Door closer adjusting bolts. How to adjust the door closer with your own hands. Adjusting the door speed

Door closer adjusting bolts. How to adjust the door closer with your own hands. Adjusting the door speed
Door closer adjusting bolts. How to adjust the door closer with your own hands. Adjusting the door speed
27.06.2020

The installation of a simple device on the door leaf that completely closes the leaf autonomously and smoothly is complete. So for high-quality operation of the device, you need to know how to adjust the door closer.

Features of using the design

Floor door closer

Virtually all modern door blocks are equipped with such simple devices as a door closer. Typical special designs allow visitors to free themselves from the unnecessary worry of tightly closing the door leaf behind them, and to preserve a comfortable atmosphere behind an autonomously closed door to the room from the street.

When using closers, the sash will not slam shut behind the guest, but will close smoothly without unnecessary sharp sounds.

Closers cannot be considered as an excess of luxury, since thanks to their activity, the operational life of the high-quality work of door hinges and fittings is extended. The closer allows the components of the door block to wear out less.

Before purchasing a device that covers the door leaf, the system is selected for certain parameters of the door leaf. When purchasing, some basic nuances are taken into account:

In addition to the condition of correct installation of the closing mechanism, for the normal functioning of the system, it is worth knowing the subtleties of regulation of this very mechanism, so as not to subsequently repair the door closer. The process of adjusting the device for automatic mechanical closing of the sash does not seem to be a difficult task. It is permissible to make adjustments on your own without relying on outside help or calling specialists.

  • The need to use door closers is dictated by functional and quite practical reasons:
  • The mechanisms ensure smooth closing of any door leaf, regardless of its weight;
  • The devices set the speed of opening and closing the sash in various areas;
  • The system covering the sash is able to protect the coolness or heat stored in the room;
  • Locking devices with a built-in hold open function make it possible to fix the door in the open state without placing fixing objects under the door (videos of a typical system are presented on many manufacturers’ websites);
  • Mechanisms with a delay action function make it possible to leave the doors open for a certain period of time (videos of the operation of door closers with a given function are presented on many websites of system manufacturers). After the time has elapsed, the door closes on its own in the usual set mode. A typical function is convenient when using systems on doors in utility rooms, pantries and other utility rooms, which allows, for example, to remove cargo or bring it into the room.

Related article: DIY wall decoration with butterflies using various techniques

Classification according to installation method

Closers can be mounted on weighted entrance door blocks, as well as on lightweight interior structures. In this case, the width of the canvas and its weight are taken into account, not forgetting to correctly configure the closer before starting operation. The larger the door leaf relative to its weight, the more powerful a covering device is needed, endowed with reliable qualities. The simplest option for covering the sash is a spring, the activity of which is not adjustable, but is quite noisy and harsh. The typical version is quite primitive and is rarely used in modern times.

In fact, the entire list of door closers presented on the retail consumer market can be classified according to the method of installation at the location:

  • Top mounted models. Installation of typical devices is carried out exclusively on the wall surface, door frame, door leaf and only the upper part of the location. Installation of typical systems is not at all difficult to do with your own hands (videos of installation of covering mechanisms are presented on many repair sites and manufacturer portals).
  • Hidden mounting models: installed inside doors;
  • Floor-mounted models: devices are intended exclusively for installation on floor surfaces or for recessing into the floor.

Instructions for adjusting different types

System adjustment

The ideal, simplest option is a system based on a spring enclosed in a sealed plastic or metal housing with an oil composition. The operating principle of a typical device is quite simple:

  • When opening the canvas, a person makes some effort;
  • The applied forces are transferred to the closer by simple mechanical means;
  • When transmitting forces, a spring located in the device body accumulates through compression;
  • The process of closing the sash is regulated by returning the spring to its original position.

The principle of regulation of a typical system is available for performing the process with your own hands:

  • The tension force of the main operating mechanism - the spring - can be adjusted with your own hands by turning the adjustment valve:

Makes it difficult to open the door. It takes truly titanic efforts to move the door leaf from its place, and even more so to open it wide. What is the reason for this and is the door closer to blame?

