Do-it-yourself door closer installation. The main methods of mounting the closer, options for proper installation on a plastic and metal door How to install a door closer on a wooden door

Doors are an attribute of every building and room: be it a house, apartment or office. In places of high traffic, they often open and close. A large number of incoming and outgoing people forget to close the doors, because of which heat escapes in winter or, conversely, cold in the hot season. When closing door leaf comes into contact with the door frame with force, emitting an unpleasant loud pop. To avoid such annoying moments as constant clapping and left open doors, use closers.

Closers - what are they

Thanks to these devices, the doors close smoothly and almost silently. Door closers are different designs, but they all have common elements. The main components are a 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 finds the greatest application in certain conditions.

There are three main types of door closers:

1. 1. Overhead closers. They are 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 having a solid lever, one of the ends of which slides along the guide bar.
2. 2. Floor. They are mainly used in stores with glass doors at the entrance. Such closers are almost invisible and have reliable protection from external influences.
3. 3. Concealed closers. In addition to performing their main functions, such devices are designed to preserve the original appearance of the room. As the name implies, they are mounted in such a way that they are not visible.

Choice of device for closing the door

You need to choose a door closer, based primarily on the type of door leaf. If it is made of glass, then only the floor type device is used. If 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 the door closing device, the width of the door leaf and its weight are taken into account.

You need to choose a product according to the largest of the two class values ​​\u200b\u200bobtained by comparing the characteristics of the door leaf. For example, if the weight of the door 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 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 required level with special screws or by choosing the installation location.

Installation of overhead door closer

Consider the step-by-step installation of the door closer with the method of installation on the door leaf. First you need to familiarize yourself with the device itself and its equipment. The operating instructions in the package must be read in order to immediately determine the existing nuances.

To perform the installation, you will need the following tools and fixtures:

• ladder;
• drill or screwdriver;
• drill (for a plastic or wooden door - for wood, for an iron one - for metal);
• screwdrivers: cross-shaped and flat;
• a set of hex keys (not always);
• simple pencil;
• template from the 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, then you will have to download it from the Internet and print it. The door must be tightly closed so that the canvas and the box are in the same plane (or at least parallel). The drawing is applied to the planes exactly as the closer will be mounted, and marks are placed on the drawn holes. To make it easier, you can pierce small holes on the template with a sharpened pencil in advance, and then mark points through them.

Now holes are drilled with a drill or screwdriver. When all of them are ready, the closer is mounted on the door leaf.

Then the rod is screwed to the door frame. All connections must be checked for backlash. If they are, then the hardware should be tightened. The rod and lever are connected. When the door is closed, the thrust must be strictly perpendicular to the plane of the door. If the angle of 90 degrees is not observed, then the thrust must 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 with the lever is connected again and the closer is checked.

The oldest door mechanism that completed the slamming of the door was a cobblestone tied to a jamb on a twine. 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 momentum not only to the door, but also to not too nimble spins, to this moment performs the function of the main element in most modifications of door closers. Only her work became smooth and controlled due to the introduction special devices. Because home master you need to know how to install an improved mechanism, and how to adjust the door closer, if you decide to equip your property with automation for lazy users with your own hands.

Video instruction for home masters

Types of door closers and installation methods

The installation of a mechanical device that smoothly closes the door reduces the load on the fittings, protects the hinges and the structure itself from premature wear. You can equip them with both the front door and the interior door, and the door between the house and the bath extension or garage.

Differences in the method of installation 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 a box with sufficient power, or in a canvas. To equip this type of mechanism, 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 in most cases is described in detail by the manufacturer. Caring manufacturers now apply to their products not only detailed description, but also a template exactly following the contour of the mechanism with a clear marking of points for fastening. 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 course of the loops should not be heavy.

Construction mounting options

Mechanisms with levers or sliding channels can be mounted both on the inside and on the outside of the interior door structure. Outside only entrance doors it is undesirable to install the device due to negative impact characteristic fluctuations in atmospheric temperature.

