Usually, all fences are equipped with gates. And if, to increase comfort, automation is installed on the gate, then the wickets can be equipped with a closer. This accessory ensures smooth and, what is most important, complete closing of the gate. Indeed, in a hurry, you might not notice that the sash is not completely closed.

Door closer

What is a door closer

A gate closer is very useful devicewhich ensures safety and increases the comfort of use. Its main functions are:

  • ensures smooth closing of the gate;
  • makes sure that the sash is completely adhered to the sugary bar;
  • can fix the door in open position.

Also, the wicket will not bang hard when closing - and this is also a plus, since it increases the service life of the lock mechanism.

Device diagram

Operating principle

Despite the abundance of models on modern market, circuit diagram work for all devices is approximately the same:

  • when opening, it is necessary to apply a certain effort - it is transmitted to the closer;
  • since there is a spring in it, it expands under the influence of this force;
  • also, the mechanism involves the use of a pneumatic or hydraulic piston;
  • thanks to this, the doors close smoothly.

And besides, in many models, it is possible to set the desired clamping force and speed of work.

Pneumatic door closer

Primary requirements

Since the door closer for wickets is used outdoors, a number of stringent requirements are imposed on it:

  • resistance to frost - it is very important that it works at negative temperatures, because if the device freezes over, it will simply break down during the first winter;
  • moisture resistance - again, using this accessory outdoors assumes direct rain and snow, so the design must have reliable protection from water penetration;
  • durability - according to normal, a good device should work without problems for more than one year.

Based on this, it is better not to purchase the cheapest models. And besides, you need to take into account the wicket windage and weight - the power of the unit should assume the effect of wind on the plane of the structure.

Important! It is desirable that the mechanism be equipped with a special lock - it allows you to leave the wicket in the open position. This is necessary in those cases when you have to bring something into the yard, because if you just prop the gate with a stone, this will create tension inside the closer, which obviously will not extend its service life.

Hydraulic mechanism

Views

Today, there are three main types of door closers:

  • electric - provide quiet and safe operation. As an additional option, you can purchase a mechanism that will open and close the door from a button, however, for operation, you will need to supply electricity to the fence;
  • hydraulic - the work is based on the use of a hydraulic piston, these are quite powerful and durable devices;
  • pneumatic - the most unpretentious closers, capable of operating at low temperatures and high loads. The work is based on the use of an air cylinder with compressed air.

Naturally, when choosing, it is worth proceeding from the budget, operating conditions, and also technical characteristics apparatus.

Electric view

Choice

For the right choice accessory, you need to consider the following parameters:

  • working conditions;
  • door weight - the power of the mechanism should be selected with a small margin;
  • you need to take into account which side the gate opens;
  • the apparatus must provide free opening to the maximum required position;
  • the ability to mount on the right or left door;
  • material of manufacture of the unit body;
  • the ability to adjust the mechanism.

Also, when buying, you should pay attention to the complexity of the installation - the easier it is to do, the better.

Operating rules

As with any other thing, there are some rules when using a door closer. If you are guided by them during the operation of this unit, then it can last a long time and without breakdowns.

Important! Most often, the working elements of the door closer cannot be repaired. Therefore, in the event of a breakdown, you have to buy a new device.

  • the gate should be closed using a mechanism, you should not press it down with your hand and try to close the sash faster - this can quickly cause the mechanism to fail;
  • do not leave the gate open for a long time - since a strong tension arises in the chamber and the spring, the mechanism wears out quickly;
  • periodically you need to make adjustments, the recommended frequency of maintenance is 2 times a year;
  • during adjustment, it is necessary to lubricate all rubbing parts.

Also, before installing a door closer on a street gate, it is recommended to check the operation of the sash - it should open and close smoothly and effortlessly. If, for example, there are distortions of the canopies or the canvas itself, then it is better to eliminate such problems immediately. Otherwise, the closer will not be able to function normally and will quickly fail.

Adjustment scheme

Installation of the mechanism

First, you need to choose the right device. And here it is important to understand that there are closers that are designed for indoor use only. Therefore, in no case should they be used outdoors, because their elements are not designed for operation in subzero temperatures and high humidity.

Next, you need to select the type of device. In fact, all offered types provide the required functionality. However, there are certain limitations in their use. For example, for electrical appliances, an electrical connection is required. Those. such moments must be taken into account initially.