First, let's understand the terms. We have already written that immediately after installation, as well as when the season changes, the door closer needs adjustment. This is done using a simple screwdriver by tightening or loosening special adjusting screws located on the closer body. However, in this way you can only adjust closing force, that is, the force that the closer mechanism transmits to the canvas. Accordingly, during the adjustment process, the speed of the door leaf will change in two segments of movement: from the opening angle to 18˚ and from 18˚ until the door is completely tightly closed.

But what about the force that needs to be applied to open the door? It is worth noting that the expression “ opening force" we use metaphorically. This force itself is regulated by a person: after all, it is the user, and not the door closer, who opens the door. In fact, if the door opens too tightly after installing a closer on it, you need to somehow adjust the sensitivity of the mechanism to the force exerted by a person on the door leaf when opening. There is no special system for such adjustment. Moreover, if this adjustment is required, it means that the door closer is not working correctly.

Looking for a reason

First, it’s worth understanding the reasons why a door with a closer opens too tightly.

Choosing a door closer class

The main and most common reason for difficult opening lies in the fact that the power of the closer does not correspond to the parameters of the door leaf (weight and width). Let us remind you that the choice of a door closer should begin by determining its class according to the European standard EN1154. This standard regulates the power of devices for automatically closing doors and, according to this parameter, divides door closers into 7 classes: from EN1 to EN7. Each class has its own limit values ​​for the width of the door leaf and its weight.

It is very important to choose a door closer that exactly matches the door. Door closers have long ceased to be a curiosity, but in many retail stores, sales consultants still recommend that customers purchase a closer that is more powerful than what is actually required. Like, it won't get any worse. Alas, it will! If you install a door closer on a door weighing 60 kg, designed to close a door weighing 120-160 kg, then we will get the same problem: difficult opening.

In order to understand why a “more powerful closer” will not effectively perform its functions on a door that is too light for it, it is enough to imagine its mechanism. A powerful spring made of hardened steel, which transfers its energy to the door and closes it, is simply not capable of adjusting to the door according to our desire. This is why it is important to choose a closer that strictly follows the recommendations and the EN1154 standard.

Door closer installation errors

Another common reason that a door may be difficult to open after a door closer has been installed is errors made during installation. They also happen quite often.

Each NORA-M door closer comes with detailed installation instructions. There is also an article on our website that describes in detail all the stages of installing the door closer, with photographs of the process. Each instruction contains a full-size template, which is attached directly to the door leaf and allows you to accurately determine the locations for fastening the closer body. However, installation errors still happen, and quite often. This can happen, for example, due to the fact that the paper template was exposed to moisture during storage or transportation and changed its dimensions.

What to do?

If you were able to determine the reason for the door opening tightly, then you need to eliminate it. If the issue is the incorrect selection of the door closer in terms of power, then there is only one way out - change the device. The fact is that there are no technical capabilities to correct this error. The closer mechanism cannot be altered. Moreover, remember that all parts inside the device body are under pressure, and under no circumstances should you disassemble it! By the way, even if the opening force suits the user, a door closer that is too powerful on a light door will still not work correctly, which can lead to its breakdown.

As for incorrect installation, it can be corrected. This may lead to the appearance of extra holes in the door leaf, which may be visible, but in this case functionality is more important than aesthetics. The most effective way to adjust the opening force of a door with a closer is to move the device closer to the door hinges. This will increase the leverage and, accordingly, make opening easier.

Support from NORA-M specialists

A door closer, like many other devices, requires regular and careful maintenance. Constant loads associated with daily opening and closing cycles create an imbalance in the components of this device. You can fix such troubles yourself. By searching “how to adjust the video closer,” you will find the video you need. And the article will tell you the rest.

To imagine how to adjust a door closer, it’s worth getting acquainted with their types and features.

Advantages Flaws

In this system, the gear and toothed piston are in constant mesh. In this case, the piston moves along the axis when the blade rotates. When it opens, the lever of the structure moves in an arc.

When the gear axis rotates, the piston moves horizontally and compresses the spring. Release releases the spring, which pushes the piston in the other direction, and the structure closes.