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

You can choose from three common mounting schemes:

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

The installation scheme of the door closer depends on the location of the hinges. That is, from the direction of movement of the canvas when opening / closing. If the door is opened "on itself", then the installation of the device is carried out as standard on the canvas, and the lever is attached to the box beam. The option "on your own" obviously involves the upper fastening of the device to the lintel with the fixation of the lever on the canvas.

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

Installation door closer in such cases, it is performed parallel circuit two ways:

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

Briefly about guide rail closers

Devices with a sliding arm attract with an optimized design that 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 work, but equipping with an elastic limiter-insert will allow you to set required angle sash opening. Most modifications are installed according to schemes similar to the perpendicular version described above. But universal models with sliding channel traction can be mounted on both sides.

Attention. Installation of channel (slider) closers from the side, the reverse side of the location door hinges, dictates the equipment of the device with a limiter for the opening angle of the web. It can be replaced by a specialized stopper built into the slider.

Door closer installation algorithm

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

• we apply the template included in the package and glue it with adhesive tape to the installation site;
• through the “kern” points indicated by the manufacturer, the places of future holes for fasteners, there should be 2 for the lever and 4 for the device;
• it is advisable to drill mounting holes in advance;
• we fix the lever first, followed by the body;
• After fixing the device and the lever, we install the second half of the rod on the axis of the closer and perform an adjustment 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.

Fasteners in a complete set are attached by the manufacturer, you do not need to buy or change it to other hardware. It is important not to deviate one iota from the instructions, and success is guaranteed.

Structural adjustment

After connecting the thrust 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 adjustment screws. Two screws are needed in order to set the speed of the web in two modes:

• by the position of the first screw we set the closing speed in the range of 180-15º;
• with the second screw we “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 do more than one turn.

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

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

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

After making sure that the speed characteristics correspond to the desires, and the movement ends with the required “click” or “boost”, we close the axis of the closer 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 striving to slam or slow down. Subject to the rules of operation, the device will last a long time.

Closers are often installed on the door of the main and emergency exit for ease of operation. A door closer is a device that helps to smoothly open and close doors, and also brings the doors to a certain position. A properly adjusted closer will smoothly close the doors, even if they remain ajar. In addition, this device reduces the load on the door fittings, and also protects the hinges from early wear. At the same time, the door structure itself experiences less load. In order for the door closer to bring the benefits expected from it, you should choose the type of construction, the method of its fastening, correctly install it and take preventive measures in a timely manner to extend the life of this product.

Closer design types

There are three main types of door closer mechanisms. Their differences lie in the mounting options. Thus, all closers are divided into three groups:

• invoices;
• floor;
• hidden.

Overhead mechanisms are the most common, in addition, it is possible to mount this device at home. This mechanism is installed on a box beam or on a door leaf. Installing such a closer on the door is also simple because manufacturers attach a template, a detailed description and instructions for fastening the product to such products along with instructions. Thus, installing the door closer yourself is a simple matter, and all fasteners are attached to the structure by the manufacturer.

Floor structures are a more aesthetic option than overhead structures, since they are hidden in flooring rooms are not visible. However, planning for the installation of such structures must be done at the time of design, since the fasteners must be embedded in the floor. It is very difficult to install such a structure on your own.

If the repair in the room has already been made, it is impossible to install this version of the door closer.

Hidden devices is the least popular and the most difficult at the same time. In order to install such a closer on the door with your own hands, without the help of professionals involved, it is necessary to mill the door cavities. At home, it is almost impossible to do this accurately, moreover, even the slightest traces of the installation of the structure will be noticeable. When designing door installations, you can choose this method, but for its implementation it is necessary to involve specialists.

Mounting methods

There are several ways to install an overhead door closer on your own:

• standard installation;
• top installation;
• parallel arrangement.

