Adjusting the door closer is a fairly simple procedure.
It is necessary when you are not satisfied with the pace of closing the doors - too fast or too slow.
Everyone capable of performing at home minor repairs, will probably cope with such a task.
All that is needed for this the first time is a manual and a screwdriver. Lovers of visual materials will surely find a lot on the Internet detailed videos about this theme.
Basic information about door closers
Door closer for english language called door closer, literally - door closer. With this mechanical device, the doors just need to be opened - the closer will close them.
The device not only makes it easier to close doors, the main purpose of the mechanism is to reduce the load on the hinges and fittings, which wears out much less.
In addition, if in public places the doors do not always close tightly without it, which causes drafts and heat loss, then a simple mechanism successfully solves this problem.
Closers provide access control to the room, so their presence is mandatory on fire doors and emergency exits.
Today, these mechanisms are used not only at the entrance, but also on the inner aisles in public buildings and even in private housing.
They close the door quietly, smoothly and tightly. The effort required to open the door can be adjusted.
The device can be located above the doorway, below in the door frame, or in the door itself.
Top-mounted closers belong to mechanisms open type, all others are hidden from view.
The choice of a particular model depends on two main parameters - the weight and width of the door. The higher these values \u200b\u200bare, the more powerful the mechanism should be. door closer.
Each manufacturer develops strict recommendations for the installation of devices, and if this instruction is not strictly followed, then the mechanism may soon need to be repaired.
Besides, different models designed for different conditions work, such as temperature range.
Even if you have a thermostable model, adjusting the closing speed according to the season can extend the life of the mechanism.
Often people, entering a room in frost, unconsciously try to close the door behind them as soon as possible if the closer is too slow. This will damage the seals and the mechanism may soon need to be repaired.
There are special thermal shutters for door closers. When the temperature environment rises, the oil becomes thinner and flows faster inside the device.
To avoid this, the thermal flap expands to compensate for the lack of oil thickness. When the outside temperature drops, the thermal damper will act in the opposite way.
When choosing a specific model, pay attention to compliance with international standards.
The requirements of the EN 1154 standard adopted in Europe exceed the rather lenient GOST RF, therefore, many closers that meet the requirements of GOST do not comply with EN 1154.
Additional functions
Many door closer models perform various functions and, accordingly, they have elements of their adjustment. Below is information about some of them.
A wind brake or opening damper allows you to set the maximum door opening speed.
This feature is useful for interior transitions to avoid damage to walls and doors if they are pushed open too quickly.
Adjustment schemes:
For entrance doors, this function is simply necessary, because it does not allow drafts and gusts of wind to control the opening process.
The hold-open stop function should not be used on fire exits where an electromagnetic or electromechanical impulse operated latch is used.
For fire and smoke barriers, the function of coordinating the closing of the leafs is required, it is also installed on double-leaf doors.
This is a lever structure that is installed on the door frame in addition to the closer.
The delayed closing is necessary to facilitate the entry into the room for people with disabilities, with strollers so that several people can pass at a time.
Typically, the delay is set to about 30 seconds. The closing delay function should not be used in places where there is a large flow of people - this can lead to injuries and damage to the closing mechanism.
Another useful feature is the latch adjustment. With its help, you can speed up the closing of the doors at the last stage.
When the sash is in the range of 0 - 15 ° to complete closure, the person has already managed to move away from the entrance, the closing process can be accelerated. The function makes it easier to snap the lock and, again, avoids heat loss.
Closer adjustment process
Do-it-yourself door closer adjustment is a fairly simple process even for people who do not differ in special engineering abilities, which cannot be said about the repair of the mechanism, which is not always possible.
On this topic, you can watch the video in the article, use the manufacturer's instructions or recommendations from this article, but you should not adjust the mechanism intuitively.
If, as a result of your manipulations, oil begins to drip from the door closer, then its repair is no longer possible - the device will have to be replaced.
So how do you adjust your door closer? Remove the cover from the mechanism and look for a control valve. To do this, check the diagram in the instructions.
By turning the control valve counterclockwise, you can slow down the closing, to speed up the process, you need to turn it clockwise. More expensive models closers have two or even three such valves.
