Door closer installation instructions. Do-it-yourself door closer installation methods

Do not stay open, put a closer. Previously, a stretched thick spring was responsible for this action. The disadvantage was the sharp slamming of the sash. Modern products smoothly close the door leaf and ensure its tight fit to the door frame. The design of the mechanism is simple. However, the specifics of installing door closers of different models are different.

To select and install a closer, you need to take into account the device of the product. By place of installation the following models are distinguished:

• Overhead installed on top of the door block. The elements are fastened to a canvas, frame, wall or additional structures.

• Models outdoor type is more often used for glass doors. The product is attached from below to the canvas and floor.

• Hidden the closers are hidden inside the door block. The installation is very complicated and the maintenance is inconvenient.

Models differ transfer of force from the working spring to the lever mechanism:

• Products with knee, link or articulated rods... The device is the same, it just has three names. A design feature is a metal lever that is perpendicular to the door leaf. The mechanism works reliably, but it requires a lot of effort when opening the sash, and also looks ugly on the door block.

• Models sliding type the operating lever is always parallel to the blade. The appearance is not spoiled by a protruding knee. The door opens smoothly with less effort.

Closers differ internal device:

• Cam it is more often used in flush-mounted systems or models with channel traction. A heart-shaped cam is located on the arm axis and is pressed on both sides by rollers. During the opening of the sash, the cam compresses the working spring. When the web begins to close, the spring returns to its original position. At the same time, the cam rotates in the opposite direction, which creates a smooth closing of the sash. The cam mechanism is adjusted by an eccentric.

• Toothed or hydraulic the mechanism has a rack and pinion transmission of working force. A toothed gear is installed on the lever axis. When the sash is opened, the gear starts to rotate. The teeth push the rack, driving the piston, which compresses the working spring. With the closing of the sash, the tension decreases. The spring expands, pushes the piston, and the action of the entire mechanism occurs in the reverse order. Smooth opening is provided by channels through which engine oil flows inside. The mechanism is adjusted by screws that change the diameter of the entrance of each channel.

The hydraulic ones are usually equipped with link arms and are the most popular models.

Where to put?

In the building, the automatic closer is placed on the entrance doors from the side of the room. The body of the mechanism must be protected from the aggressive effects of adverse weather conditions. There are open-air models that are not afraid of frost and rain, but they are also better placed from the side of the room. If necessary, you can install a closer on the wicket or gate.

What to consider when choosing?

When choosing a model for mounting a door closer, the width and weight of the sash are taken into account. All products are classified according to the EN 1154 standard. An incorrectly selected model will quickly fail or create certain difficulties in closing the door. The door closers are divided into seven grades with the designation EN 1 - EN 7. Each class is designed for a specific sash weight and width.

The width and weight of the door does not always match the data specified in the standard classification. The product is selected according to the maximum indicator. You can install an automatic closer, where the specification indicates the permissible maximum and minimum limits. The manufacturer specifies the force range, for example, EN 2– EN 4.

For outdoor installation, select special street models. If the product is intended for indoor use, the viscosity of the oil will change in cold weather, the hydraulic system will stop working normally, which will create certain difficulties in opening the door.

The standard functions of all door closers provide for the adjustment of the sash movement speed and force in the 180-15 ° and 15-0 ° sectors. Models with additional functions allow:

• pause the door closing;
• prevent sudden opening;
• regulate the force of the catch;
• fix the door leaf in the open state.

How to install a door closer correctly?

The whole process of installing a door closer with your own hands consists of three steps... First, the installation scheme is determined, but it depends on opening directions:

• If the sash opens towards the closer, the lever is attached to the door frame, and the mechanism body to the door.
• When opening back, the lever is fixed to the sash, and the body to the box.

With any installation scheme, the adjusting bolts point towards the awnings.

The second step is to study the instructions. Inside the product packaging, you need to find a closer installation diagram drawn on a 1: 1 scale. Template applied to the door and mark the exact attachment points.