The most common is the default setting. Moreover, the working body is attached to the canvas, and the lever - to the lintel of the door frame. This installation method is the easiest.

At the top installation, the fastening of the mechanism falls on the lintel. In this case, the lever is attached directly to the door leaf. With the parallel installation of door closers, the lever, as in the case with standard installation, is attached to the lintel of the door frame, however, not perpendicular, but parallel. In this case, a special mounting bracket is used during installation.

The closer installation scheme depends on the location of the hinges on the door. The movement of the leaf when opening and closing the door determines the installation pattern.

If the door opens towards itself, then the device is mounted on the canvas, and the lever is mounted on the box. Otherwise, the lever is attached to the canvas, and the upper mount - to the lintel.

How to install a door closer

There is a certain algorithm, following which you can attach a door closer, regardless of its type of attachment. The sequence of work looks like this:

1. The place of fastening of the closer is determined. The template attached to the operating and installation instructions for the door closer is attached to the installation site and glued with adhesive tape for ease of use.
2. Mounting holes are marked on the existing template. There are only 6 of them: four for the closing device and two for attaching the lever. Fastener installation locations are transferred from the template to the door.
3. Then the mounting hole must be drilled. Using the fasteners included in the kit, the lever is attached.
4. When its installation is completed, the door closer body is attached. When the device is fixed on the door, the closer rod is installed on the axle.
5. Then the lever is adjusted in length. It must be strictly perpendicular to the door leaf when closed.

All fasteners that must be used when mounting this device are supplied by the manufacturer along with the closer itself.

It is not recommended to use other fasteners for installation, since the reliability of the structure will no longer be the same. Moreover, when installing the closer on the door, you should follow the scheme indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions. Only in this case it is possible to guarantee the correct operation of the door closer.

After installation, the work of the door closer must be adjusted. Adjustment is made after connecting the main working body and thrust into a single movable mechanism. The closer setting should be done last, after all installation procedures. This is done by adjusting 2 screws by adjusting their position. Each screw indicates the speed that the closer will have in a certain range of the door angle in relation to the wall plane. One screw adjusts the speed in the range from 0 to 15 degrees, the other - from 15 degrees to the full opening of the door. The speed of movement is set by turning the screws.

What the closer looks like can be seen in the drawing.

Service

Regardless of which door, plastic, metal or wooden, the closer is installed on, in order for it to function correctly, it must be regularly serviced.

One of the main elements of closer maintenance is the annual replacement of the lubricant, which is located in the joint of the 2 halves of the closer rod. It is enough to change this lubricant once a year. If the procedure is less frequent, the mechanism will wear out faster. Moreover, it is necessary twice a year to adjust the screws that indicate the closing speed. This must be done for two reasons:

1. Firstly, due to temperature fluctuations in the street by more than 15 degrees, the screws can be upset. Thus, the speed of opening and closing the door is disturbed.
2. Secondly, during operation, the screws can come, albeit in an insignificant, but still movement. Gradual turning of the screw, even by a few degrees, in six months can significantly change the speed of the closer.

In order not to adjust too often, it is enough to do it 2 times a year. At the beginning of winter and at the beginning of summer, when temperature regime changes on the street.

In order for the closer to last longer, it is impossible to support the door, which is equipped with a closer so that it does not close.

Usually this is done with a brick, a stool or an armchair. If for some time it is necessary to make sure that the door does not close, but is open for a long time, it is necessary to disconnect the rod from the closer. In most of these devices, the thrust is detachable. Thus, the performance of the door closer will not be affected.

As can be seen from the information described in the article, self-assembly door closer is possible with minimal building or repair skills. To achieve the most favorable result in the shortest possible time, it is necessary to carry out all installation work according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to the door closer. It is also important to carry out regular maintenance of the working mechanism.