Basic installation rules

Regardless of the type of accessory, there are several simple rulesto consider during installation:

  • most often you have to change the fasteners included in the kit for more powerful ones;
  • it is better to mount the door closer from the inside of the doors - it can be broken or stolen;
  • in order not to be mistaken with the markup, you should use the markup template that usually comes with the accessory;

Also, before installing, you should carefully study the instructions - this way you can avoid possible errors.

Installation

Installation instructions:

  • first, you need to make a markup on the sash and on the support pillar, for this, a template is applied to the selected place and marks are made through it;
  • if the post is brick, then you will first need to fix a metal plate on it;
  • further, the device is attached to the door;
  • then, it is required to fix the counterpart on the post;
  • after that, the closing speed and clamping density are adjusted;
  • if the accessory has a lock button, this must also be configured.

If it is necessary to install a door closer for a street wicket without an upper crossbar, then it is necessary to use models without a lever. In this case, one part is attached to the post, and the other to the sash. And such a mechanism works due to the spring and the piston. They ensure smooth operation of the street door.

Thus, there is nothing difficult in the installation and it is not necessary to be a professional to carry it out with your own hands. The main thing is to initially choose the correct device itself, and after installation, carry out the adjustment according to the instructions.

Smooth automatic return of the wicket door eliminates impacts of the working parts when closing, prevents arbitrary opening, as well as premature breakdown of locking devices. Solves these problems by installing a door closer on the gate, the installation of which can be done by hand.

After installation on the wicket

A street closer must meet the following requirements:

  1. Uninterrupted operation when temperature conditions from -50 ° С to +50 ° С.
  2. Possibility to install right and left opening door leaf.
  3. Must provide a comfortable opening angle of at least 90 °.
  4. The work of the mechanics provides a door closing force of at least 50 N.
  5. The product should not be large, it should be comfortably placed in the place of installation.

Attention should be paid to the mounting method.

If the design of the wicket provides for fastening on poles without connecting the upper bar, then you should refer to the models designed specifically for such operating conditions.

Design options

Before going to the store for a closer on the gate, you should consider all sorts of options for devices. The optimal combination of functionality, quality and price is chosen for specific conditions.

Electrical

The electric door closer for the wicket is represented by the combination of the functions of adjusting the wicket to the closed position and the locking device in one mechanism. The propulsion device is an electric motor with a speed reducer.

One of the options

This product has small size, but at the same time it can perform additional functions: fix the door in the open position, open it using a remote control, and others.

Additional options are especially relevant for use in families with young children and people with limited physical abilities. Electrical products are in a high price point.

Pneumatic

A kind of closer, where the smooth closing of the wicket is done by compressing the air. The actuator is represented by a cylinder, piston, spring, sealing elements. When the sash is opened, the piston moves and creates excess air pressure. Under its action, the piston moves in the opposite direction, the leaf takes its original position, and thus the wicket closes.

Pneumatic design

Pneumatic door closers have proven themselves positively when used in harsh conditions low temperature, as well as in the summer heat. The device is used both in horizontal and vertical arrangement, while the opening angle can reach 160 °. The cost depends on the manufacturer's brand and the main characteristics, but the main models presented have a budget price. They are available for families with any income.

DIY assembly drawing

When the spring returns to its original position, that is, when the door is closed, the oil returns to the first chamber. Smoothness is controlled by increasing or decreasing the diameter of the passage channels.

For the manufacture of housings of hydraulic devices, special aluminum and metal alloys are used, which make it possible to operate the closers under the most adverse weather conditions.

Most of the models are in the middle price category.

Homemade

Self-made door closers are not distinguished by elegance and flawlessly smooth operation, but are used in household long.

For profile pipe door

These include:

  1. Spring home-made closer. It was mainly installed on wooden gates. The spring was attached to the sash and support post. It took a lot of physical effort to swing open, and if the door did not stick when closing, then it closed quickly and uncontrollably to the stop.
  2. Cable. A steel cable with a large diameter and a length of 30–40 cm is complemented with clamps for fastening to a post and a gate leaf. It is installed in its closed position, after making several turns of the cable. The principle of operation is similar to that of a spring finishing system.
  3. Car shock absorber for smooth closing of the trunk. Only justifies installation in the version with light door leaves. Before installation, a fastening drawing is developed, taking into account the stem extension and fastening adaptation.

Frost resistant construction

The choice of a closer system is a matter of personal preference for the homeowner. But only its correct installation will provide a comfortable wicket opening mode.