In this case, the sliding guide is located on the surface of the opening frame or on the canvas; there is no shoulder for optimal force transmission, which does not allow the power process to proceed favorably.

Modern designs have a cam located between two pistons: the brake and the opening pistons.

When opened, the cam evenly compresses the spring through the piston.

Unclamping the spring moves the opening piston back, the cam returns to its original position, and the brake element holds the door.

The installation of such modifications should be taken into account at the design stage. Due to the lack of a lever mechanism, such closers have a large torque on the axis, which requires the installation of a more powerful structure.

The force closure roller reliably ensures synchronization of operation and hydraulics.

The device has an internal mechanism that serves as a shock absorber. When closing, the hinges prevent the door from hitting the door and ensure smooth movement of the opening.

This significantly reduces the likelihood of injury and reduces the stress on the door.

This design has protruding spring-loaded pins that can get caught and then break the mechanism.

To prevent this from happening, the product must be placed at the highest points. But this may reduce the strength of the structure.

When to adjust the door closer

Proper operation of the device depends on proper maintenance.

For this:

  • It is necessary to carry out an inspection at least once every six months, especially when changing seasons.
  • Minor damage should be repaired immediately. It can be:
  1. The opening mechanism is difficult to operate.
  2. Opening too quickly.
  3. Sharp, jerky opening, or vice versa - too tight.
  4. Slow blade movement.

Tip: If the closer is broken, the mechanism requires repairs, the cost of which can be significant.

  • The closers are adjusted during installation of the devices (see), and during their operation. Due to a decrease in outside temperature, the viscosity of the oil used in the device increases, which can lead to a decrease in the speed of closing the door. This requires additional adjustment of the input equipment with the onset of winter.
  • The frequency of adjustment of the closer is influenced by the duration of its previous operation, the weight of the door leaf, and the frequency of movement through the opening.
  • The closing mechanism must be adjusted 2-3 times a year.

Operating rules

When operating door closers, you must follow very simple and understandable rules.

The devices do not have various anti-vandal mechanisms, which requires very careful and rather delicate handling of them. After choosing a closer, you need to make sure that its characteristics correspond to the conditions where the device will be installed.

Wherein:

  • Closers are divided into classes from small - EN1 to large - EN7. This indicator is taken into account when choosing a device. The classes depend on the mass of the closer itself and inertia: the weight and size of the blade arm. For example, a device designed for a door leaf weight of 40 kg (EN1) will not be able to close a metal door whose weight is 120 kg (EN7).
  • Do not assist the device in operation.
  • Do not leave the door open, if the mechanism does not have a locking function.
  • Do not unnecessarily turn the adjusting screws installed on valves.
  • It is necessary to agree with the equipment seller about left or right opening.

Adjusting door closers

Before adjusting the door closer, you must have:

  • Pliers.
  • Wrenches.
  • Screwdriver.

According to the instructions included with the product, you can adjust the device yourself. Several functions available in the mechanism can be adjusted using simple methods. The video will show you how to adjust the closer.

Adjusting travel speed

The operation of the closer is similar to the operation of a car shock absorber.

Wherein:

  • The man, with some effort, opens the door.
  • This force, through the built-in system of levers, compresses the power spring of the closer.
  • The spring is cocked and when released it begins to reverse.
  • The spring transmits its force to a rod or rack, which, through this system of levers, tries to return the structure to its original position.
  • The rod, moving in an oil environment, conducts the composition through the jets.
  • Due to the hydraulic resistance of the jets, the oil prevents the movement of the rod.
  • The spring continues to push the rod with force, and the door begins to close at a certain speed.
  • To change the speed, the cross-section of the nozzle, which passes oil, decreases or increases.

To change the speed in devices, an adjusting screw is installed. In the photo below, it is indicated by the “C” icon.

When the screw rotates, the speed of closing the doors changes. This is how the Diplomat door closer is adjusted. Its adjustment screws are located on the end of the device. In this case, the speed of movement of the canvas can vary within the door opening range from 15° to 180°.

