How to install a door closer on a metal door
The contents
One of the oldest of door closing mechanisms of the door, was a rock on a string attached to the jamb. Soon, this uncomfortable design replaced the spring, which was fixed to the door leaf and boxes. But still, this device was not ideal, since the high rigidity of the spring the door clapped heavily at closing. This is especially true of heavy metal doors. To date, spring has become the basis for the manufacture of door mechanisms, self-closing cloth. Special tools helped to make the work of spring controlled and smooth. Such mechanisms are very popular, and if you want to have such a device, then you need to learn how to install a door closer on a metal door. More details you will learn from this article.
Why the need for closers ↑
A door closer is a mechanism that smoothly and quietly closes the door, even very large and heavy. Thanks to him, reduced stress on the fittings, hinges and the design itself that will prevent premature wear. Installing the latch on your door, you won’t need to close it. This simple device can help you to solve the following tasks:
- ensuring a smooth closing of the door, in which there is no noise and clapping;
- automatic closing doors;
- the extension of the operating period of the door locks and block.
How can that be, if there is a need to for a certain time the door is open? For example, in the room you want to make items or simply to ventilate. In this case, you can install the latch with locking function. The essence of her work lies in the fact that when you open the door more than 90?, she will not return to its normal position and will remain in place. When the door will need to close, just push it further, to overcome this angle. As you can see, such a device for a door is very useful, and not only will gradually close the door, but will save them from the rapid wear.
Types of products ↑
If you are thinking about to buy and install a door closer, the first thing you should choose, because there are several types of mechanisms which you need to know. Depending on differences, methods of installation will be different. Closers are classified into the following types:
- Overhead mechanisms, which are mounted on all doors. The unit is located on top, and mounted it on a canvas or boxed timber.
- Outdoor construction, which are set at the stage of appliance doors and flooring. Very rarely used, because of the high cost and difficulty to install. The location, at the bottom of the canvas.
- Hidden (frame) of the device which are located in the cloth or in carton. Installing such a mechanism on the metal door will be difficult. It requires special tools and skills. Often these coils are mounted on the stage of production of doors and users are ready.
The most common are the overhead mechanisms that are easy to install. This is ideal for user who do not have sufficient experience. Most manufacturers make it easier on consumers, adding to the set of products detailed instruction and description. But that’s not all, the kit may include a template with markings in locations of the attachment points, which follows the contour of the mechanism. We can say that the whole installation process is performed according to the standard scheme, but still there are some nuances to keep in mind.
In addition, an important criterion for the closer is its power, i.e. the ability to correctly perform its function under specified load. Since we’re talking about metal doors, it is clear that the overall and it is much heavier than wood. It turns out that the effort to open it should be applied more. Because of this, all devices are divided into 7 categories, which are determined by the width and weight of fabric:
- 75 cm up to 20 kg.
- 85 cm – 40 kg.
- 95 cm to 60 kg.
- 110 cm – 80 kg.
- 125 cm up to 100 kg.
- 140 cm up to 120 kg.
- 160 cm – 160 kg.
If you’re undecided, purchased the necessary device and is ready for execution of works, let us consider in detail the instructions on how to install a door closer on the door with his hands.
Instructions for mounting the door closer on a metal door ↑
As practice shows, overhead of the mechanisms are in great demand. Their obvious advantages: simplicity of design, affordable price, ease of installation and reliability in operation. Also, unlike outdoor structures, install slip door closer installed on the door. Picking uncomplicated it is legs, door closer and fastening elements. In fact, to perform the installation of the door closer is very easy. This applies to any door, whether wooden, metal or plastic. What is the problem? Following the instructions to the product, you need to fix it to the door with self-closing. Now let’s consider the algorithm of actions to figure out how to properly install closers.
- Before commencing work, carefully read the instructions that came with the device. It specifies the correct location of the door closer and method of installation. Please note, install the latch on the box door, while the leg is fixed on the canvas and the canvas itself when the foot is on the box. You can position the door closer both outside and inside. It all depends on your desire.
- In the location, and make marks. This will help you a template. Simply apply it in accordance with the marking and to outline the future holes for mounting on the frame and the canvas. For convenience, you can secure the template with tape and make a marking.
- Based on the layout, do all the holes (they can be made even without preliminary marking, just drilled them in the template).
- Assemble the mechanism and lock the first door closer, and then his leg.
- Only thing left is to close closers with a decorative lid, and adjust mechanism to adjust the speed of closing door. This will help you adjusting bolts, which are most often on the butt end of the door closer. With the door fully open and tighten the bolts. Then, gradually loosen them in order to achieve the desired speed of closing. Please note that each unit has two screws, one of which is responsible for bringing the doors to close them, and the other for the closing speed. Now a few times, check the efficiency of the mechanism. If everything works, you have successfully coped with the task.
To perform this operation, you need a minimal set of tools. Prepare in advance:
- electric drill;
- drill bit;
- socket 10 mm (depending on the model of the door closer);
- screwdriver;
- roulette;
- marker.
Now you know how easy it is to install a door closer on a metal door. You do not need to call professionals and pay them money for this simple job. All that is required from you is a little effort and strict adherence to the instructions. As a result, your aperture will be equipped with a useful device which you have installed yourself, thus saving your money. It should be noted that during the installation of the door closer, master require 500-400 rubles, which is comparable to the price of the door closer. To save face!
5 tips for the operation of the mechanism ↑
To properly install the door closer is one thing, quite another to follow him and properly operated. The following tips will help you extend the life of the device and will protect it from premature failure..
- Forced to close the doors with closers before its full closure impossible. Otherwise, this impatience will lead to the fact that the elements of the device will fail. If you are not satisfied with the closing speed, adjust it so that the canvas closed faster.
- Ensure that children are not riding and not hung on the doors. Hang on handle additional load, for example, shopping bags, is also prohibited.
- When your closers are not equipped with a locking system on the door in one position, it is not necessary in the open position, to block its progress. For example, do not install in the way of overall items or do not fix it by tying the handle. When you need some time to keep canvas open, better disconnect leverage closer.
- If door closer is installed on the street, it is required to protect it from sunlight and rain. Moreover, in such a cold environment, the mechanism will have to adjust twice a year.
- Regularly, at least twice a year, lubricate hinge joints with grease. This will prevent premature wear.
Rest assured, door closer, mounted in such a simple way, will be a long time to perform its functions. And with proper care, you will prolong its service life. For clarity, we invite you to view the video how to install a door closer on the door to be more confident in their abilities and complete the task!