They divide the closing process into two or three stages, and in each range the speed can be adjusted separately.
An important point! Do not turn the control valve more than two turns from the zero position.
The opening forces can be set by adjusting the door closer.
Turning the adjusting nut counterclockwise makes the process easier, and turning it clockwise will require more force to enter.
The closer adjustment must be used for a preventive inspection of the mechanism - whether oil is leaking anywhere.
Leaks occur more often in winter due to damage to the case, which led to its depressurization.
Such a breakdown turns the door closer into an ordinary spring - it ceases to perform its functions and only slams the doors loudly.
If damage is detected on the case in time, then repairs can be made and sealed to extend the life of the closer.
But if the moment is missed and the hole is too large, then there are no other options but to buy a new device.
When adjusting the closer, you can set both the delayed closing function and the complete stop. The retention is ensured by tight tightening of the latch intended for this.
You need to twist it by opening the door 90 - 100 degrees - the position in which the closing delay will be performed.
As a rule, if one person passes by, then he does not need to open the doors so wide, and the function will not work unnecessarily.
The hold-open function keeps the door open until you make a closing motion to release the lock.
By the same principle as with the delayed opening, the function will not work if the door is not opened wide enough.
If the adjustment is carried out twice a year (at the entrance from the street four times), then this will extend the life of the mechanism.
The door has a number of elements that require maintenance. One of them is a door closer that allows you to gently, without extra effort and the noise close the door. Do-it-yourself door closer adjustment can be carried out both for preventive purposes and as needed. It is important to follow all stages of this process and then the result will be of high quality.
What is a door closer?
This is a mechanism for regulating the smoothness of the door when closing. It is installed as in living quarters: houses, cottages, as well as shops, office buildings, public places. So, one of the conditions for an entrance intercom is the presence of a metal door with an automatic closing device.
Before the invention of the device, there was a spring that was attached at one end to the door, and the other to the wall, to the jamb. They are inconvenient to use, stretch, tear. Despite the fact that the main purpose is to slam the door, not all springs could cope with the task. Over time, they had to be changed to new ones, since they were practically beyond repair. With their help, the door was slammed very loudly, which led to the destruction of the jambs and the door leaf.
Door closer
Modern door closers have opposite characteristics. Their main task is to gently, carefully, close the door in the room. They have a simple working principle. If it is necessary to open it, then some effort is applied to this. It is mechanically impulsively transferred to the closer, then accumulated through the spring. The spring device itself is located inside the housing. When closing, the spring mechanism itself returns to its place, which allows you to adjust the features of the door operation process.
Modern door closers and their mechanisms
Due to the design solutions, devices are distinguished according to the places of installation - according to the type of mechanical regulation, according to the modes of operation. Each of them is different from each other. Knowing the features, you can easily carry out repairs yourself.
Overhead closers. They are installed at the top of the door. Possible and hidden mechanismsbuilt into the door leaf. So, overhead appliances are the most common. They are equipped with a slide rail and consist of the following components:
- mechanism in a special case;
- mounting template for marking;
- bar with shoe fasteners, option with a river;
- lever arm;
- screws for adjusting and setting the closing speed, the applied force according to the specified parameters.
Door closer
Door closers at the bottom of the doors are installed in offices, mainly on glass door panels and are located on the support at the bottom, calculated from the center point.
Concerning internal parts, then they mainly consist of parts such as: spring mechanism for compression when opening; gears equipped with a toothed rack or cam mechanism. All work is provided by machine oil.
If it is installed on metal door with an intercom, overhead mechanisms are more often used. They are distinguished by a significant gain that occurs at the moment when it closes. This action is necessary for a comfortable snap-in force. If it is a rack and pinion mechanism, then the cam principle of the device is applied, but they are less often used.
If you put it outside, then it is more reliable in terms of operation, is not affected by environmental conditions, and lasts much longer.
When is adjustment needed?
Experts believe that preventive work on regulation door device arguments must be held at least twice a year. If there were significant seasonal fluctuations, then such work should be done more often. This is due to the fact that the oily liquid inside the mechanism changes depending on the temperature outside and in the room. If it is low, then the thickness of the oil increases. Temperature fluctuations lead to wear of parts, which directly depend on the state of the liquid media inside the closer.