Tip: Adjusting the closing speed should be done very carefully. If the adjusting screw is completely turned out, the system will depressurize and oil will leak. The closer will fail.

The door closing speed should be adjusted regularly, at least every six months. This is necessary for preventive purposes, and due to a possible change in the physicochemical properties of the oil. To better imagine the process, it is worth watching the video in this article.

Installation of aftershock

A very relevant function is dokhlop. This adjustment is especially important for door designs with soft seals, combination and magnetic locks. The video will tell you what and how to do.

For such doors, it is very important how the moment of their closing occurs. The range of movement of the blade is from 0° to 15°. In this range, the blade should close quite slowly and reliably.

Advice: Do not allow the dynamic load on the mechanism to increase or the door to not close completely.

To adjust the door closers, a door closer adjustment screw is provided. When it rotates, the movement characteristics of the web will change in the range of 15°.

Screws for adjusting speed and clap are located on the panel of the product nearby.

The catch screw, as well as the speed adjustment, requires great care when working with it.

Adjustment of the closing noise should be carried out only after the door speed has been adjusted. By turning the adjusting screw clockwise, you can reduce the speed, and counterclockwise, you can increase it.

Tip: To avoid technical problems, do not make more than two turns of the screw counterclockwise.

Adjusting the door open position

There are times when the door needs to be kept open for a long time. In this case, you need to know how to properly adjust the closer so that the opening is open.

The mechanisms have a holding function when the doors are open - “hold open”. Its adjustment is carried out with the door open 90° by tightening the lock.

After that:

  • The doors remain open when they are opened to the desired degree.
  • The device triggers a latch that holds the door in the open position for the required period of time.

  • To close the door, just pull it slightly towards you and the lock will be removed.
  • When not fully plowed, the blade moves as usual without delay.
  • The amount of spring tension is set with an adjusting nut.
  • By rotating it clockwise, you can increase the opening angle of the door. And by unscrewing counterclockwise, the force for moving the door leaf increases.

Device models are available with an additional hold-open function, which allows you to lock the door at an angle from 90° to 100° for a certain time, for ventilating the room or for other purposes.

For each type of door, it is necessary to choose the right closer - the design and adjustment of all functions of the device must be carried out as recommended in the operating instructions. Installing the device on the door reduces the load on the hinges when moving the door leaf.

Today, many people install closers on both entrance and interior doors. This device requires constant careful maintenance. After all, the constant opening and closing of the door causes an imbalance of its mechanisms. All malfunctions of the device are eliminated by adjusting it. Let's try to figure out how to adjust the door closer with your own hands.

Device installation

This job is not at all difficult to do. Even a person without experience in such matters can install the device independently.

Usually the closer kit includes a template. He helps with installation work. Installation is carried out as follows:

Instructions for use will help adjust the device yourself. Correct adjustment of the closer occurs as follows:

  1. Typical mechanisms, for example, Apecs, Armadillo, 9n50, contain two screws. One allows you to adjust the speed at which the door leaf moves. According to the instructions, it is possible to turn it a certain number of times. And the second screw is needed to adjust the clap speed. The mechanism can be weakened or made more rigid. Adjustment is carried out by loosening or tightening the spring. If it is tightened, the door will close slower. When weakened, on the contrary, the door leaf opens more freely. The adjustment screw must not be turned more than once. Otherwise, the device will depressurize, causing oil to leak out.
  2. Setting up afterclap. When it works correctly, the door does not close all the way. In other words, there remains a gap until it is completely closed. Also, thanks to the slam, the door leaf is pressed tightly against the door frame. Adjustment of the closing speed is carried out using a second screw, which is located directly on the closer body itself. As soon as ten to fifteen degrees remain until the door closes completely, the speed of the door slows down. Then the canvas is pressed tightly against the frame.
  3. Setting the open position of the door leaf. It is possible to configure the closer so that the door remains open for a long time. To do this, you need to know how to adjust the door closer. The mechanism has a very convenient “hold open” function. This keeps the door open. To set up this function, you need to open the door 90 degrees, and then tighten the lock. As a result, when the door is opened to a certain degree, it will remain in the same place.