The third step involves itself mountingconsisting of the following:

1. According to the applied template markings, the mechanism body is first attached. Then proceed to the installation of the lever. If the product was sold assembled, then the hinge is temporarily disconnected.
2. A knee is installed on the axis. Fixation takes place with a nut. When installing the knee and the lever, their location is taken into account, which depends on the purpose of the closer. To smoothly close the door, the knee is placed perpendicular to the sash, and the lever at an angle. The docking of the elements is performed when the web is closed. If the purpose of installing the mechanism is the latching function, then the lever is placed perpendicular to the sash. Then adjust the length of the knee.
3. After fastening the two halves of the mechanism, they are connected by a hinge.

The set includes fasteners that allow you to install the closer on a plastic door or from any other material. Self-tapping screws usually differ, for example, for wood and metal.

On non-standard doors, it is not always possible to install the mechanism according to a template. For such cases, auxiliary elements are used:

• in a deep opening, the lever or the body of the mechanism is fixed to the door frame through the mounting angle;
• in order not to damage the pattern on the door or high-mounted glass, the mechanism is attached to an additional mounting plate;
• if the sash in thickness protrudes beyond the borders of the box or the frame is too narrow, the alignment of both parts of the mechanism is performed with mounting plates.

Auxiliary mounting elements can be supplied with the product, but usually the corners and plates are bought separately.

Adjustment

After installing the door closer, adjustments are made, the knee lever at this time should be located at an angle of 90 ° relative to the canvas. The automatic door closer is adjusted with screws located on the mechanism body. After each turning with a screwdriver in the directions indicated by the arrows, the sash travel speed is tested.

The latching mode is regulated in two zones of door opening: 180–15 ° and 15–0 °. Do not completely loosen the screws. Depressurization of the housing may occur, followed by oil leakage.

Operation and care

The automatic closer does not limit the leaf opening. To prevent the mechanism from breaking, a stop is installed that does not allow the door to swing open strongly. For models with a slide lever, the stop is mounted in the guide channel.

Blocking the door in the open state with various struts or manual effort to quickly close the sash wears out the mechanism, and sometimes even breaks out parts. When installed outdoors, the door closer body is protected from rain and sun by a visor. All moving parts are lubricated to extend service life.

If the doors are free from defects and the conditions of use are observed, the door closer will serve the time guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Closers are designed for automatic soft closing of doors. The use of a door closer is a prerequisite for installing an intercom and a combination lock, in addition, door closers are used in public institutions, on entrance doors and gates, in private households.

Types of closers

The prototype of the closer was a spring, fixed at one end on a door or wicket, and the other on a door frame or post, next to the hinges. It was sometimes difficult to adjust such a "closer", and the door was hard to open, and when closed it loudly slammed. Modern door closers are quiet and provide smooth door closing without jerking. Structurally, door closers differ in place of installation, type of mechanism and method of action.

Overhead closers are installed on the upper part of the door or door frame, hidden ones are built into the door leaf. There are bottom-mounted door closers, usually they are installed on the glass doors of institutions. In this case, the mechanism is located at the point of the lower door support.

The most common and easy to install are overhead door closers, with a guide rail or rail. They consist of a mechanism in a silumin casing, a lever and a sliding bar with a fixing shoe or rail. To adjust the force and speed of closing the doors, adjusting screws are provided. A mounting template in a 1: 1 scale is often included with the closer, which is convenient for marking. The types of installation of the surface-mounted closer are discussed in this article.

The internal mechanism of a modern door closer consists of a spring, which works when the door is opened in compression, and a gear with a toothed rack or cam mechanism. In door closers that come with a combination lock, the first type of mechanism is usually used, which is characterized by an increased force at the final moment of closing the door, which is important for the lock snapping on. Cam mechanisms have a smoother closing; they are more often used in rack and pinion closers.

Methods and types of installation

The surface-mounted door closer can be installed both outside and inside the room. When it comes to interior doors, the standard installation method is chosen: the door closer body is attached to the door from the opening side, and a bar with a shoe is attached to the door frame.

