A door closer is a mechanical device, the purpose of which is to ensure automatic smooth closing of the door leaf and its fixation. In addition to saving time, it reduces wear and tear on hinges, locks and other door hardware. If you want to choose a gate closer, how to install or adjust it yourself, then you should read this manual.
The main difference between the gate closer is that it is used at increased load (large door inertia, frequent opening and closing, wind pressure, impacts) at various temperatures (from -30 to +50) and with direct contact with moisture and icing. Therefore, only devices designed for outdoor installation may be used. "Internal" mechanisms, not designed for such harsh conditions, will fail very soon.
The main criterion for choosing a mechanism: the mass and width of the door leaf that it serves. According to these two parameters, the moment of inertia is determined, according to which the power of the mechanisms is classified.
Attention! If the width of your gate is more than 1600 mm. - the use of even the most powerful models will be inefficient.
Measure the angle at which the door opens.
You also need to prepare (strengthen and paint) the door leaf and support in places of potential installation. These places depend on the model of the mechanism, which we will discuss later.
“Their” and “our” standards
All closers internal doors or for a street gate, manufactured or imported to Russia, must comply with GOST 56177-2014. We are interested in devices with the code DN (consignment notes), possibly DF (with additional functions, such as a delay before closing). The letter code is followed by numbers and letters. What do they mean? In order:
- class (from 1 to 7). The greater the moment of inertia, the higher the class (according to the table it is found based on the measured mass and width of the web);
- reliability (from 1 to 3);
- possibility of application in fire doors (need 1, meaning "yes");
- application in different climates. Code H (norm) - from -15 to +40. Code M (frost-resistant door closers) - will work below -15;
- corrosion resistance. 1 - the highest;
Surface-mounted model with delay before closing, for a door 1000 mm wide. weighing 55 kg, class 1 in terms of reliability, for frosts up to -20, the maximum corrosion resistance will have the code DNDF311M1.
In Europe, the EN 1154 standard is used, which also defines 7 classes according to the moments of inertia. Inexpensive models are available in one class, for example EN 2. Those that have the ability to adjust will have a code like EN 2-4.
It is desirable: do not buy the mechanism "with a margin." This will not add durability, it will just take more effort to open. If instead of one mechanism you get two, which will stand on the same axis, then this increases the efficiency not by half, but by 30%.
Various types of mechanisms
- electric. Combines the functions of a closer and a lock. A low-power electric motor feeds a gearbox with an electromagnetic clutch. The mechanism is small, the door can be opened by pressing a button and locked in the open position without wear on the mechanism. In expensive models, a complete set with a card reader is possible. The closer for the wicket door with closing shutdown is convenient for people with limited mobility, as well as if you regularly need to carry a baby stroller through the door;
- pneumatic closer - more versatile, because works thanks to the vacuum inside the piston. The time of its “life” is limited only by the tightness, which is “held” by the polyurethane cuff. Installation options - both vertically and horizontally. Needs lubrication of the hinges about twice a year. Inexpensive models may come with low-quality mounting plates and bolts - this is worth paying attention to;
- hydraulic - the opening force is transmitted through the gears to the compressible piston. The opening force, the smoothness of closing can be adjusted with the help of bolts brought to the body.
- spring closer - homemade, handicraft or factory-made. Mounted on self-tapping screws, has one speed. Usually "holds" small gates weighing up to 30 kg. Manual force adjustment. It is trouble-free, the main thing is that the spring is protected from moisture.
For outdoor closers, a lever mechanism with an upper locking type is common (right or left, depending on the door).
How to install
Most of the street closers (excluding electric ones) can be installed by hand. To avoid vandalism, it is better to fix from the side of the yard. Using the level, the canvas and the supporting column are marked. The mechanism is screwed onto the gate with self-tapping screws. A reciprocal bar is fixed on the support column at the same level. If the post is brick or reinforced concrete, then it is better to fix it to the anchor metal plate. After that, a movable lever is attached and adjusted between the mechanism and the rod.
Interesting: how to install a closer? Above or in the middle of the canvas? Spring closers are most effective in the middle, the bulk of hydraulic and pneumatic ones are on top.
If you have a gate without a top crossbar, then it is advisable to install a pneumatic leverless door closer. Such vertical closers for the gate also consist of two parts: one is mounted on a support, the second - on the canvas. When closing, the door presses on a spring that compresses the piston with gas. Expanding - the gas presses on the spring, which can be adjusted for smooth closing. Depending on the model, they can provide an opening angle of up to 180°.
On a note: a gate with a door closer, equipped with a device for fixing the leaf in the open position. Without it, the device will "resist" for a long time open door, and wear out quickly.
Terms of use
- do not fix the door in the open position with a brick, and do not let children play with the door. All this leads to premature failure of the mechanism. Doors with lever mechanisms are fixed with a spring stopper;
- “manual closings” are also harmful. To avoid them, adjust the closing speed - quickly, but gently;
- adjust and lubricate moving parts twice a year;
- if the door leaf is heavy or it is regularly pushed with force and it can fly away from the support, a backstop braking function is needed;
- regularly inspect the casing - it must be intact and not let moisture through to the mechanism.