It is important that few tools are needed to regulate the argument mechanism; they are always at hand. External examination will determine possible violations integrity and geometry of the door leaf, opening, door closer. In many ways, the quality of the device's operation also depends on the internal parts, which are easy to remove with your own hands. The exception is violations of the tightness of the structure, since it cannot be disassembled and reassembled. It's easier to install a new mechanism.
The reasons for the breakdown include the following:
Adjustment steps
If you adjust the closer, then this involves the implementation of sequential, interdependent stages. The instruction assumes the following actions:
- First, it is necessary to adjust the door closing and opening. To do this, use a control valve. If it is necessary to increase, then it is turned counterclockwise, and in order to increase - vice versa.
- Secondly, the opening delay is corrected. door mechanism and the slamming speed. Not every device has additional valves. This can be easily spotted since there are a couple of screws on the end piece. With the help of the first, the adjustment process of the speed of closing the door leaf takes place. The range is quite wide: 15-180 °. The second bolt is used to adjust the latch within 1-15 °. The required speed can be adjusted by twisting / unscrewing.
- Thirdly, the closer force is regulated. It consists in correcting the application of the spring force by means of a special nut. Checking the tension, you can turn it counterclockwise, then it will be easy to open. If you do the opposite, it will close the same. This is how the force of the door closer is adjusted.
Door closer adjustment
The hold-open function makes the task easier. With its help, you can securely fix the canvas in open position... The latch itself is installed under the condition of 90 ° or 180 °, which directly depends on installation works and their features. Then the retainer is tightened and gently pulled towards itself, closing it.
Features of the adjustment process in a plastic door
When installing and further operating a plastic door, you should pay attention not only to the mechanism itself, but also to the features of its functioning, to the profile from which it is made door block... consists of the same steps as on metal or wood. To enhance the quality effect, it is better to use a wiring diagram that will show the guides in the adjustment, especially if this is the first time this work is done. All attachment points are checked, the lever and the closer mechanism are visually inspected, regardless of how and where it is installed.
Need to open door leaf to the maximum width and inspect the lever. If there are no flaws, distortions in him, he walks freely, then everything is in order. The lever foot must also be free to play. If the integrity of the device is violated, then it is easier to buy and reinstall it. Sometimes serious breakdowns can disrupt not only the process of soft closing and opening of the door, but also affect the entire structure as a whole, giving distortions. Over time, they begin to intensify, and then it will be necessary to change it completely, and not the closing / opening mechanism.
Preventive work
In order to avoid frequent repairs of the door closer, you should follow a few simple rules that will help to extend the service life and maintain high-quality work under any conditions. So, when the door closer is working, no additional effort is needed, the door will close itself. If you speed up or slow down the process, then the lever mechanism or spring may fail. In cases of forced blocking of the door, the lever is disconnected from the closer. Often they do not know about this, and spacers, barriers in the form of bricks, stones and the like are installed.
If the closer is installed outside, then care must be taken to design an additional protective casing that protects against frost, heat, precipitation. Observance of elementary methods of protection against breakage will increase the service life of the door. Do-it-yourself door closer adjustment is simple and reliable remedy saving material costs and time. It is not always possible to call a door service technician. It is not difficult to do it yourself, observing all the steps.
A door closer is not a luxury item at all, especially if it is not about an apartment, but about an entrance or a public institution. With a sharp closing, the sash hits the box, and with quite a lot of force. Such a load is not at all beneficial to the structure and reduces the service life.
There are also 2 types of doors - evacuation and fire, where a door closer is an obligatory element.
Operating principle
In general, the design of the device is the same for all models: a spring and a piston are located in a one-piece body. When the sash is opened, the piston transmits force to the spring and compresses it. In this case, oil flows specifically through the channels in the piston into the freed part of the body. It acts as a shock absorber
When closing, the pressure on the piston is released and the spring is extended. At the same time, the oil flows back and creates resistance to the movement of the spring, thanks to which the sash closes slowly and smoothly without impacts, with a slight acceleration at the very end - a latch, which ensures the tightness of the pressure.