On the door leading to the street, it is better to install a closer from the inside, this will save it from the harmful effects of moisture and dust. In addition, in frosts, a door closer installed on the street side can freeze, and the door cannot be closed at all. Therefore, at the slightest opportunity, choose an internal installation. In this case, the installation of the closer depends on the design features and the direction of door opening. According to fire safety rules, external doors must open outward, therefore, it will be necessary to fasten the door closer body to the door jamb or in parallel, to an additional mounting plate.

Closer installation technology

1. Choose a closer according to the width and weight of the door, using the table of the European standard EN 1154. So, for a door width of up to 750 mm and a weight of up to 20 kg, an EN-1 class closer 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 closer of the required class for a heavy door, you can install two devices that evenly distribute the load
2. I choose the place and type of closer installation. In this case, the direction of opening the doors is evaluated first. If the door opens "towards itself", the closer body is mounted on the upper part of the door leaf from the hinge side, if "away from itself" - 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 closers are mounted using the same technology.

   

3. Apply a wiring diagram on a 1: 1 scale, attached to the closer, simultaneously to the door leaf and the jamb, and mark the holes for making holes with a core through the paper. The scheme must be taken the one that corresponds to the selected type of installation.
4. Holes of the required diameter are drilled 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 - bonds that do not allow the metal to deform in the place where the elements are attached.
5. With the help of self-tapping screws, the closer body and the lever shoe or rack bar are fastened through the drilled holes. The counterpart of the lever is attached to the closer body using the supplied screw, the lever is connected in the knee.

   

6. Adjust the knee lever so that it is set at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the door leaf in accordance with the picture. Figure "A" corresponds to the installation of the closer in the operating mode "with a latch", drawing "B" - without a latch.

   

7. Begin to adjust the force of closing the doors. To do this, the door is opened, the closing speed is estimated and, using the adjusting screws, it is brought to the desired one.

   

8. When adjusting a door closer in 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 one, from 15 to 0 degrees. The speed and force in the end zone should be slightly higher to successfully slam the door, but significant speed differences should be avoided.
9. When adjusting, it is important not to overdo it with loosening the screws, otherwise depressurization of the closer body with oil leakage may occur, as a result of which it will fail.
10. Some door closer models have additional options, for example, opening braking. When adjusting, they are also brought to the desired level.

    

Non-standard installation schemes

If it is impossible to install the closer according to the standard scheme, they resort to installing additional mounting plates or a corner. Their design in each individual case has to be developed locally, taking into account all the nuances. With a non-standard installation, the following options are possible:

A. If it is impossible to attach the lever to the door frame, install the mounting angle, securing it with self-tapping screws in the horizontal plane. The lever is attached to the corner from the inside.

B. The door 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 canvas, and the closer body is attached to it. The lever is attached in the usual manner to the door frame.

D. The mounting suspension plate is attached to the door frame, the door closer is installed on it, and the lever is attached to the door leaf.

E. The door closer is attached to the door in a standard way, and the lever is attached to a mounting plate, which increases the door jamb area.

These mounting methods allow you to fix the door closer on the most unusual doors and wickets without reducing its functionality and reliability.

To extend the service life of the closer during operation, it is not recommended to exert efforts when automatically closing the doors, to rush or, conversely, to restrain the door. If it is necessary to block the doors, for example, when moving, it is necessary to disconnect the lever from the closer, but do not lock the door with various struts. The door closer installed outside the door must be protected from direct rainfall, protected from oil freezing. Subject to these simple rules, the door closer will serve faithfully for many years.

The oldest door mechanism to complete the slamming of a door was a cobblestone tied to a jamb on a string. Then, humanity, unwilling to bother itself, replaced the cobblestone with a spring, the ends of which were attached to the box and to the canvas. The spring, imparting an impulse not only to the door, but also to not too nimble backs, to this moment serves as the main element in most modifications of door closers. Only its work became smooth and controlled due to the introduction of special devices. Therefore, the home craftsman needs to know how to install an improved mechanism, and how to adjust the door closer, if it is decided to equip his property with automation for lazy users with his own hands.