In order to provide gates or gates with conditions for full-fledged work, special devices are installed on them - closers for gates. It can be an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic closer. Such devices contribute to the smooth closing of the door, which reduces the likelihood of breakage during many years of operation. Today, such mechanisms are presented in an assortment, which provides each specific case with an ideal solution.
It looks like a door closer mounted on the gate
Closers for gates or wickets are among the additional accessories that are used to improve the functionality of sliding and swing doors. In the production of complete sets, special attention is paid to their quality. Such products should work properly regardless of external factors. A good closer is a frost-resistant, durable, wear-resistant, non-corrosive mechanism that can withstand constant loads.
You can buy a door closer in any specialized shopping mall, in the relevant online stores and in construction markets. Modern products are of high quality and adapted to long-term use. When choosing a closer, you should focus on the approximate degree of load, the frequency of use of the gate and the characteristics of the mechanism itself.
Gate closer mechanism option
Electric door closer
The silent and reliable electric closer will provide to a gate smooth repeated opening and closing. The presence of such a device on the gate will increase the level of safety of its use, which is especially important for families with small children or frail old people. Such automatic mechanisms allow contactless opening of doors and gates.
With an electric closer, you can open and close the sash by simply pressing a special button. This scheme makes life easier for people with disabilities. The device is universal in application, durable and compact. You can install it yourself. It will take no more than 30 minutes to install the door closer. Electrical Models gate closers are presented in different configurations and may have special terminals for reading cards.
The name of the structural elements of the electric closer
Products are equipped with such executive components as a latch, a magnet and a lock. This makes the entrance through the gate convenient for family members and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
Hydraulic closer
Thanks to the hydraulic closer on the gate, you can adjust the force and speed of the door slamming. This device provides convenient adjustment of the free play for tight closing of the gate. Such closers work with both external and internal types of loops. Their installation does not require the installer to have special knowledge or experience.
You can install a hydraulic closer on your own. If you strictly follow the instructions provided with the accessory, then you can fix the mechanism quickly and reliably. For such work, you do not need special equipment or outside help. The device is mounted on one side on the top bar of the gate frame or wicket, and on the other side - on the pole.
Example of a mounted hydraulic closer
Such a mechanism is made of special metal alloys, for example, aluminum alloy 6082, 6063 or AD-31. During the manufacturing process, all devices undergo heat treatment, which provides additional strength to the profiles.
Closer mechanisms for gates are designed for continuous operation on the street. They withstand sudden changes in air temperature, numerous opening and closing of the door and any vagaries of the weather.
Pneumatic closer
In conditions of tough and intensive operation of the gate, it is preferable to use a pneumatic door closer. The use of this device provides the door with gentle braking. The functionality of the door closer is ensured by the fact that during the operation of the gate, air is compressed in front of the piston, and a vacuum is formed behind the piston. 
Most pneumatic models have the following general characteristics:
- Work at any air temperature (from +50°C to -50°C);
- They have a large opening angle (up to 160°);
- Made from stainless steel;
- Polyurethane cuffs are used as seals in them;
- The swivel assembly and pneumatic cylinder have a swivel joint;
- Installation is possible both to the left, and to the right door;
- Mounted both vertically and horizontally.
The outdoor pneumatic closer is a frost-resistant, reliable and versatile mechanism that will ensure the functionality of gates and gates throughout the entire service life.
It withstands severe loads typical for yard and gates. If the door is equipped with such a device, it improves the quality of life modern man and prolongs the life of the gate itself.
General installation rules
Closer on street door must be selected taking into account the conditions in which it will be operated. The mechanism for outdoor use must be frost-resistant, resistant to heavy rainfall, and also correspond to the weight of the door. When buying a device, it would be right to seek advice from a specialist - a sales manager. Install the door closer on the gate under the power of everyone. The installation process can not be called complicated, but it requires care and accuracy.
Properly done work will ensure the device itself has a long service life, and the gate is easy to use. You can install the door closer on any gate and door.
General rules door closer installation:
A template is included with the closer, which is applied to the appropriate place on the crossbar. According to the markings on the template, the mechanism is fastened.
The door closer is a certain type of hydromechanical device designed to provide a complete porch of the door leaf to the frame. It is enough for a person to make an effort only to open the door, and its closing will provide an appropriate mechanism. In addition to doors, such mechanisms are often installed by hand and on gates made from the most different materials. Thanks to the smooth and slow movement of the closer, when closing the door, damage to the material of the fence or gate is excluded, and the safety of the gate itself is also ensured. This increases the functionality of the opening sashes. It is almost impossible to make such a device with your own hands.
A typical installation of a hydraulic closer
Requirements for street mechanisms
Since closers are operated in adverse outdoor conditions, they must meet certain requirements:
- Door closer must have sufficient strength and the ability to withstand long-term mechanical loads.