Adjusting the spring of the door closer means debugging the valves that supply a particular amount of oil. But if the valves regulate the speed and smoothness of the stroke, then the fundamental possibility of opening depends on the spring. One of the main indicators is the force of the spring, that is, the force that it provides when straightening. Obviously, for the shutters different masses different effort required. According to this indicator, the mechanisms are divided into 7 classes. A class 1 device can control a door leaf weighing no more than 20 kg, a class 7 device - 160 kg.
Device varieties
The biggest difference in instrument design is the installation method. Do-it-yourself door closer adjustment will depend on both factors. There are 3 categories.
- Upper - got their name for the place of installation - top part canvases. The device is not disguised, and, unfortunately, is not protected, therefore, being fixed on the street entrance doors, it quite often becomes a victim of hooligans: the lever of the device can be bent by applying force. To adjust its work, you will have to straighten or replace the lever.
Overhead closers differ in the type of transmission.
- Gear Driven Mechanisms - The force is transmitted to the piston using a toothed gear. It is a simple and affordable device. An example is the norman model made from silumin.
- Mechanisms driven by the camshaft - here the cam protrudes as the axis of the closer, located between the opening and brake pistons. During opening, the cam compresses the spring by means of the opening piston, and when closed, relieves pressure by the action of the brake piston. Such a device is distinguished by maximum smoothness. An example is the Diplomat model, which provides not only smooth closing, but also the possibility of speed correction.
- Floor structures are similar in design to the upper cam-driven models. However, their installation should be provided for in the initial project.
- Hidden - the model is mounted in the door leaf - the upper end. When closed, the device is not visible; when opened, the lever between the sash and the frame becomes visible. Most often, a cam drive is also implemented here. The photo shows product samples.
Adjustment parameters
- Closing speed is the main criterion for the operation of the device. Factory settings may not suit the consumer. In this case, armed with instructions and a screwdriver, you can adjust the speed with your own hands.
This operation must be done at every change of season. The fact is that under the influence of temperature, the viscosity of the oil inside the body, respectively, also changes the speed of the sash. If the oil is too "liquid", the sash will slam, if the viscosity is too high and the valve section is the same, it will close very slowly, which affects both the door leaf and the device.
- Adjusting the effort of the door closer implies the second factor - latch. If there is a latch or a tight adhesion of the leaf to the frame is required, then the sash must be accelerated at the last 7-15 degrees of rotation.
- Delay before movement - provided by fixing the latch. In this case, the sash, open 90–95 degrees, is held for some time, and after a few seconds it starts to close.
- If the device is equipped with a hend open function, then it is also adjustable. The essence of the device is that the sash, open at an angle of less than 90 degrees, closes normally, but when opened at an angle of more than 90 degrees, it is held and remains open until the movement is started manually.
This function is very useful for outdoor and indoor door closers. input structures in a medical facility where non-ambulant patients are transported.
Debugging the mechanism
- Adjustment of the door closer closing is carried out using the first valve - indicated by a unit on the device body. Turning clockwise accelerates the movement of the sash, while turning it slows down. No more than two full turns in both directions are allowed.
Debugging should be carried out at different intervals depending on the type of damping fluid. The device from Geze is proposed to be adjusted 2 times a year, some other models - up to 4, with each temperature change.
- The second valve allows you to increase or decrease the closing speed. The principle is the same: counterclockwise rotation decreases the speed, clockwise - increases. Some models also have a third valve: it is responsible for the speed of movement at an angle of 80-90 degrees.
- Adjusting the dorma door closer also includes adjusting the holding time of the leaves open. The locking screw is used for this. It is tightened when the sash is open - 90-100 degrees.
- Activation of the hend open function is also carried out when the sash is open; a lock is provided for its adjustment in the model.
The video describes in detail all methods of debugging the device.
Is it possible to do with everyday life without door closers?
Of course. It's not at all difficult to open and close behind oneself.
True, if your hands are busy, then it is already causing some inconvenience. And if there is a spring, then it is absolutely a disaster.
Sometimes, a passing push in the back is comparable to the acceleration of free fall.
Therefore, setting up a door closer, even a spring one, is quite relevant.
