Kitchen

The nuances of choosing closers for kitchen cabinets, installation and adjustment

In the kitchen, different cabinets, bedside tables and other furniture equipped with doors are necessarily installed. Due to the doors, the contents of these interior items are effectively hidden, and they are also protected from the sun, dust and other negative influences. There are many types of doors that can be installed on kitchen furniture, and many people do not like the strong knocks that occur when closing doors. This is not only unpleasant, but also negatively affects the life of the furniture. Therefore, special closers for kitchen cabinets, necessary for the convenient use of furniture doors, are often bought.

Advantages and disadvantages

The door closer is represented by a special mechanism designed to smoothly close the doors. In this case, there are no unpleasant sounds, and the process is slow. Due to such a unique device, it is possible to protect the furniture from strong impacts, therefore, chips of paint or other significant damage that usually do not undergo restoration do not appear.

Qualitatively selected hinges and closers provide durability, perfect appearance and attractiveness of kitchen furniture.

The advantages of using furniture with a closer include:

  • the door closes smoothly, which ensures that there is no possibility of deformation or breakage of the structure,
  • the doors close tightly, so a situation is impossible when they open spontaneously,
  • high-quality closers are created in such a way that even if a breakdown occurs, oil or other liquids will not leak out of the structure, so they will not be able to harm the upper surface of the lower kitchen cabinet,
  • optimal products can withstand even significant loads without breaking or losing their properties,
  • Door closers are produced by many manufacturers, so each customer selects the optimal model for cost, size, production material and other characteristics,
  • each person can install the closer on their own, as this process is not considered too complex or specific,
  • with the right choice of a device, its long service life is guaranteed.

The disadvantages of using a closer in the kitchen are that the installation should only be carried out taking into account the numerous requirements and rules, otherwise the design will not cope with its purpose and functions. Many models of door closers have a not very attractive appearance. It requires a design after installing careful adjustment, without which it will not cope with the tasks. Many people prefer to choose oil closers, but they work worse at low temperatures, due to the viscosity of the oil, so it is recommended to choose them only for constantly heated rooms.

Operating principle

The closer operates quite simply, due to its standard and uncomplicated design. The features of its action include:

  • the main mechanism is a special spring located in a capsule of metal, and it is filled with a special liquid or oil,
  • the product is equipped with special valves that make it possible to adjust the speed of closing the doors,
  • at the expense of the closer, pressure is exerted on the front of the door, which guarantees its smooth and silent closing under the influence of its own weight,
  • this leads to the fact that the door acts on a special stop acting as part of the closer,
  • the liquid covering the spring is lowered into a special sleeve of the capsule,
  • in the sleeve it is held at the expense of a special system of oil seals,
  • the adjusting part of the product provides a narrowing or expansion of the outflow channel, therefore, control and regulation of the door closing speed is provided
  • in the process of closing the door, it begins to act more strongly on the closer,
  • the adjusting part of the product expands quite strongly, so the piston outflow channel decreases,
  • this leads to a slowdown of the piston, so the door closes really slowly, without sudden movements, and also there are no knocks or other extraneous sounds.

If you choose high-quality hinges and a closer, then they are guaranteed to protect the facades from various damages, and will also be durable and easy to use.

Gas closers are often installed on an inexpensive cabinet. They work in such a way that the door closes as quickly as possible to a specific moment, after which it begins to act on the closer, which uses gas located in a special capsule for operation. This principle of operation provides a silent and slow closing of the door at the end, but the product itself is considered quite fragile and short-lived.

Closers, like numerous door hinges, are presented in several forms. In accordance with the mechanism of action, the following varieties are distinguished:

  • gas, which contains a special gas located in a sealed and well-closed capsule,
  • oil, and in their design may contain not only gas, but also a special other suitable liquid.

You can put closers in different ways, so they are divided into designs that are attached directly to the furniture or installed on drawers used in the kitchen. It is allowed to install structures on loops or between two loops. Separate special closers designed for installation on drawers or cabinets stand out separately.