- The frost resistance of the mechanism must ensure the normal operation of the device in any temperature conditions.
- Moisture must not cause damage to the design of the device. Therefore, it must be made of materials that are resistant to corrosion.
The principle of operation of the closer
The work of the mechanism different models practically does not differ. When opening the gate, a person applies a certain force to it. This force is transmitted to the lever system, which drives the movable piston. Behind the piston is a spring that compresses, storing energy to close the door. The spring begins to decompress at the moment the gate is released. It unclenches smoothly due to the presence of oil or air inside the mechanism. It is possible to adjust the closing speed of the gate.
Just before closing, the closer mechanism slightly speeds up the movement of the door leaf for the possible locking of the lock.
Varieties of closers for gates
Closer for street gates can be of two types:
- Hydraulic. working fluid inside the mechanism is oil. When the spring is compressed, it flows through the hole in the piston, and when the spring is straightened, the oil returns through the channel system back.
- Pneumatic. His work is based on air compression. The piston in the open position compresses the air on one side, while a vacuum is formed on the other side. When the door is closed, the piston, under the action of compressed air, goes in the opposite direction.
Installing a gate closer
Any person who knows how to handle tools can install a closer on the gate with their own hands. The installation procedure is simple, but requires accuracy and care. Installation can be performed on a door made of any material: metal, wood, metal-plastic.
Important: to avoid vandalism or theft of the device, it must be placed with inside gate that faces the house.
The street closer is mounted on the gate in the following order:
- The marking of the gate and the supporting column is being carried out.
- The main mechanism is screwed with your own hands directly to the material of the gate. For this, long and durable self-tapping screws are used.
- The reciprocal level is fixed on a support column. If the pillar is brick or reinforced concrete, then a metal plate is fixed with anchors with its own hands, and a thrust is already attached to it.
- The lever is fixed in the mechanism and on the rod, and its moving part is adjustable. The movable part of the lever must be perpendicular to the plane of the gate.
- Adjustable door closing speed. Turning the two adjusting screws clockwise decreases the closing speed.
- The closer mechanism is closed with a lid.
- The operation of the device is checked. If the door closing speed does not suit you, open the mechanism cover and repeat the setting.
And how to install the device on a gate with your own hands, which does not have an upper crossbar? For this, models of closers that do not have a lever are used. One part of such a closer is fixed directly on the gate, and the second part is rigidly connected to the support post. The principle of operation of such a device is as follows. When the door is opened, the piston compresses the spring and the gas behind it. Under the action of compressed gas and a straightening spring, the piston will move in the opposite direction, ensuring smooth closing of the door leaf.
Construction technologies do not stand still, the equipment used is also actively developing. So, gates in private construction are increasingly equipped with security video systems, and a street closer for a gate has replaced conventional springs.
The design of the frost-resistant "porter"
The sparing closing system allows to extend its service life, and also prevents the failure of the equipment installed on it, which can occur due to the sharp slamming of the doors. In addition, gates with closers installed on them are simply more comfortable and safer to use, there is no need to startle when children are in the doorway.
Benefits of using
The street closer, thanks to the design of its mechanism, provides maximum smoothness when closing the door, making this process almost silent. We can say that this device is distinguished by its versatility, since it can easily cope with door leafs regardless of their severity: the material can be quite light, it can be heavy wood or completely metal.
standard model
Sufficient long-term use of similar devices allowed to improve their design, to eliminate defects in work, if they were encountered.
Note! Modern high-quality devices provide the gate with maximum smoothness, relieving the canvas from shaking and damage during sudden closing, and eliminating unwanted noise from opening or closing it. Gates with such a device on the territory of private land ownership look much nobler and last longer.
Features of choice
The choice of any device is influenced by its characteristics. Each of the parameters depends on the requirements for the device itself, tasks to be completed:
- the most important parameter is power. It is necessary to be sure that the closing force will be sufficient for the weight of the gate leaf. As a rule, it is quite heavy, so the higher the value of this parameter, the better. It is also possible that two devices are used at once to provide sufficient power;
Can be used in pairs
- possibility of adjustment. It is likely that after installing the device on a specific gate, especially if it has high power, it will need to be adjusted based on the severity of the leaf: this will depend on the force and speed with which the door can close.
Adjustment of the closer on the spot allows you to provide more comfortable conditions for its operation, and also extends its life, which is important;
- the presence of a latch in the "open" position. Often there are situations when you need to leave the door in the open position: you need to bring a large number of things into the house, guests have arrived in large numbers, and someone constantly goes out of the gate, and many others. In this case, street closers are needed for the gate with a latch that keeps it open and prevents it from closing.
The presence of a lock on the door closer protects it from a quick failure. As a rule, in order for the door not to close, any heavy objects are placed under it. The desire of the mechanism to close the door leads to a constant voltage in it until it closes, which negatively affects the operation and durability of the device.