Of course, setting up this very closer will not be difficult.
The task of these devices is to close behind people entering and leaving.
Moreover, do it according to a certain algorithm:
- Do not interfere with easy and free opening
- Do not close at a certain opening angle
- Close at a regulated, comfortable speed
- At the end of your movement - slowly, without knocking, slam, with a certain effort
A similar algorithm should be performed for doors of any design and purpose. There is a great variety of door designs and operating conditions:
- Outdoor
- Internal
- Interroom
- Swing
- Metal
- Rights
- Left
Each door has its own weight
When choosing a specific model of the closing mechanism, all of the above options must be taken into account. This is especially true of the weight of the door leaf and temperature conditions.
In addition, the closers themselves are available in several modifications:
- With a cam-type slide mechanism.
- Has a smooth glide, but is used only for light webs.
- With toothed linkage mechanism. In this case, the movement of the door leaf is transmitted by a system of levers and a rack and pinion mechanism. The toothed rack, performing reciprocating movements, plays the role of a rod that drives the oil through adjustable nozzles.
- Floor execution. A similar mechanism is built into the floor when it is laid. Not widely used.
- Concealed installation. The operating mechanism is built into the body of the door leaf.
- Overhead type. The most widely used type of door closer. It is used for canvases of various weights. When temperature conditions change, requires adjustment.
When choosing a door closer for a specific door, it is necessary to strictly compare its weight and performance with the technical capabilities of the device.
What is the adjustment for?
It is easy to imagine the operation of a poorly adjusted closing mechanism.
If we take 2 extreme cases of poor regulation, we get the following.
In the first of them, the closer will work like a tightly tightened spring.
People will hardly have time to pass by her.
To top it off, the door leaf will knock hard on its box.
In order to correct the situation without adjusting the device, it will be necessary to hold it.
In the second case, it simply will not close or only partially close.
This is how the Diplomat door closer is configured. Its adjusting screws are located on the end face of the device. Adjustment with this screw changes the blade speed in the range 15 0 - 180 0.
Such adjustments must be made with extreme caution. Fully unscrewed adjusting screw will inevitably cause leakage of the system and oil leakage. The closer will be completely out of order.
Installing a deadlock
The door closing speed must be adjusted regularly - at least 2 times a year. This is necessary for purely preventive purposes, as well as in connection with a possible change in the physicochemical oil.
When low temperatures it becomes viscous. When high values - becomes excessively liquid. In the first case, the door does not close well. In the second, too fast.
The same arguments are relevant for such a function of closers as a deadlock. This is especially important for doors with soft seals, magnetic or combination locks.
For such doors, the last moment of closing is very important. This range is in the range from 0 0 to 15 0. Within this range, the sash must close slowly and reliably.
Situations with increased dynamics or incomplete closure are unacceptable.
To adjust the door closer "Bulat" or close to it in design - "Diplomat", for these purposes, a latch adjustment screw is provided.
Due to its rotation, the characteristics of movement will change in the range from 15 0.
The screws for adjusting the speed and latch are located next to the end panel of the device.
This end is directed towards the door hinges.
As with the speed control screw, the latch screw requires the same care when handling it.
The latch adjustment should be carried out only after the debugging of the speed characteristics is completed. Turning the adjusting screw clockwise decreases the speed.
Turning against it - makes the speed more. To avoid technical problems, do not make more than 2 turns in this direction.
Operating rules
These rules are simple and very straightforward. Devices designed for closing doors have a low cost and are not equipped with various vandal-proof devices.
In this regard, they must be handled carefully and rather delicately. Having chosen a closer, you need to make sure that its characteristics correspond to the conditions where they want to put it:
- Since door closers are divided into classes from small - EN1 to large - EN7, then it is worth choosing them in accordance with them. It should be noted that these classes are associated not simply with mass, but with inertial mass. In other words, it is not only the weight that matters, but also the dimensions (shoulder) of the canvas. A device designed for 40 kg (EN1) cannot close a metal door weighing 120 kg (EN7).
- You shouldn't help him in his work.
- It is not necessary to keep the sash open if the mechanism does not have this function.
