), and then everyone can connect the halves of the rod.
- Installing a door closer on a metal door has one feature. It is necessary to use so-called “bonks” in the process of drilling thin sheets. These devices are threaded bushings. The point is that work with a regular drill can cause deformation of the metal, and it will not be possible to correct this defect (straighten the dent) on your own.
- When determining the position of the lever, you should focus on its base arm. It should be located perpendicular to the door leaf. If the angle is less than 90º, then the “slam” of the sash increases.
Installing a door closer with your own hands requires utmost attention and accuracy. The slightest mistakes often result in a loose fit of the canvas to the doorframe and drafts in the room. Or vice versa, slow closing of the sash and increased heat loss. You shouldn’t hope that everything will be resolved just by adjusting the door closer - this is not always possible.
It is for this reason that the installation stage of the device is the most critical part of the work. Moreover, the service life of the canopies depends on this. If the mechanism is installed incorrectly, then in the near future the skew of the canvas is inevitable, with all that it implies.
You can determine how correctly the door closer was installed by the following signs:
- smooth opening/closing of the sash, without jerking or additional effort on the part of the user;
- absence of extraneous sounds (noise, creaking, grinding, etc.).
The procedure for adjusting the closer mechanism
There are two “adjusting” screws for this purpose. Each of them sets the speed of the web in a certain mode. To understand the principle of regulation, you need to understand the following:
- the closer serves only to close the door;
- this is done in 2 stages. On the first, the blade moves at an increased speed; on the second, it is significantly reduced to eliminate a sharp knock when the sash touches the jamb.
How to adjust:
Screw 1 – sets the speed in the range from an angle of 180º (the blade is fully open) to 150.
Screw 2 – regulates the movement of the leaf on the last segment of the path from 15 to 0 (its fine-tuning, that is, until the leaf is completely adjacent to the door block).
What to consider:
- If you completely unscrew any of the screws, oil will begin to flow from the closer housing. Therefore, in the process of setting up the device, it is not recommended to make more than one rotation of the screw around the axis. The mechanism is initially configured to operate according to average parameters, and during adjustment it is only necessary to make small adjustments to the position of the screws. As a rule, they rotate no more than ¾ in any direction.
- Sometimes by adjusting the second screw it is not possible to achieve a soft fit of the sash. A lever with a thread on the rod will help here. By screwing/unscrewing the “arm”, it is easy to determine its optimal position, at which all that remains is to slightly tighten the adjusting screw.
Installing a door closer is not only about ease of use. Smooth, accurate closing significantly reduces the load on the hinges, thereby preventing increased wear and distortion of the blade. It is advisable to install such a device not only at the entrance to the home, but also in ancillary buildings on the site, as well as in the house, if interior door quite massive. Well, the reader already knows how to install and adjust the mechanism.