Choosing a door closer - video

A door closer is a mechanism designed to smoothly close doors, thanks to which the door, moving without jerks, gently pretends to be itself, without hitting sharply against the box. Its benefit is obvious: in addition to the fact that the closing process will no longer be accompanied by loud annoying pops, squeaks, clanging and other extraneous sounds You don't have to put in extra physical effort. This is especially true for the front door. In addition, the presence of a door closer reduces the amount of heat loss in the house, as it ensures the tightest fit of the door to the frame. On store shelves you can find various models of these mechanisms, but if you wish, you can easily make it yourself from improvised materials.

The principle of operation of the door closer is quite simple: when opening the door, a person inevitably makes a mechanical force, which is then transferred to the device, and it, in turn, distributes it evenly until the door is tightly and completely closed. Of course, a hand-made mechanism will lose in some ways to a purchased one (for example, in terms of its external parameters), but it can be used as a temporary solution, or in those places where the aesthetic moment is not so important.

There are several options self-manufacturing door closer:

1. Elementary mechanism

In order to make the simplest door closer, you will need a minimum amount of materials, namely, only a load, a roller (wheel) and a rope (cable). The size and weight of the load depend on the door leaf: the more massive, heavier and larger it is, the greater the weight of the closer itself, respectively. There is no universal system for calculating the weight of the cargo, it is determined empirically, by trial and error. A rope with a load attached to the end will move up and down, respectively, a roller is needed to ensure its smooth movement. So that the wall and the door do not suffer from impacts of the load, it can be placed in a segment plastic pipe. All assembled structure securely fastened to the door and immediately becomes usable.

2. Closer made from a car door lift

Another way to make a closer is to create it on the basis of a car door lift. Surely many home craftsmen inherited from grandfathers brought up in Soviet time in the conditions of a shortage of consumer goods, various useful things remained that lie on the shelves in the garage, shed or at home on the mezzanine. If among them you find lifts from car doors - it will be a great success. You will need lifting mechanisms from 3-5 car doors, which will need to be attached in such a way that the closer bracket is located between the hinge axis. This type of home-made closer is good because it is done very quickly, and serves its owners for a long time and reliably.

3. Spring closer

The closer, made on the basis of a spring, is great for wooden canvas. A metal door, due to its large weight, will quickly render this type of mechanism unusable. To assemble the spring closer, you will need to place one end of the coil on the edge of the door leaf and the other on the frame. The farther from the hinges you fix the mechanism, the more effort it will work. Carefully consider such a spring parameter as stiffness: the door should close smoothly and tightly, and in most cases this is not so easy to achieve. That is why the spring-based closer is not as popular as other models.

4. Magnetic closer

The magnet-based closer is very simple to implement. Even a novice master can easily cope with its manufacture. For this you will need:

Metal plate with mounting holes;

self-tapping screws;

Chisel;

Screwdriver.

Parts are installed flush according to pre-applied markings to provide them with maximum coupling, which, in turn, will contribute to the tight closing of the door. Working surfaces (those on which markings are applied) are cleaned with a chisel to the required depth. The magnet is attached to the frame, and the metal plate is attached to the canvas itself, which is done using self-tapping screws. In the closed position of the door, the magnet and the plate must be completely aligned with each other. This guarantees the quality of the mechanism.

5. Closer made on the basis of rubber elements

Another option for a homemade closer is a mechanism that is assembled from a rubber hose, cable, car camera, expander, or even a rubber bulb, which is easy to purchase at any pharmacy. Appearance this type of closer is very peculiar, so it is best to install it in those rooms where guests do not drop in so often, and where the design itself will be hidden from prying eyes. This ensures soft damping of the door and the absence of noise during its movement. The installation of the elements is very simple. First, markings are applied, according to which the device is located on the box either closer to the hinges, or from the side outer corner canvases. Smoother closing of the door will provide the first installation option. The rubber pear is placed with a sharp end towards the frame and fixed on the plane with a screw or nail. When the door is closed, the pear is slowly blown away, and when opened, it quickly restores its previous shape.

