Many no longer remember such a device as an ordinary stone suspended on 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 box and the door leaf. But the rumble when closing the door significantly annoyed the inhabitants of the lower floors.
Over time, a special design was developed that made it possible to make the process of closing the door smooth and controlled. The mechanism for finishing the door (closer) became such a device.
Installing a closer on a metal door is easy, following the step-by-step instructions and listening to the advice of professional experts.
Appointment of the finishing mechanism
Situations are known when installed simple springs forced elderly people to almost skip the front door, fearing to get hit in the back with a canvas. Such troubleeasy to fix using a door finishing system. Installing a door closer to metal doors allows you to close the door leaf silently and smoothly in automatic mode.
This principle of operation 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 locking device will solve this problem. Thanks to this mechanism, the door, opened more than 90 degrees, will remain in place, that is, it will not close. If you push the curtain to overcome this corner, the door will close.
Design and device closer
Structurally, the closer consists of a body where the spring is located, and a lever that transmits force to the door leaf. Thanks to the use of hydraulics, the spring rod moves smoothly and without jerks. It is this property that contributes to the uniform movement of the door leaf.
According to the way the force of the spring element acts on the movable lever, finishing mechanisms are divided into two types:
- Systems with lever-type traction. They are easy to identify by the lever located perpendicular to the door leaf, which slightly spoils the appearance of the structure. Also, increasing the resistance of the door as it opens becomes sometimes a problem for children and the elderly. But reliability and low cost attract consumers.
- A more beautiful appearance to the doorway is given by installing a door closer ona metal door with a sliding channel of thrust. The door opening force in such a system operates in inverse proportion to that of a lever closer. By opening the web by 30°, the further resistance of the web is significantly reduced.
The principle of operation of the finishing mechanism
The operation of the finishing mechanism is based on the property of the spring installed in the body of the closer. So, when the door is opened, the spring is compressed, and then the lever and the gear drive exert pressure on the door leaf due to the expanding spring, the door closes.
Smoothness and uniformity of door closing is ensured by the damping property of the oil, which fills the interior of the case. When the spring is straightened, the oil flows into the working reservoir through hydraulic voids. The speed of fluid movement directly affects the speed of closing the door leaf.
The simplicity of the design does not require large investments of money 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:
- invoices;
- 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 design of the closer that determines the method of its installation.
Overhead finishing mechanisms
This model is the most popular, since installing a closer on a metal door with your own hands is not particularly difficult for any person. The device is placed in the upper corner of the doorway, while it does not impede the movement of people at all.
To carry out external opening, the closer is installed on a metal door by attaching the case to the canvas.
When opening the door away from you, the body of the mechanism is located on the door frame, and the lever, respectively, on the leaf leaf. The peculiarity of overhead mechanisms is that it is possible to install a door closer on a metal door, both lever-type and sliding. Installation of this type of construction on a glass door is not possible.
Floor closers
As the name suggests, such a finishing mechanism is installed at the bottom of the doorway. It is used much less frequently than the invoice.
The closer is installed at the stage of flooring construction, as it requires special surface preparation. Most often used in offices or commercial premises for automatic closing of 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 closers
Hidden type devices are mounted inside the door frame, so they are also called frame. You can see such a mechanism only when the sash of the doorway is open.
Mounting a closer on a metal door is very difficult, as it requires the use of special equipment and tools. Usually, a hidden door closer is installed 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.
Installation of finishing mechanism
Before installing the closer on a metal door, you need to prepare some tools:
- screwdriver;
- drill;
- socket wrench (size is chosen according to the model);
- drill;
- pencil;
- roulette.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the finishing mechanism can be conditionally divided into three stages:
- Markup.
- Installation.
- Adjustment.
Marking the installation location of the mechanism
Usually, the manufacturer includes a special template in the finishing mechanism package, which schematically copies the natural size of the finished product. Also on the template are mounting holes for fastening a door closer for a metal door. The factory template is printed on both sides of the tracing paper in order to be able to make markings for any type of door opening.
Two red lines are applied on the surface of the template to know how to properly install the door 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 top edge of the leaf.
The marking sequence is as follows:
- 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, it is possible to drill holes directly on the template.
- Next, carefully remove the template and make holes with a drill of the desired diameter.
If the manufacturer's template is missing, then you need to make it yourself. In rare cases, marking the place of fastening of the closer can be carried out without a template, but in this case, the body may shift, which will lead to a loss in the quality of the work performed.
Mount closer
After marking the installation site and drilling holes, the main stage is carried out - the installation of the door closer.
Step by step instructions for installing the door closer:
- The body of the finishing mechanism is being fixed. There is nothing complicated in performing this operation, 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.
- The link arm is disconnected. Part of the lever with the shoe is attached to the box.
- Main arm connects withcloser body. To do this, it is put on a square shaft and fixed with a screw.
- 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.
Adjusting the finishing mechanism
After carrying out 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 case.
One screw adjusts the door closing speed. To do this, by 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 adjoining the door leaf. The dependence of the rotation of this element is the same as in the previous case. Clockwise rotation decreases the closing speed, anti-clockwise rotation increases it.
Normally, the adjustment screws are hidden by a decorative panel, so it must be removed before adjustment. After adjusting the door, the panel is installed in place.
Fire door closer installation
For fireproof metal doors, closers are installed in parallel, without drilling holes in the door leaf, as this is prohibited by fire safety measures.
To do this, a special mounting plate is preliminarily welded onto the metal door, on which the body of the finishing mechanism is subsequently attached. Asfire door has a large mass, then the selection of the finishing device should be carried out according to the weight of the leaf.
Tips on the use of finishing device
Proper installation of the finishing mechanism plays an important role in the trouble-free operation of the doorway. However, great importance is attached to compliance with the rules for operating the device:
- It is strictly forbidden to forcibly push the door, as force leads to premature wear of mechanical parts. It is better to increase the speed of closing the door by adjusting.
- You can not additionally load the door leaf with any loads. Children are not allowed to roll on the door.
- When installing the closer on the street, it is necessary to protect the mechanism from rain and sunlight. The unit operating in cold climates should be adjusted twice a year.
- Also, at least twice a year, it is necessary to lubricate the rubbing structural elements.
- If there is no locking system, you cannot block the door 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 occur when the door leaf is heavily loaded. It is also of great importance that modern door closers are beautiful in appearance, easy to operate, and easy to install yourself.