- There is no need to mindlessly turn the valve adjusting screws.
- Coordinate with the seller of the equipment the issue of its setting with the left or right opening.
A beautiful door, a functional door closer, a little luck in adjusting it and a little luck in life. Here is a working formula happy person... This article is part of this formula. And luck is always there.
The video shows the installation of a door closer:
A significant part of the office doors installed today, entrances and not only are equipped with such a very useful devicelike a door closer. It serves to fine-tune the speed of opening and closing doors in several (2-3x) sectors of the working stroke. Further ease of use and, possibly, its durability will depend on how correctly the door closer adjustment is performed. In our article, we will provide instructions and nuances of setting and adjusting the closer on our own.
What can be adjusted with a closer
Does our manual fit your door closer?
First of all, you need to understand that modern closers are different in their design and functionality, depending on the manufacturer and model. Therefore, there is no single instruction that is equally suitable for each type. In our manual, we will show you how to adjust the product with the maximum number of functions. In your case, the settings may be, for example, half as much. Then you just have to use those manual points that are suitable specifically for your instance. Naturally, you will need to have a factory manual for the closer to determine which screw is responsible for what.
Closer functionality
What functions can a door closer be equipped with so that you can customize it for the most convenient use? Complete list functions are as follows:
- Overall door closing speed. For example, a slow closing speed will prevent the door from hitting a child, while a fast closing speed will not allow the cold to enter the dwelling. winter period... Here, in fact, the time is regulated, for which completely opened door will pass its working stroke before closing or to the sector before the “latching” (the final effort required when closing the door to overcome the resistance of the lock) if this function is present.
- Final closing speed. This setting will be very useful for those who do not like loud slamming of the door when closing. Here, a kind of brake is provided in the sector of 10-15 degrees before the "latch". The door closer sharply slows down the door and does not allow it to hit the box with a swing.
- Opening brake. By means of the brake, the door, which is pushed sharply when opening, will brake at a certain (specified by you) distance. This, for example, will prevent the door from constantly beating against the adjacent door frame wall.
- Closing delay. By analogy with the final closing speed, in this case, after opening, the door practically "freezes", moving very slowly in the direction of closing (in the sector of 10-15 degrees). This function is very convenient where bulky things are constantly being carried, and there is no way to hold the doors, or when several people pass through them at once.
- Closing force or the so-called "latch". As described above, this adjustment is intended to help overcome air resistance and door lock when the doors are closed. At the same time, the moment at which the door remains slightly open must be excluded.
Adjusting the door closer
To start adjusting the closer, you will need a regular screwdriver or, in some cases, a hex key. The door closer is adjusted as follows:
- Open the front decorative panel closer, while gaining access to the adjusting screws. Depending on the model, there can be from 2 to 5 of them.
- Using the instructions for the product, determine which screw is responsible for one or another of the functions listed above.
- Adjusts the overall closing speed of the door. To do this, turn the screw clockwise with a screwdriver or wrench to slow down the closing and counterclockwise to accelerate. After making a slight turn of the screw in the desired direction, check the door for compliance with the required closing speed. And so on until the goal is achieved.
In most cases, it is enough to turn the screw half a turn to achieve a significant change in door speed. However, in any case, do not turn the screws 2 or more turns, as this may damage your door closer.
- Adjusts the final closing speed. The same way use a suitable screw and use appropriate manipulations to ensure that the door does not bang on the frame.
- Adjust the opening brake. The required screw is turned until the door starts to slow down when opening, for example, directly in front of an adjoining wall.
- Adjusts the closing delay. The screw responsible for this is to ensure that the door is held in the open position for as long as necessary.
Such adjustment of the closer is considered standard, in which from the moment of opening and until the doors are completely closed, it will take no more than 5 seconds.
- They regulate the deadlock. Also, with the help of the appropriate screw, they provide adjustment so that the door closes completely 10 times out of 10 times.
- At the end of the adjustment and achieving the desired result, set decorative strip into place.
All of the above will be summarized by this video.
So, we described in detail how and by what means you can adjust the door closer with your own hands. We hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any questions and wishes for the material, you can leave your feedback below the article. We, in turn, will be happy to answer them.