A door closer is a mechanism that automatically closes a door. Its installation will protect the door from some damage and ensure tight closing. Most often they are used in shops and office premises, but it is also possible to use them in residential buildings and even cars.

Closer installation - not an easy task, requiring a professional approach to the choice of design, method of installation and adjustment of the device. Those who wish to perform all these works on their own and eventually get a working mechanism should familiarize themselves with the information below.

Closer types

The mechanism works according to the following principle - when opening the door, a person exerts efforts acting on a spring inside the device. Then, the spring returns to its original state, controlling the closing of the door. Closers differ in the type of fastening and are hidden, floor and overhead.

Overhead mechanisms

Applied mechanism

It is these closers that are often found on the doors of offices, shops, entrances. The device is mounted to the top of the door and operates from a gear drive or sliding rod. In the first version, the design looks like a small box with two levers, one of which drives a gear connected to a toothed pin with a spring. These devices are optimally suited for heavy front doors.

The second option is a sliding rod mechanism. It has two functional pistons - opening and braking. This design is more compact than the previous one and is completely hidden under the casing, which increases its reliability.

Floor structures

Floor closer

This type of closer is installed in a recess under the door and is almost invisible. The mechanism consists of a rotation shaft, which is connected to the spring on one side and to the door fasteners on the other.

The design is convenient for controlling the opening of glass doors, including pendulum doors (swinging open in both directions). These closers are more often used in shopping centers with many glass partitions. The need for their use, as a rule, is determined at the stage of drawing up an object project.

Hidden Devices

Hidden type devices are divided into two main subspecies - with a sliding rod and closer loops. The first are not much different from the overhead mechanisms described above, the difference is only in a smaller size and installation principle. One of the parts of the device cuts into the upper part of the door frame, and the second (designed for the movement of the rod) into the lower one.

Closer hinges

The second type (hinges) is the smallest of the designs designed to close doors. It is used for doors with a small mass, usually interior doors. Its disadvantages include installation difficulties (the need to accurately adhere to the axis) and a short service life due to the fragility of the device. If we compare two types of hidden door closers, it is more practical to give preference to the more durable first.

Installation methods

Mounting the closer on the door frame does not require special skills and can be done independently. All the necessary parts for this are sold with the device. The attached instructions contain a detailed description of how to properly install the door closer, as well as the installation scheme recommended for this model. There are three most common installation methods - standard, top and side-by-side.

Standard installation

When mounted by the standard method, the device is installed directly on the door leaf. The mechanism lever is attached to the door lintel. This method is used for doors that open outward.

Upper scheme

With the upper installation scheme, the device body is mounted to the lintel (beam at the top of the door frame), and the lever is fixed on the door leaf. This method is used for door structures that open inward.

Visual material

Parallel arrangement

This installation option can be performed according to the standard and upper scheme. The difference from the methods described above is that with parallel mounting, installation is carried out using an additional part - a plate or a corner. This method is used if there is not enough space on the door lintel to secure the device. The plate in this case serves as a buffer and compensates for the lack of space.

Door closer installation algorithm

The algorithm that allows you to correctly install the door closer consists of a combination of a certain sequence of actions and a number of rules. Rules to be followed during installation:

• Carry out the work in accordance with the diagram attached to the device.
• For the front door, if there is a choice, it is better to install the mechanism from the inside, and not from the outside. This will protect the closer from the effects of adverse environmental factors - low temperatures, humidity.
• Make sure that the selected fixture is suitable for the weight of the door. The heavier the structure, the greater the force applied to open, the closer must have. Install powerful mechanisms on interior doors not recommended, due to the possibility of damage to the hinges if they are overloaded.
• After installation, check the correct installation, the absence of distortions and jamming of the loops.

The table will help determine the desired size of the device

Compliance with the above rules will keep the door closer and door structure operational longer.

