How to choose a door closer

The door closer is a compact device designed for soft and smooth closing of entrance doors. It is installed in common areas with a large flow of visitors and is designed to reduce noise from slamming doors, as well as reduce the mechanical load on them.

Best manufacturers of door closer for doors

Preference should be given to those brands that are engaged in the release of door fittings at a professional level:

Dorma
Geze
KDC
Cobra
Boda

Information on the above brands, as well as the technical description and characteristics of the closers produced by them, along with user feedback can be found on the Internet, on specialized sites, as well as on social networks.

The principle of operation and types of door closers

The door closer is a special hydraulic device that is driven by a powerful spring enclosed in the housing of the device. Under the influence of an open door, the piston opens to the maximum angle, after which the spring comes into play: under the influence of its own rigidity, it pulls the piston back, and due to the presence of special oil inside the device, the closing process occurs smoothly and smoothly.

All door closers are divided into three types:

Top door closers. Installed at the top of the door. The disadvantages include the inconvenience of maintenance of the device;
Lower closers. Mounted at the bottom of the door. Of the minuses it can be noted the theoretical possibility of damage to the device due to unintentional contact with the human foot;
Closed installation closers. They are integrated into the door frame, after which they become invisible, and only a “peeping” piston can speak about their presence. Disadvantages - the complexity of installation and higher cost compared to models of open installation.

The above classes can be combined and complement each other, if necessary, maximum functionality in specific conditions. For greater reliability, the upper closer can be supplemented by a similar device installed from below, or by a concealed installer.

The main criteria for choosing a door closer

door closer selection criteria

Compliance with quality standards and all sorts of operational GOST

The budget models of Chinese production, which have fallen on the “gray” schemes to the market, are distinguished by a low price, however, their quality and performance during long-term operation are in serious doubt.

Quality products from well-known manufacturers undergo compulsory certification and quality control procedures, and therefore the buyer, who makes a choice in its favor, can be confident in the performance and durability of the design.

Resistance to temperature changes

An important parameter that is responsible for the performance of the door closer in year-round use. Especially this parameter is important for closers installed at the entrance to the building and prone to temperature differences from -30 in the winter period to + 30-35 in the summer heat.

Device power

The criterion that develops from the power of the installed spring and the quality of the piston design. The more severe the operating conditions are drafts, regular strong winds - the more powerful the device mechanism should be.

The presence of a locking valve

This is a special device that provides a countercurrent to the spring element at the moment close to the closing of the door. It is designed for soft and smooth fit of the door to the box and eliminate vibration and noise. This device is included in the work from an angle of 65-70 degrees and holds the door until it is completely closed.

Materials of which the key mechanical elements of the device are made

Stainless steel is a durable and reliable material used in devices of the average price category. Provides excellent performance in any situation;
Light metals and their alloys (magnesium, aluminum, titanium) are used in devices of the upper price segment. Maximum strength and wear resistance with minimum weight - these are their main advantages;
Powder metals (silumin) - are used in devices of the budget level, low price is their only advantage. Such materials are prone to cracking and breakage even in the absence of mechanical impact;

Features of the door closer choice

Taking into account the fact that the entrance door is subject to constant temperature variations in a wide range, as well as moisture and direct sunlight, the entrance door closer must:

Comply with modern quality standards GOST and ISO;
Made of stainless steel, treated with a special polymer composition that protects against adverse effects;
Have a form factor, suggesting the top or hidden installation, if we are talking about metal doors;
Equipped with a shut-off valve for silent door closing;