Adjustment circuit

Installation is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. Markup. With a pencil or marker, transfer the markings to the frame of the wicket and the upper bar. Some manufacturers simplify this procedure by adding do-it-yourself instructions for installing a door closer with templates.
  2. We install the actuator to the gate leaf. For fastening we use self-tapping metal screws of the required elasticity.
  3. The counter bar, in the same plane as the actuator, is attached to the crossbar above the wicket.
  4. Then you need to install the rods in their regular place. After fixing, adjust their "removal". It must prevent plowing door leaf at an angle of at least 90 °.
  5. The next adjustment concerns the closing speed of the sash. Adjustment screws are used for adjustment. Turning clockwise decreases the door closing speed.
  6. When all installations are completed, the closer is closed with protective covers provided by the design.

Installation drawing

Having decided how to install a door closer on a wicket without an upper crossbar, it is necessary to take into account that the installation is completed by installing protective covers on the regular places and checking the operation of the adjusted mechanism.

Installation of a door closer without an upper crossbar is shown in the video below.

When choosing an outdoor door closer for entrance doors and gates, reliability and frost resistance come first. Not all models that work perfectly at room temperature tolerate frost well.

In the online store Technical laboratory in Moscow, you can buy inexpensive door closers, developed and tested in Western Siberia, where frosts below -45 ° C are not uncommon.

Why not all door closers are frost resistant

The manufacturer is not obliged to declare the frost resistance of his device, since it is not described in any standard and regulation. GOST 5091-78, the only regulatory document on door closers in the USSR, described only the speed of closing the door and the possibility of adjusting the opening angle of the door leaf.

European devices often lose functionality even at -15 ° C, which will definitely create problems when installed on wickets. At the entrance of a city house with iron door this should also be placed with caution. At -40 ° C, it can be quite cold outside the window in the installation area of \u200b\u200bthe closer.

A number of devices from European manufacturers have been proven to work at -40 ° C. This required additional seasonal adjustment. In particular, operating temperatures down to -40 ° C have been proven for Dorma Compakt.

Russian door closers come to the rescue, whose reliability in frost down to -50 ° C has been tested in cold regions of Russia. In addition, the price of Russian developments is quite democratic.

Door closers Arctic Line

Its developer is an example of a well-organized full cycle from development to production with honest quality control of products leaving the factory.

  • Pneumatic design with robust mechanism tested to 1.5 million open / close cycles.
  • Work in a wide temperature range from -50 to +50 ° C. The manufacturer claims that ice does not form on the polymer parts that interfere with the operation of the device.
  • Installation on any door weighing up to 120 kg or a wicket. No moisture and dust protection required.
  • Additional bonus: vandal resistance of the structure. Withstands the weight of an adult without injury.
  • Affordable price.
Additional seasonal adjustment is required to ensure smooth door closure in cold weather. The oil thickens at low temperatures, and the closer operation changes. The adjustment is made by valves to change the closing speed.

Door closers DRS

Two more masterpieces from Russian developers:

  • designed for installation on wide doors with a leaf of more than 90 mm.
  • for narrow doors up to 90 mm wide.

A frost-resistant outdoor wicket door closer is a device designed for smooth and complete closing of a wicket (door, gate). Installation of this device allows you to automatically, without taking any action, to close the doors. Homeowners, summer residents and builders take a keen interest in these modern designs.

Such devices play an important role in long-term operation.

Pros of closers

The benefits of this mechanism are obvious - a gate left open in the bustle or the door closer will smoothly close. When entering a fenced area by car, there is no need to return to the gate to close it, the door closer will perfectly cope with its function.

The positive side is the prevention of the wicket hitting the frame

The smooth movement of the mechanism allows you to significantly extend the resource of the door device, its locking elements, hinges and eliminates the appearance of extraneous noise from closing.

Currently, a frost-resistant door closer is a very popular product. Manufacturers offer a wide range of this device on the market. They can be used for wickets, as well as installed on doors and gates.

Example of a door closer with increased resistance to weather conditions

Closers features

Despite its prevalence and outward simplicity, a number of important features must be taken into account when manufacturing and purchasing a mechanism for sashes.

The closer is a movable device, and as a result of this, friction strongly affects all of its components. As a result of the movement of the wicket, vibrations occur, it often hits foreign objects.

Each type of such device has its own strengths and weaknesses.

