Instructions for adjusting the door closer

The closer is a device for returning the door to its initial position in automatic operation. This device silently and softly closes the open sash. If necessary, it holds the door leaf open. Many doors are equipped with a modern practical fixture. At the same time, like any technique, the door closer needs maintenance, adjustment and troubleshooting.

To better understand the principle of functioning of the mechanism, you need to analyze its basic varieties, so it will be easier to figure out how to correctly debug the door closer.

For the most part, these two types of this device are practiced:

• cam slide - performs soft sliding, is used for blades with light weight;

• toothed lever - the most common type of mechanism, the movement of the spring is realized by means of gears, it can be used even for massive door leaves.

According to the method of mounting, the fixtures can be divided into three main types:

• Overhead structures (overhead) - these are the most uncomplicated devices to use, their functions can be adjusted by means of several screws or valves located on the body panel. They are mounted in the upper part of the sash, which is extremely convenient for installation. For entrance street doors, specialized oil-filled devices are manufactured, adapted to operate in hot or cold climates.

• Outdoor. Floor-mounted systems are also relatively easy to set up. They proved to be excellent in banking institutions, offices, shopping and entertainment complexes and where there are high demands for the external appearance of doors. These devices are integrated into the floor and are almost invisible to visitors. Sliding type regulator mechanisms are used, designed for doors weighing no more than 100 kilograms.

• Concealed devices it is quite problematic to adjust it on your own, since they are removed inside the door leaf or into the floor, which complicates access to them. The devices are in demand wherever a thorough cosmetic finish and an ideal main facade are required.

According to the principle of operation, the devices are as follows:

• hydraulic;
• pneumatic;
• electrical.

The structure of this device the following parts and mechanisms are included:

• die-cast aluminum body;
• spring;
• piston;
• adjusting screws (valves);

• gears;
• needle bearing;
• rubber seals;
• fasteners.

The basic component of the structure is a spring system, which, when the door is opened, is compressed and accumulates the energy required to close the door. The squeezing process is carried out by transferring the force of the traction device to the spring. Toothed gears and racks move the piston, while the oil flows through the internal channels into the free part of the housing. During the reverse movement of the door, the spring expands and provides a soft close.

Adjusting the door closer operation is a fairly straightforward matter. The setting can be done without any problems with your own hands. It is worth figuring out in what situations it may be necessary to adjust the parameters of this mechanism. The first thing to remember is that the duration of the uninterrupted operation of any mechanism is directly based on the quality of its maintenance during the entire period of operation. As a result, 1-2 times a year, it is required to inspect the closer and eliminate minor malfunctions. This is especially important during the transitional change of seasons.

Climatic conditions vary enormously in summer and winter. Most of the closers are filled with oil, and as you know, any liquid changes its state when the ambient temperature changes. In particular, in winter, the oil becomes thicker and the door leaf travels slower. In the summer, everything turns out to be the opposite, therefore, it is required to prepare the closer to the required level. Adjustment of the device is also necessary if you notice any malfunctions or you simply do not like the settings you have set. If the device starts to slow down or the door leaf closes too hard and quickly, irregularly, does not attract for a long time, all this can be tried to be corrected. Things are somewhat more complicated when the device fails, since a simple adjustment will no longer be effective and repair work will be required.

It is not necessary to invite a wizard to adjust the device. You just need to have a minimum set of tools and certain skills. The whole procedure will take a minimum amount of time and will make it possible to achieve the desired result by following the steps listed below.

• Before proceeding with the procedure itself, remember that the main thing is not to overdo it with the control valves (screws). It is acceptable to make only 2 turns, then complications can appear. The oil in the pressurized reservoir can spill out and the hydraulic system of the closer will eventually become ineffective.
• To adjust the closing speed of the door leaf, it is necessary to learn only one tendency - turning the valve clockwise, it will gradually decrease. If you do the action in the opposite direction, the closing speed will increase.

• The problem that only one person can get through has a solution. Since there is a third valve, the adjustment of which can provide the door with a stationary position for a certain time. Consequently, even a group of people will be able to freely enter the premises.
• Such a problem as the lack of force to completely close the door leaf is eliminated by adjusting the valves responsible for the closing speed.

Finding the perfect solution can be a key challenge when adjusting a door closer. The main task is to close the door to the end so that no gaps remain. It is necessary to correctly choose the ideal time that the door leaf can remain open. It is also required to make possible silent closing, hard blows against the door frame are unacceptable. This can cause damage to the canvas. And the worst option may be the loss of performance of the mechanisms responsible for proper operation.

For self-adjustment, you need a flat-end screwdriver or an imbus wrench. The door opens to the end, special valves are fixed, located at the end of the device. Full fixation is performed when the door leaf is closed.By changing the degree of tightening of the valves, you can adjust the door to an extremely comfortable closing. Valve number 1 is responsible for the closing force of the door.

If the fully open door closes too quickly at the beginning, the valve must be tightened, and if it is slowly and it is necessary to increase the speed, on the contrary, it must be unscrewed. Valve number 2 is responsible for the speed at which the door leaf is fully closed (slammed). Some modifications have a third valve that adjusts all the efforts of the closer functioning. With proper tuning, the door leaf moves smoothly, without jerking. Correct installation and competent attitude of the closer will result in a long service life.

Quite often, the closer requires additional adjustment. If the mechanism works tightly, and in the process of opening the door, it is required to exert effort - it is necessary to release the valve, the door will begin to function smoothly. The valves can be placed from the end or on the front, it all depends on the modification of the device. You can find out the location of the valves by looking in the manual, where the manufacturer indicates the location of all components and elements of the door closer mechanism.

At times, there is a need for an open door for a relatively long period of time. It is worth figuring out how to adjust the device so that the doors do not close, but remain open. In many door closer versions, there is an auxiliary hold open option for this. To adjust it to this mode, you need to open the door approximately 90 degrees, and then tighten the specialized latch. After such simple actions, it will be possible to leave the door leaf open when opening it to the configured degree. A special latch will be activated in the device and will hold the door in this position as long as necessary. If you need to close the door, you just need to pull it towards you, and it will be removed from the latch. If you do not open the door to the limit, it will move in the same way as always, without stopping.

It is worth adhering to the following recommendations, since they will help in adjusting the mechanism, and also organize work on your own:

• significant violations of the speed of the door leaf, departure from normal parameters is eliminated by turning one of the adjustable screws in the required direction, which will vary from the speed of opening (closing) the door;
• it is possible to increase (decrease) the closing speed by turning the second valve clockwise or against it;
• if you turn the nut in the required direction for adjustment, then you can make corrections to the spring tension;
• turning the adjustable nut will correct the valve responsible for the opening angle of the door, as a result of which it will open smoothly, it will become easier to swing open.

We can safely say that door closers are practical and convenient devices. They are easy to install and operate. All modifications are equipped with specialized valves, through which you can adjust the force and speed of opening or closing the door leaf. Closer options make it possible to keep the doors open or closed. But remember - you need to buy these devices from distributors who have the right to sell in accordance with the all-Russian classifier of economic activities.

For information on how to adjust the door closer with your own hands, see the next video.