Video instruction for DIYers

Closer types and installation methods

Installing a mechanical device that smoothly closes the door reduces the load on the fittings, protects the hinges and the structure itself from premature wear. They can be equipped with both an entrance and an interior door, and a door between the house and the bath extension or garage.

Differences in the installation method determined the classification of door closers, which are divided into:

• overhead mechanisms installed on a box beam or on a canvas, or in door hinges instead of a rod;
• floor structures, the laying of which is carried out during the installation of the floor covering and is usually designed in advance;
• hidden devices located either in the box with sufficient power, or in the canvas. To equip with this type of mechanisms, it is necessary to mill cavities, which should not be undertaken without experience.

The simplest and most accessible for an inexperienced performer will be the overhead installation of a door closer, the process of which is in most cases described in detail by the manufacturer. Caring manufacturers now attach not only a detailed description to their products, but also a template that accurately repeats the contour of the mechanism with clear marking of the attachment points. Almost all actions are carried out according to the standard algorithm, but there are nuances that should not be forgotten.

Attention. Before equipping the door with a device, it must be repaired and the fittings adjusted. The canvas should not "shuffle" on the floor, hang crookedly on the hinges. The movement of the loops should not be heavy.

Construction mounting options

Mechanisms with levers or with sliding channels can be attached both from the inside and from the outside of the interior door structure. It is undesirable to install the device only on the outer side of the entrance doors due to the negative effect of characteristic changes in atmospheric temperature.

The fact is that the smooth running of the spring operating the lever provides a variable flow of engine oil from one cavity to another. And it becomes more viscous and thick in cold weather, and more liquid in heat. Therefore, due to temperature fluctuations, the device will have to be adjusted more often than indicated by the manufacturer, which ultimately reduces the operating resource of the system.

You can choose from three common installation patterns:

• The standard setting predetermines the fixation of the main working body on the canvas. With this arrangement, the lever is attached to the lintel of the door frame.
• The upper diagram dictates the fastening of the mechanism to the lintel - the upper box beam, and the lever shoe is screwed to the door leaf.
• Parallel arrangement is similar to the standard version, but the arm is not attached perpendicularly, but in parallel using a mounting bracket.

The door closer installation scheme depends on the hinge arrangement option. That is, from the direction of movement of the web when opening / closing. If the door is opened "towards itself", then the device is mounted on the canvas as standard, and the lever is attached to the box beam. The option "from oneself" obviously assumes the upper attachment of the device to the lintel with the lever fixing on the canvas.

There are also non-standard cases, such as, for example, insufficient door clearance height. But cunning developers found a way out of constructively difficult situations by offering mounting corners and plates to home and professional craftsmen.

Installation of a door closer in such cases is carried out in parallel in two ways:

• the lever is fixed in parallel by installing its shoe on the mounting angle fixed to the box;
• the main body of the closer is attached to the box beam using a mounting plate.

Sliding arm door closers in brief

Sliding arm devices attract with their optimized design, which practically does not disturb the decor of the interior. Among the advantages is the ability to upgrade the device with an electromagnetic lock or a fire alarm. Such closers function with great effort, and there is no way to control their operation, but equipping with an elastic stop-insert will allow you to set the required sash opening angle. Most of the modifications are installed according to schemes similar to the above-described perpendicular option. But universal models with sliding channel traction can be mounted on both sides.

Attention. Installation of channel (slide) door closers from the side opposite to the location of the door hinges dictates the equipping of the device with an opening angle limiter. It can be replaced by a specialized stopper built into the slider.

Algorithm for installing a door closer

After deliberately choosing the correct location and determining the scheme, further actions are performed in an almost identical sequence:

• apply the template available in the complete set and glue it with tape to the installation site;
• through the points indicated by the manufacturer "punch" the places of the future holes for fasteners, there should be 2 for the lever and 4 for the device;
• it is advisable to drill the mounting holes in advance;
• we first fix the lever, followed by the body;
• After fixing the device and the lever, we will install the second half of the rod on the closer axis and make adjustments in length. The lever must be strictly perpendicular to the closed door leaf.