The main stages of installing a door closer

Although all devices have differences, the principle of their installation and the sequence of work performed in this case are similar. To install the closer on the door, you should first familiarize yourself with the attached sketch of the mechanism in the original scale. By attaching this drawing to the door and making marks, it will be much easier to drill holes for fasteners in the right place.

Installing the door closer consists of the following steps:

• Choice right angle opening and marking under fasteners (there are two or four of them).
• Drilling holes on the marks and fastening the mechanism body to the door.
• Fixing the lever with a fixing screw on the axis of the device.
• Checking the reliability of fastening the body of the mechanism. When doing this, make sure that the nut responsible for setting the spring is opposite to the door hinges.
• Adjustment of the lever that controls the opening and closing of the door structure. It should be perpendicular to the door box and connected to the main lever.
• The mechanism is closed with a decorative cap and the correct functioning of the device is checked when the doors are opened.

Proper adjuster adjustment

It is not enough to know how to install a door closer, you must also understand the basics of its debugging. Adjustment is required for the mechanism both immediately after installation and during further operation.

The main parameter that needs to be adjusted is the speed of movement. If you notice that the door does not open quickly enough, adjust the spring compression by loosening the lock nut.

Serious deviations in the speed of movement are eliminated by turning the first of the two control valves. It can be rotated no more than two turns in any direction. The second valve allows you to adjust the force of the catch.

Spring compression correction

For entrance doors during the cold season, additional adjustment of the first valve is required. This is because the oil used in the mechanism becomes more viscous and the speed changes.

If there is a need to hold the door in a certain position for a long time, use the closer option called "hold-open". To do this, open the door 90 degrees and tighten the latch. Now the opening will take place in the normal mode until this angle is reached, and then the latch will work. To close, just pull the door towards you.

Hold-open mechanism

This function is not available in every device, but if you provide for frequent airing or bringing in and taking out overall things, it is better to purchase just such a closer. Since if the fixation of the door with the closer is carried out by foreign objects, for example, a brick, this will create an excessive load on the mechanism and subsequently may lead to breakage.

If your device can't be debugged, it might be due to a bad installation. To avoid this, check that the adjusting nut is in the correct position and that the lever is at right angles to the door structure. If errors are suspected during installation, the mechanism should be removed and, referring to the diagram, reinstalled.

Do-it-yourself closer

It is not necessary to buy a ready-made device, there are several ways to make a door closer with your own hands. Let's start with the simplest of them.

To make it you will need a strong rope or cable, a wheel and a load. The weight of the load will have to be determined experimentally, depending on the massiveness of the door. The weight, which should pull the door leaf, is attached to the end of the cable, moving up and down, thanks to the wheel. So that the door leaf does not suffer when opening due to the load beating against it, the latter is placed in a plastic pipe case, the entire structure is mounted on the door and a simple mechanism is ready.

The next option is a closer made on the basis of a spring. Such a device functions thanks to a spring that returns the door to its place after opening. Its design is simple, but there is a drawback - it is only suitable for light (interior and car) doors. Installation of such a closer on metal door irrational, because under heavy loads the spring will quickly become unusable.

In addition to the spring, for the construction of this mechanism, a shock absorber is required to slow down the movement of the door. It consists of two chambers filled with engine oil. When opening, one of them is filled, and when closing, the oil flows into the second. To do this, a bypass valve is installed between the chambers.

Self-construction and adjustment of the valve operation can be difficult, and if you have never encountered such devices, it is better to purchase the part ready-made. Another necessary component of a spring closer is a rack and pinion. It will apply the load to the spring and should be strong enough.

Homemade spring closer for a car

More smooth closing can be achieved in a simple way using a piece of old rubber instead of a closer. True, such a design does not look aesthetically pleasing, but it is quite capable of performing its functions until the best option is acquired.

Whatever you choose - homemade device or a ready-made mechanism - with the right approach to installation and operation, they will cope with the tasks assigned to them. We hope that the information on how to install and debug the closer will help you eliminate problems with slamming doors and drafts in your home and office. Good luck!