These features determine:

  • vibration resistance;
  • impact resistance;
  • wear resistance.

Very often the device is installed outdoors, therefore, when used, the mechanism will be influenced by temperature drops, excessive dampness, snow, ice and many other natural factors.

Most often, frost-resistant options have durable protective covers

Based on these features, the design must have the following qualities:

  • frost resistance (even at negative air temperatures, the device must properly close the gate);
  • moisture protection (as a rule, moisture has a very negative effect on any mechanisms. Therefore, the closer must have moisture protection, or be made of units resistant to moisture. In any case, moisture should not affect the device's performance).

Read also: The height of the fence made of corrugated board according to the law: optimal and standard options

Principle of operation

Today, there are many samples on the market that have fundamental differences in their device, however, the principle of operation of any of them is the same.

When the gate is opened, the applied force is transferred to the device mechanism. The most common mechanism has a metal spring and a piston. It moves along the gate, the spring is compressed, the generated pressure generates energy directed back to the original movement of the mechanism.

Door mechanism device

When the opening force stops acting, the energy of the compressed spring begins to return the piston, and therefore the entire gate, to its original position. Due to the fact that the cylinder with the piston contains compressed air and oil, the gate moves smoothly and evenly when closing. There are models with the possibility of adjusting the piston stroke, which allows you to adjust the closing speed of the wicket.

Speed \u200b\u200bcontrol

Varieties

Currently, the consumer is increasingly buying door closers. Although the principle of operation of all mechanisms is the same, today there are many varieties of these devices.

Depending on the type, the price for them can vary significantly. In order for the buyer to choose the most suitable model, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with their main types.

Installation on the door depending on the opening direction

All closers are usually divided into three types:

  1. Hydraulic.
  2. Pneumatic.
  3. Electrical.

Hydraulic

Closers with a hydraulic mechanism are the most common devices today. Their work is based on the movement of the piston and the compression of the spring. They consist of two parts, one for the gates, the other for its frame. This type can work with any kind of buttonhole.

Diagram of the hydraulic mechanism

To install a hydraulic closer does not require any special knowledge and skills; it can be done by one person without assistance.

After installation, it will be possible to adjust the smoothness of the movement and the speed of closing the wicket for most hydraulic mechanisms.

Pneumatic

One of the newest types of construction is a frost-resistant outdoor door closer with a pneumatic mechanism.

Read also: Fence on an uneven plot with a slope: installation on a slope, how to build, photos and videos

Its principle of operation is also based on the movement of the piston in the cylinder, but such models do not have a spring. When the flaps are opened, air is compressed on one side of the piston, and a vacuum is formed on the other. Compressed air pressure returns the open gate to its original position.

The principle of operation of the device with pneumatics

Closers of this design have many advantages:

  1. They remain efficient in a wide temperature range, as a rule, from -50 ° С to + 50 ° С, with ice and abundant snow cover.
  2. The working units of the device are made of high quality stainless steel, so the device is not afraid of corrosion.
  3. The sealing elements are made of wear-resistant polyurethane, which minimizes the effects of friction and allows the device to remain mobile for a long time without maintenance.
  4. They have a wide opening angle of up to 160 °, thus they are the most convenient in places of construction, renovation, congestion of large groups of people.
  5. Such closers can be installed regardless of the opening side of the wicket.
  6. The device can be placed vertically or horizontally. That is why they can equip not only wickets, doors, gates, but also furniture in production.

The idea of \u200b\u200binstalling pneumatics on a gate

Electrical

Electric closers are one of the most difficult in their design and installation method. Their design can be without the top bar. The complexity of this design is due to the presence of functions that are not available for any other types of door closers.

Electrical installation option

These functions include:

  1. Safety of use (the closer will not close the gate if there is a small child or animal in the opening).
  2. Smooth not only closing, but also opening of the gate.
  3. Maximum noiselessness of work.
  4. Automatic opening and closing using a separate button or control panel.
  5. The presence of a large number of options and settings in itself allows you to choose the most suitable device for the client's needs.
  6. The ability to temporarily disable the closer functions without dismantling the device itself.
  7. Aesthetic look.

Schematic representation of an electric gate closer

What to look for when buying a door closer

Choosing a street closer for a gate or wicket is not the most difficult task, but you should still take into account some features. Otherwise, the purchased device may not work properly or break down after working for a very short time.