Attention. The adjusting screws should be directed towards the hinge bar of the box.

The complete set of fasteners is supplied by the manufacturer; you do not need to buy or change it for other hardware. It is important not to deviate one iota from the instructions, and success is assured.

Adjustment of the structure

After connecting the rod and the main working body into a single mechanism, it remains to find out how to adjust the door closer. This procedure is usually carried out by adjusting two adjusting screws. Two screws are needed to set the speed of the web in two modes:

• by the position of the first screw, set the closing speed in the range of 180-15º;
• with the second screw we will “program” the speed in the range of 15-0º.

The required speed is set by turning the screws along and against the thread. You probably won't have to make more than one turn.

Attention. Do not adjust the belt speed too hard. Two turns will lead to leakage, loss of the screw with oil leakage.

If the door is equipped with door closers with additional functions, such as:

• BC (abbreviation BackCheck) - a damper that resists too sharp forces in the range of 70-110º;
• FOP (from Hold-Open) - blade lock in open position;
• DC (in abbreviation Delayed Closing) - lingering moment of movement in the zone 110-70º,

After making sure that the speed characteristics meet the desires, and the movement is completed with the required "latch" or "squeeze", we close the closer axis with a decorative cap.

Now the work can be considered completed and you can start using the automatically closing door. The closing mechanism will function properly if children do not swing on the doors, if the normal operation of the closer is not interfered with by supporting devices and unreasonable hands, always trying to slam or slow down. Subject to the rules of operation, the device will last a long time.

I like

By the nature of my activity, and this is the sale of components for metal-plastic windows and doors, I constantly encounter the fact that often, it would seem, high-quality closers from world leaders in this market segment, for some reason refuse to work after a year, and sometimes and six months of operation do not withstand. After several visits to customers, it was found that the main reason for short-term operation is the incorrect installation of the door closer or the incorrect selection of the closer according to the weight and width of the door. Therefore, even the installation of a door closer by the manufacturer of the door does not always guarantee the correct and durable operation of the door closer due to the low qualifications of the installers. Quite often, in order to save money, closers are purchased and installed by users on their own, and unqualified installation also entails problems in the proper operation of the closer. And for some reason no one bothers to read the installation instructions. In this article I will tell you how to install a closer so that it works according to the European standard EN 1154 , according to which the door closers must ensure correct operation within 500 thousand open-close cycles.

How to choose the right door closer?

Since the vast majority of installed door closers are overhead door closers with link arms (in photo 1), further in the text the main emphasis is on such closers.

When choosing a door closer, the main parameters of the door on which you are going to install the door closer are taken into account - these are its width and weight. The main characteristic of any door closer is the closing force (or else they say "closer size"). European standard EN 1154 the efforts that the closer must develop are regulated. Depending on the size and weight of the door, door closers can exhibit different closing forces from EN1 before EN7 (Table 1).

Tab. one

When choosing a door closer with an optimal closing force, they usually focus on the largest parameter. For example: door weight 50 kg (force EN3 ), and the width is 1000 mm (force EN4 ). In this case, we choose a closer with a closing force EN4 ... It is not recommended to install a door closer with a closing force several orders of magnitude higher than required. Since, the higher the closing force of the door, the more forces will have to be applied to open it. Now there are many door closers on the market from various manufacturers, their cost varies from 500 rubles to tens of thousands. As a rule, most door closers have a closing force range from 2 to 4. That is, for example, a GEZE TS 2000 V closer can take on the values EN2 , EN3-4 and EN5 ... The force is adjusted by moving the closer relative to the hinges. The second important factor when choosing a closer is the operating temperature range. Changes in ambient temperature have a significant effect on the door closer operation. Depending on where the closer is installed, indoors or outdoors, you should pay close attention to its operating temperature range. So, for example, the same GEZE TS 2000 V guarantees correct operation at temperatures from –30 ° С. up to + 40 ° С. This door closer can be installed on both internal and external doors. The third factor is the presence of closer adjustments to ensure comfortable operation of the closer mechanism in various operating conditions. Closers in the low and medium price category, as a rule, have two adjustments: 1. Closing speed from 180 ° to 15 °; 2. "End latch" - means a slight increase in the door speed at the last 15 °. This function is necessary for doors with a latch, so that the lock clicks (Fig. 1).