The mechanism lock is activated and constantly holds the door leaf in the desired position for the required time period. To close the door, you need to pull it slightly towards closing. Then the commit will be canceled. When opened incompletely, the door leaf moves in its usual mode without delay.

Video about self-adjustment of the device:

Self-configuration of the device

In the closer mechanism, it is possible to configure only a few parameters: delay, clap and door closing speed. Modern mechanisms can be equipped with speed control in the range of 80-90 degrees.

When adjusting the mechanism with your own hands, it is important to know the following nuances:

  1. Closers are used for all types of doors - external and indoor. It is advisable to install a fast move for the front door. This is necessary so that fewer insects and cold air enter the house. Room closers can be set to run slowly. When choosing a speed, factors such as seasonality and personal preferences of the residents of the house should be taken into account.
  2. If many people constantly enter and exit the room, then it is necessary to configure the closer to an intermediate stroke. This way you can organize the passage of several people in a row during one opening of the door. To ensure that the door leaf is always open, you need to use the corresponding screw.
  3. When people adjust the closer themselves, they often forget about the shutter. It is needed to make the door leaf close faster. It is important to find a “golden mean”. Then there will be no sudden slamming of the door or its impact on the door frame.

How to loosen the mechanism?

Often required auxiliary door closer adjustment. Sometimes it works hard. Then you need to put in extra effort to open the door. To make the door operate more smoothly, you need to loosen the screws. If you unscrew them completely, the door will remain open all the time.

The location of the screws may vary. They can be located in front or on the side, it depends on the design of the mechanism. The instructions will help you determine the location of the screws. In it, the manufacturer indicates the position of all elements of the closer. Today there are several models of door closers that are very popular. Their advantages are ease of operation, ease of installation and even adjustment.

The most popular models include:

  1. Dorma. Such devices are designed for installation on external and internal metal doors.
  2. Bulat. Frost-resistant door closers. Made from high strength steel alloy;
  3. Diplomat. Made from high strength steel. Such closers are resistant to sudden temperature changes.
  4. Apecs. They have a function in which it is possible to adjust the permanent fixation.

The models listed above have a number of advantages. Therefore, they will become more and more popular every year. Most manufacturers produce door closers from high quality materials. Due to this, the products last longer even in the most difficult conditions.

Advantages of Dorma door closers

Dorma produces strong and reliable door closers. Therefore, their products are popular. Today, the door closer mechanism is in great demand. Dorma TS-68.

This model is mounted at the top of the door. This option is distinguished by its versatility and functionality.

After all, such a device can be installed on almost any door. During installation no need to use mounting plates. Due to this, work is greatly simplified.

The Dorma model contains a special lever, through which the locking force of the door leaf is adjusted.

The closer of this model can be installed on both left and right type doors. Installation work is quite simple. Almost everyone can handle them. There are the following methods for installing the mechanism:

  • From the hinge side;
  • On the side opposite to the hinges;
  • Parallel installation option. When using this method, a special corner is mounted on the side opposite the hinges.

How to repair a door closer with your own hands?

It should be noted that often Replacing a device is cheaper than repairing it. After all, many manufacturers make a non-separable case. Therefore, replacing an inexpensive part, for example, a cuff, is not possible. And the user is forced to purchase a new door closer.

But a number of malfunctions can be eliminated with your own hands. The most common failure of the lever assembly occurs. The main reasons for such a malfunction are a break in the lever, destruction at the place where it is secured. Also, the lever assembly becomes faulty when the rod breaks as a result of damage to the housing. Such defects are eliminated by welding.

However, first you need to find out how advisable it is to repair the door closer. Perhaps a new rod will cost less than welding. When buying a new spare part, you should keep in mind that it must be from the same company as the closer mechanism.

If the device body is disassembled, repairs can be performed using the following tools::

  • A set of hexagons;
  • Pliers;
  • Screwdrivers;
  • Simple wrenches.