Installation and configuration instructions

The main parameters that deserve attention are:

  • power is the main parameter of the closer. A device with low power will break down very quickly if it is attached to a large, massive gate. If a powerful door closer turns out to be on a light, small gate, then there is a high probability of its breakdown, detachment of the hinges, failure of the locking device;
  • the presence of a lock - is necessary in order to leave the gate open for a while. This is required when furniture and other things are brought in through the passage, as well as a large number of people pass. In this case, the absence of a retainer will lead to inconvenience and increased wear of the closer mechanism.

Methods of placing mechanisms

Some owners, instead of a retainer, put supports from available means under the gate. In this case, there is a risk of creating excessive stress in the cylinder, which will also shorten the life of the closer.

Simple and reliable pneumatic device

Are you tired of the constant loud slamming of the gate? Does the slightest breeze make your gate bang shut? Why endure and listen, there is an opportunity to eliminate this trouble, all the more serious financial investments on the mechanism holding the sash will not be needed.

More adventurous and resourceful owners find a way out in a simple way - an ordinary strong spring can keep the door from the wind in the opening. One end of the spring is attached to the wicket door, and the other is located on its support post. But such a mechanism is not always convenient because little child or it is difficult for an elderly person to open the sash, which is fixed by a powerful spring. Yes and appearance such a device is not very attractive.

Building supermarkets have a huge selection of pneumatic, electric or hydraulic door closers that can be installed on street doors. These devices ensure smooth closing of the wicket, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakage, softening the blow, and their appearance is more presentable.

Types and design features

Schematic representation of a pneumatic device

This additional accessory enhances the functionality of swing systems, both wickets and gates. Manufacturers have taken care of the quality of these devices, which allows their use in various climatic conditions... High-quality door closers are frost-resistant, wear-resistant and durable. They do not corrode and can withstand heavy loads.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the degree of load, frequency of use and, accordingly, to the characteristics of the product. According to their design features mechanisms are divided into three main types:

  1. Electric - silent, reliable mechanisms that provide multiple movements of the gate. This mechanism increases the level of safety for children and the elderly. It is versatile, rugged and compact and easy to install yourself.
  2. Hydraulic - adjustable mechanisms, in which the force and the closing speed of the sash are regulated. Installation of such a mechanism is quite easy, as it comes with instructions with a detailed and consistent description. The mechanisms are designed to work in various weather conditions.
  3. If it is necessary to operate the wicket in heavy and harsh conditions, it is better pneumatic door closer you will not find. Its simplified design allows for gentle closing by compressing air with a piston, on the other side of which a vacuum is generated. These are precisely the mechanisms that do not require additional maintenance. In addition, they can work at low temperatures, and their possible opening angle is up to 160º.

Prevention and check of nodes

Such closers are made of high quality steel, their cuffs are made of polyurethane, and the swivel unit and cylinder are equipped with a swivel joint. Such mechanisms are mounted on either side of the opening and in any direction. This device is the most durable and unpretentious in maintenance, moreover, it does not require regular adjustments.

You can also make a closer yourself, you will learn about one of these from the video.

Installation rules for a useful accessory

To ensure a long service life, it is required to comply with the rules for the installation and operation of the mechanism. The conditions are not so impossible to ignore. First about the installation.

You should carefully consider the choice of fasteners for the mechanism. Here, the opening force of the wicket is taken into account, and the more efforts are applied, the more reliable the fasteners should be. Even if the kit is equipped with, in your opinion, unreliable fasteners, it is better to replace them.

Do not use door closers for indoor use on street gates... And after installing the device, you should adjust its actions with a screwdriver.

Some door closer models have additional functions, for example, fixing an open wicket. To secure the sash retention, tighten the nut on the lever.

The sequence of the entire installation process for any type of door closer is practically no different from each other. You can learn more about this procedure in the video.

Operational requirements

And the most important thing! If your wicket or its hinges are installed poorly, that is, there are distortions or unsteadiness of the hinges is noticed, then the life of the closer is significantly reduced.

It is important to comply with all operational requirements:

  • it is not recommended to apply efforts to close the sash faster;
  • any objects inserted into the opening in order to keep the sash open, lead to damage to the mechanism;
  • you should not unnecessarily close and open the doorway unnecessarily. Children often arrange games with the participation of protective structures.

It is extremely rare to repair the device, more often it is necessary to replace it. Like any other mechanism, a door closer requires a careful attitude towards himself, and in gratitude he serves his owners for a long time and reliably.


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