Figure: one

There are door closers with wider functionality, they have additional adjustments to solve additional tasks:

1. Back Check - opening damping or wind brake, which protects the door from hitting the wall with a sudden opening or gusts of wind. At the same time, in some models, the function of setting the operating angle is implemented;
2. Delay Action - delayed closing, allows you to delay the closing of the door for a short period of time, which is very convenient when carrying small loads;
3. Hold open is the ability to lock the doors in the open position. Thanks to this feature, it is not necessary to hold the door, and the closer is not damaged.

How to install a door closer?

So, the closer is selected. Now you need to install it. Next, consider the installation using the example of the GEZE TS 2000 V closer (photo 2). As a rule, all door closers are equipped with a wiring diagram or installation instructions. The scale of the paper template is 1: 1, that is, in full size, designed for easy and quick installation of the door closer on the door without using a measuring tool (photo 3).

Photo 2

Photo 3

1) To install a closer, first of all, you need to decide on which side of the door the mechanism will be located. This will determine how to attach the closer to the door leaf or to the door frame (Figure 2).

Figure: 2

2) The template with the help of adhesive tape is based on the door leaf (or on the frame) relative to the axis of the hinges and then the mounting holes for the closer body and the rod are marked and holes are drilled according to the marks. c) Then we determine the required closing force by the weight and dimensions of the door and fix the door closer body in one of three positions (Figure 3).

Figure: 3

4) This door closer has a telescopic rod, which has two movable parts: one extends from the other and is fixed with a special screw. Therefore, we loosen the thrust adjusting bolt and install the second unregulated part of the thrust on the closer body (the thrust is attached using a 6 mm hexagon bolt). Attach the pull rod at an angle of 80 ° to the door surface as shown in the template. Then we set an angle of 90 °, slightly pushing in the adjustable part of the rod, and tighten the fixing screw when the door is in the closed position and the lever is folded at the knee. So the closer will work with a latch if the door is with a latch. Or we push the pull rod until the adjustable part of the pull rod is at 90 ° degrees to the door surface, if the door is without a latch, for a softer closing without a latch. Important!!! The door closer transmits a great effort to the door and operates in conditions of constant vibration, therefore, it is necessary to fasten the door closer and the rod firmly and reliably.

5) After installing the closer, we adjust it. Using the adjusting screws, we set the optimal speed of closing the door and the latch for confident operation of the latch. It is not necessary to turn the screws in a full turn, since changes in the closing speed are already felt when the screw is turned by only a quarter of a turn (see Fig. 1). In the event that the installation of the closer is difficult, for example, when the width of the closer body is greater than the width of the door frame, or when the closer is installed on a door leaf with an overlay, where fastening screws can interfere with the correct functioning of the door closing, use a special adapter - a mounting plate, which is purchased separately (photo 4).

Photo 4

The mounting plate is installed using the same template (photo 3) on self-tapping screws, and the door closer body is fixed directly to the board using screws.

And at the end I would like to list a few useful tips that will extend the life of the closer:

• do not support the doors with foreign objects (stones, bricks, wedges, etc.), it is better to disconnect the pull rod from the closer if you need the door to be open for a long time (for convenience, many closers are equipped with detachable rods);
• adjust the door closing once every six months (at the beginning of winter and at the beginning of summer);
• once a year, it is necessary to change the grease in the joint of the two halves of the closer rod.

Many no longer remember such a device as an ordinary stone suspended by a rope between the canvas and the door frame. But this device is the first mechanism that served to automatically close the front door. Later, this device was replaced by a spring, which was also stretched between the frame and the doorway leaf. But the crash when the door was closed annoyed the residents of the lower floors.

