DIY door closer repair

In detail: do-it-yourself door closer repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

In modern life, closers are used everywhere, this element is an integral part of entrance iron and plastic doors, which have a large mass and general availability. You can come across this element and its repair everywhere. However, how to repair a door closer yourself? In this text, we will analyze a specific example of repair and adjustment of closers that are used for entrance plastic and metal doors.

It looks like a simple door closer

Before talking about methods of dealing with malfunctions, special attention should be paid to some reasons that can cause a breakdown of such a reliable structural element as a door closer. The causes of malfunctions may be as follows:

    Oil leakage in the closer cylinder. The most common malfunction, which is accompanied by a quick slamming of the door or a strong force to close it. Faced with this misfortune, it is necessary to replace the oil cylinder and adjust the closer.

The internal structure of the closer mechanism

How to repair a door closer? This question can be encountered when this structural element is present in the door structure. All troubleshooting work can be done yourself with a small tool at hand.

Names of elements of the closer mechanism

It is worth noting that the sooner the closer is repaired or diagnostics are performed, the more chances are to fully restore it, rather than resorting to buying a new such mechanism, which, in turn, is not cheap.

Video (click to play).

Typically, a door element such as a door closer consists of two separate components, namely:
Image - DIY door closer repair

  • a working cylinder in a body filled with oil contains: a spring, a needle bearing, a gear train and a device that allows you to adjust the closer with your own hands;
  • two link arms and a connecting screw, it is this design that allows the door to close smoothly.

There is a spring inside the metal body, which allows accumulating the force that is applied when the sash is opened. Thanks to the oil that is located inside the body, it gradually straightens out, and does not come into sharp movement.

Spring-loaded door closer design

Image - DIY door closer repair


It is due to this spring that the entrance leaf moves smoothly. The movement of the door closer is regulated by two connected levers, where one is attached to the door, and the other to the device itself. They are connected to each other with a special screw.

A very common reason when a door closer needs to be repaired. In this case, the oily liquid that fills the working mechanism completely or partially flows out, which leads to the sharp operation of the spring and the corresponding slamming of the door.
Image - DIY door closer repair


Such a malfunction can occur during prolonged operation of the device without proper adjustment according to the instructions.

Door closer adjustment diagram

The design of the door closer includes small recesses where the adjusting screws are present; if they are torn off or incorrectly adjusted, oil liquid can flow through these holes.

If the speed of movement of the structure is too sharp or too slow, then you should pay attention to these parts, when oil flows out, characteristic oil spots will be visible on them.

Image - DIY door closer repair


Is it possible to repair door closers when oily fluid leaks out? If a small part of the device has left, then this is possible in the absence of liquid from the part of the closer, which is responsible for the smooth running, then repair is not advisable.
Image - DIY door closer repair
In this case, it will be much easier to purchase the same model of the closer, but without mounting levers, it will cost significantly less. With a slight leakage of liquid, it must be topped up in the required amount. For this, the structure is completely dismantled. Oil is poured through a special hole.

The second malfunction, which can also overtake door closers, is a malfunction or mechanical damage to the lever. With this reason for the breakdown of the closer, it will not be difficult to deduce the malfunction, since it will be visible visually. Most often, a breakdown occurs under the following circumstances:

Door closing speed adjustment process

  • deformation changes in levers;
  • rust and corrosion of the metal surface of the rods;
  • fracture or complete fracture of the lever;
  • partial seizure of the mechanism associated with the fastening screw.

These breakdowns of the closer can be visually identified during the initial inspection of the mechanism. As a rule, the part is in a conspicuous place, and it will not be difficult to identify the cause of the appearance.

The device and design of the closer mechanism

In this case, you can use the following troubleshooting options:

  1. If corrosion appears, remove the mechanism and thoroughly clean its surface from rust. After that, it should be covered with primer and paint, and then the structure should be returned to its original place. As a rule, after such actions, the closer will work like new.
  2. A fracture or fracture of the levers is eliminated by welding or replacing these mechanisms with similar ones. Image - DIY door closer repair
  3. If the cause of the malfunction lies in the fastening screw, then it should be unscrewed and thoroughly lubricated with grease the entire working surface, after which the screw is placed in its original place.
  4. If the levers are deformed or changed, they should be removed and carefully straightened to a level state. If this is not possible, then the parts will have to be replaced with analogues. Image - DIY door closer repair

It is worth noting that negligent use of the mechanism leads to a breakdown or other malfunction of the levers. To avoid this in the future, you should be careful with the mechanism and the doorway as a whole.

As with any mechanism, the careful operation of the door closer and the spring, which ensures smooth movement, should be operated with some precautions, namely:

    when closing the sash, you should not help the closer, carry out the vestibule;

The principle of the door closer

The video tells about the operation of the door closer in the winter.