54 • HARDWARE & SECURITY
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Replacing door closers - What the locksmith needs to know
by Jacky Sinclair , on behalf of the DHF
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THE DHF REPRESENTS THE UK ’ S leading manufacturers of locks , door hardware and architectural ironmongery . This is the latest in a series of articles for The Locksmith Journal informing locksmiths and security professionals about the latest developments within the industry .
In a recent issue of The Locksmith Journal , the DHF ( Door & Hardware Federation ) described the critical life-saving role played by the door closer . They provide a critical defense against the spread of smoke and flames if fire breaks out . Some locksmiths carry replacement door closers on their vans because there ’ s good money to be made from offering to replace faulty units , or add a unit where there wasn ’ t one previously .
Q . CAN I USE THE OLD FIXING POSITION WHEN REPLACING A CLOSER ?
A . There ’ s a strong urge to put the new closer in exactly the same position , especially on painted doors , but you must fix the replacement closer according to the manufacturer ’ s instructions , even if it means exposing old fixing holes or unpainted timber . There are 3 reasons for this :
• Any other fixing position will instantly invalidate the manufacturer ’ s warranty .
• A small change can significantly alter the performance of the closer . The mechanism relies on a precise relationship between its own arm geometry and the related distance to the hinges of the door .
• Certification such as Certifire approval or CE marking will be invalidated by any altered fixing position . On fire doors , this could breach the building ’ s documented fire safety provisions .
Q . WHAT IF I CAN ’ T FIX IT WHERE IT ’ S SUPPOSED TO GO ?
A . This is not uncommon ! False ceilings cover the head frame ; there ’ s no room behind the door when it ’ s open ; or there ’ s glazing where you need to fix a screw . Many closers are supplied nowadays with a conversion bracket , allowing the closer to be put on the push face , as well as the pull face of the door . If this doesn ’ t solve the problem , reputable manufacturers offer a variety of backplates and drop-plates . The backplate offers a range of fixing holes for the door , then the closer body is fixed with machine screws to the backplate . These accessories can usually be found in the technical literature on the relevant websites . They offer neat and tidy solutions to most fixing problems .
‘ Many closers are supplied nowadays with a conversion bracket , allowing the closer to be put on the push face , as well as the pull face of the door ’
Q . WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADJUSTMENTS ?
A . Modern hydraulic closers have at least 2 adjustments :
• Overall closing speed
• Latching speed control ( governing the last few degrees of closing )
It ’ s important to adjust both . For the safety of users , the speed of the door must be under control for the whole closing cycle , and shut the door without
slamming . Where a latch is fitted , a little extra speed ( without slamming ) over the last few degrees might be needed to ensure full engagement of the bolt in its strike . Ensure the strike is correctly angled and lightly lubricated .
Multi-functional closers have additional controls for backcheck ( rapid deceleration as the door approaches 90⁰ opening – this helps to protect against the door being thrown open or caught by wind ) and / or delayed action ( a dwell time before the door starts its closing cycle , allowing slow-moving people or items to pass through easily ). Although some closers have both of these functions , it ’ s not always possible to have both operational simultaneously . Full details of these adjustments and the tools needed ( usually a screwdriver ) are in the fixing instructions .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | JAN / FEB 2017 Sponsored by Burg-Wächter