Over time, a special design was developed that made it possible to make the door closing process smooth and controlled. The door finishing mechanism (door closer) became such a device.

Installing a door closer on a metal door is easy, following step-by-step instructions and listening to the advice of professional specialists.

Purpose of the debugging mechanism

There are known situations when installed simple springs forced elderly people to almost slip through the front door, fearing to get hit in the back with a canvas. Such troubles can be easily corrected by applying a door finishing system. Installation of a door closer to metal doors allows the door leaf to be closed silently and smoothly in automatic mode.

This operating principle of the mechanism reduces the load on the door hardware (hinges, lock) and prevents rapid wear of the entire structure.

If it becomes necessary to leave the door open for a while, then installing a closer on a metal door with a fixing device will solve this problem as well. Thanks to this mechanism, the door, opened more than 90 degrees, will remain in place, i.e., will not close. If you push the canvas to overcome this angle, the door will close.

Closer design and device

Structurally, the closer consists of a body, where the spring is located, and a lever that transmits the force to the door leaf. Thanks to the use of hydraulics, the spring rod moves smoothly and without jerking. It is this property that contributes to the uniform movement of the door leaf.

According to the method of action of the force of the spring element on the movable lever, the finishing mechanisms are divided into two types:

1. Systems with type. They can be easily identified by the lever located perpendicular to the door leaf, which slightly spoils the appearance of the structure. Also, the increased resistance of the door as it opens becomes sometimes a problem for children and the elderly. But the reliability and low cost attract consumers.
2. A more beautiful appearance of the doorway is given by installing a closer on a metal door with a sliding draft channel. The door opening force in such a system acts in inverse relationship than that of a lever closer. When the web is opened by 30 °, the further resistance of the web is significantly weakened.

The principle of operation of the debugging mechanism

The work of the finishing mechanism is based on the property of the spring installed in the closer body. So, when the door is opened, the spring is compressed, and then the lever and the gear train exert pressure on the doorway leaf due to the release spring, the door closes.

Smoothness and uniformity of door closing is ensured by the damper property of the oil, which fills the interior of the case. When the spring is straightened, the oil flows into the working reservoir through the hydraulic voids. The speed of movement of the liquid directly affects the speed of closing the door leaf.

The simplicity of the design does not require large investments at the production stage, which has a positive effect on the final cost of installing a door closer to metal doors.

Types of closers

There are three main types of door closers, which are conditionally divided according to the place of their installation in the doorway:

• waybills;
• outdoor;
• hidden.

Depending on what type of finishing mechanism it is decided to use, the method of installing the closer on a metal door is determined. It is the door closer design that determines the installation method.

Overhead finishing mechanisms

This model is the most popular, since installing a door closer on a metal door with your own hands is not particularly difficult for any person. The device is located in the upper corner of the doorway, while it does not impede the movement of people at all.

To carry out external opening, the door closer is installed on a metal door by fastening the case to the canvas.

When the door is opened from itself, the body of the mechanism is located on the door frame, and the lever, respectively, on the leaf of the sash. The peculiarity of overhead mechanisms is that it is possible to install a door closer on a metal door as a lever type or sliding. Installation of this type of structure on a glass door is not possible.

Floor closers

From the name it is clear that such a finishing mechanism is installed at the bottom of the doorway. It is used much less often than a consignment note.

A closer is installed at the stage of flooring construction, as it requires special surface preparation. Most often used in offices or commercial premises to automatically close glass doors. Structurally, it allows you to open the door in any direction.

The disadvantage of this design is the frequent clogging of mechanical elements.

Hidden door closers

Concealed devices are mounted inside the door frame, therefore they are also called frame. You can see such a mechanism only when the door sash is open.

Installation of a door closer on a metal door is very difficult, as it requires the use of special equipment and tools. Usually the installation of a hidden door closer is carried out during the manufacture of the door structure.

The main disadvantage of hidden systems is their low efficiency, so the use of such mechanisms is advisable for light interior doors.