Abrupt closing of the door is caused by wear of the cuffs or seals. With such a breakdown Oil leaks from the device. When the closer mechanism is collapsible, then it is possible to replace these elements. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a new case or the entire mechanism.

It happens that the door closer opens too slowly. The cause of this malfunction may be high oil thickness. As a rule, this occurs after 4-6 years of using the device. In this case, it might be worth trying an oil change. But, as a rule, this is not provided for by the design.

There is another way to change the oil. But to implement this repair requires plumbing skills. It consists of the following:

  • Make a hole in the body;
  • Cut thread;
  • Drain off the old thick oil;
  • Pour new oil through the fitting.

A door closer is a necessary and useful invention. This is a mechanism that automatically closes doors and reduces wear and tear on door hinges and hardware. Proper installation and timely adjustment of the closer will guarantee its good operation and long service life.

Device functions

Almost all door closers, regardless of the manufacturer, have the following functions:

  1. Sliding speed of the door leaf.
  2. Smooth closing.
  3. Ability to keep the door open.

The sliding speed of the door leaf can be faster or slower. It is adjusted by the degree of tension of the spring inside the device. It must be remembered that under no circumstances should you pull the door while helping the closer. This will quickly disable it.

The door clap allows you to smoothly close the door, pausing the door just before closing. This feature ensures silent operation of the door, eliminating loud sounds. In addition, the clap promotes a tighter fit of the door leaf to the frame. The angle at which it will slow down before closing completely is usually in the range of 10-15 degrees. It can be adjusted when adjusting the closer.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to leave the door open. A function called “hold open” helps with this. Thanks to it, the sash can remain open for a long time. When the door is fully opened, a latch is activated in the device, which will hold the door in this position. To close the door you just need to pull it towards you a little. The fixation will be removed and it will close smoothly. If the door is not fully opened, it will operate normally.

How to adjust the door closer with your own hands for each individual function is described below.

When adjustment is needed

The door closer must be adjusted when the seasons change. Since this is a mechanical device, for its proper operation it uses oil, which changes its physical characteristics depending on the air temperature. As it increases, the viscosity of the working fluid decreases, and as the temperature drops, the oil thickens. Therefore, in the first case, the door will open too easily, and in the second, considerable effort will be required. Therefore, in spring and autumn you need to adjust the operation of the door closer mechanism.

In addition, the door closer is adjusted if there are problems closing the door. They can be expressed as follows:

  • closing too quickly or too slowly;
  • the door moves suddenly or jerkily;
  • the canvas does not stick to the frame for a long time.

How to adjust the door closer correctly

Adjusting the door closer comes down to adjusting the operation of the valves inside the device, which perform the function of a thermal damper. With their help, when the external temperature changes, the degree of increase or decrease in oil viscosity is compensated.

Adjusting the operation of the door closer with your own hands is not difficult. All you need is a screwdriver and knowledge of the setup process. Before proceeding, a visual inspection of the door is carried out and its operation is checked. This is necessary to identify operational irregularities and subsequently correct them.

Adjustment is made using screws. In some device models they are hidden under a protective cover that needs to be removed. In others, they are not hidden by anything and are located on the side of the device panel. For ease of adjustment, the screws are numbered 1 and 2. The first affects the overall closing speed, the second affects the force of the clap.

DIY adjustment instructions

The shutter closing speed is changed by screw number one. Turning it counterclockwise speeds it up. By turning the screw clockwise, the movement of the sash slows down.

The strength of the slam is the range in which the door begins to slow down before completely closing. If there is a problem with the exhaust, then you need to turn screw number two. By turning it clockwise you can slow down the speed of the clap. By turning the screw in the other direction, counterclockwise, you will, on the contrary, increase its strength.

To set up the function that holds the door open, you need to open it completely and then tighten the special lock. After this, the door will remain open if it is opened at an angle corresponding to the specified degree.

When adjusting the closer, follow the instructions given in the accompanying instructions for the device. Always remember that to avoid damaging the device, do not turn the screws more than two turns from the zero value.

By periodically inspecting the door closer and adjusting it yourself if necessary, you will extend the life of the device and ensure comfort when using the door.