Installing the finishing mechanism

Before installing the closer on a metal door, you need to prepare some tools:

• screwdriver;
• drill;
• socket wrench (size is selected in accordance with the model);
• drill;
• pencil;
• roulette.

The step-by-step instructions for installing the debugging mechanism can be conditionally divided into three stages:

1. Markup.
2. Mounting.
3. Adjustment.

Marking the installation site of the mechanism

Usually, the manufacturer includes a special template in the complete set of the finishing mechanism, which schematically copies the natural size of the finished product. Also on the template are the mounting holes for fastening the door closer for a metal door. The factory template is printed on both sides of the tracing paper to be able to make markings for any type of door opening.

There are two red lines on the surface of the template in order to know how to correctly install the closer on a metal door. The vertical strip is aligned with the virtual line of the axis of the door hinges, and the horizontal strip is aligned with the upper edge of the leaf.

The marking sequence is as follows:

• We attach the template according to the red lines. The fastening process can be carried out using adhesive tape.
• Then we mark the holes. On a metal door, this operation is carried out with a core. In some cases, the holes can be drilled directly from the template.
• Next, carefully remove the template and make holes with a drill of the required diameter.

If there is no manufacturer's template, then you need to make it yourself. In rare cases, the marking of the place of attachment of the closer can be carried out without a template, but at the same time the body may shift, which will lead to a loss of the quality of the work performed.

Closer installation

After marking the installation site and drilling the holes, the main stage is performed - the installation of the closer.

Step-by-step instructions for installing the closer:

1. The body of the finishing mechanism is fastened. There is nothing difficult in performing this operation, we just fasten the product with four screws. In this case, it is necessary to position the body so that the adjusting elements are towards the hinges.
2. The link arm is disengaged. A part of the lever with a shoe is attached to the box.
3. The main arm is connected to the door closer body. To do this, it is put on a square shaft and fixed with a screw.
4. Next, the two levers are docked.

After completing all the technological operations of installation, it is necessary to control the quality of the fastening, and then proceed with the adjustment.

Adjustment of the finishing mechanism

After all installation work, it is necessary to adjust the finishing mechanism. Adjustment operations are performed with two screws located at the end of the device body.

One screw adjusts the door closing speed. To do this, turning it clockwise, the speed is reduced. Conversely, turning the adjusting element in the opposite direction will close the door faster.

The second adjusting screw sets the speed of the door leaf abutment. The rotation dependence of this element is the same as in the previous case. Clockwise rotation decreases the speed of adjoining, counter-rotation increases.

Usually the adjustment screws are hidden by the decorative panel, so it must be removed before adjusting. After adjusting the door, the panel is installed in place.

Installation of a closer on a fire door

For fireproof metal doors, closers are installed in a parallel way, without drilling holes in the door leaf, as this is prohibited by fire safety measures.

To do this, a special mounting plate is pre-welded to the metal door, on which the body of the finishing mechanism is subsequently attached. Since the fire door has a large mass, the selection of the finishing device should be carried out according to the weight of the door leaf.

Correct installation of the finishing mechanism plays an important role in the trouble-free operation of the doorway. However, great importance is attached to adherence to the rules for operating the device:

• It is strictly forbidden to forcefully push the door, as the force leads to premature wear of the mechanical parts. It is better to increase the speed of closing the door by the adjustment method.
• Do not additionally load the door leaf with any loads. Children are not allowed to ride on the door.
• When installing the door closer on the street, it is necessary to protect the mechanism from rainfall and sunlight. Adjustment of the device operating in cold climates should be carried out twice a year.
• Also, at least twice a year, it is necessary to lubricate the rubbing structural elements.
• In the absence of a locking system, the door must not be blocked with foreign objects.

Following these simple rules will increase the life of the device.

The finishing mechanism installed on the entrance doors of apartment buildings will save residents from many troubles that arise with a heavy load on the door leaf. It is also of great importance that modern door closers have a beautiful appearance, are easy to operate, and are easy to install on your own.