Installation Rules

Typically, door closers are sold complete with all the necessary elements used during installation, so you do not need to buy any additional accessories. It’s best to choose a hinge installation method. How to install a door closer correctly? For this, sequential actions are performed:

  • special loops are selected in the store, designed for high-quality fastening of closers,
  • through the use of hinges, it is possible to hide the entire mechanism in them, so it will not spoil the appearance of the furniture,
  • additional tools and materials are prepared that will be used during operation, and these include self-tapping screws and special furniture screws, and the procedure is performed with a screwdriver,
  • before direct work, the instruction applied to any closer is carefully studied,
  • large closers are usually used, and in this case the piston always remains on the stationary part of the shelf,
  • the rest of the product is fixed directly to the cabinet door,
  • if you want to install a small closer, then its installation is carried out on a fixed part of the furniture,
  • if gas closers are used that require internal installation, they must be correctly and accurately inserted into the loop, after which they are considered correctly installed, therefore their installation is the most simple and affordable,
  • installation is carried out only after the hinges are securely fastened,
  • the closer is inserted into a special hole in the loop, and this must be done until a characteristic click is heard, which indicates a reliable and correct fixation of the mechanism,
  • other elements of the closer are screwed to the box body, for which you can use standard screws or special furniture screws.

It is recommended to watch the training video before the immediate work, containing the main steps that you can see clearly, and this will allow you to complete the work quickly and without errors. Thus, if you correctly understand the instructions, then correctly put the closer yourself will not be difficult. You do not have to use any specific fasteners or unusual tools.

Adjustment

A properly installed door closer needs optimal adjustment after installation, otherwise it will be difficult and uncomfortable to use it. During regulation, various factors are taken into account:

  • the speed at which sliding
  • how tight the door is to the cabinet
  • how fast the cabinet door closes.

Adjustment is considered a simple process, since it is enough to use a special screw located on the body of the product. If it is strengthened, then the speed with which the facade closes increases significantly, and if weaken, the speed decreases. Adjustment by means of a screw is ensured by the fact that the throughput channel of the outflow channel of the equipment changes, therefore, the liquid available in the product flows at different speeds along the sleeve, which ensures control of the door's movement.

Thus, closers are often selected for kitchen cabinets. They are considered comfortable, easy to install, inexpensive and provide reliable protection for different cabinets and other structures from shock and destruction. They are presented in several forms, and their installation is simplified, so it is easy to do it yourself. After installation, it is important to carefully adjust the product to ensure a soft, slow and quiet closing of the doors.

What are

The main purpose of closers for kitchen cabinets is to protect door hinges, preserve the integrity of the headset parts, and prevent paint chips, scratches, and cracks. They are mainly needed for glass facades, for which impacts of any kind are destructive. Thanks to the door closers, the doors are covered softly and silently, without sudden movements and the probability of the facade hitting the building.

Important advantages of door closers:

  • soft closing of the door, preventing a defect,
  • wide selection of mechanisms
  • tight closing of the door, it never opens by itself,
  • quick installation
  • capsule filler (liquid, gas) is in a sealed chamber,
  • removable elements are quickly replaced by new ones,
  • in high-quality products, oil rarely breaks out during a breakdown, more often it remains in a capsule.

Like any furniture fittings, closers have disadvantages:

  • the oil inside the metal capsule thickens at low temperatures in unheated rooms,
  • the installation of the closer must be carried out taking into account the many requirements and instructions,
  • some samples have an unaesthetic appearance.
The closer is intended for protection of door hinges In high-quality products, all elements can be easily changed if necessary.

Varieties

Accessories for kitchen furniture are classified according to the principle of work, structure and method of placement. According to the first criterion, door closers are divided into the following types:

  1. Gas. The door of the kitchen cabinet closes unobstructed until it touches the rod falling into the gas environment of the impenetrable space, thereby slowing the movement of the sash. The approximate period of operation is 5 years. The mechanism does not contain oil, in case of breakage the furniture will not deteriorate from spilled liquid. Gas door closers can be used in rooms with any microclimate.
  2. Oil. Provide smooth full closing of doors. A high-quality device in oil works without repair for up to 10 years.

Gas-filled door closers are used for hinged doors, and oil mechanisms for sliding and swinging, as well as drawers. The first ones are cheaper, but they serve much less due to the high pressure inside the devices with the shutters closed.

Varieties of closers by type of mounting:

  1. Loopback. Reliable, simple, inexpensive, but not mounted on drawers and drawers. Mounted on door hinges.
  2. Mortise. Located in the immediate vicinity of the hinges, they are mounted on the cabinets using a flush mounting method. They are durable, resistant to external influences.
  3. Case. Products are attached to furniture using self-tapping screws or special bolts. Their advantage is the ability to install on various types of cabinets, and the disadvantage is the complexity of installation. The importance of all the rules of work, the absence of distortions.

Hinges with a closer are quite widespread, so there is no need for additional equipment.

Criterias of choice

Before you put the closer on the kitchen cabinet, you need to consider important factors:

  1. Location area and mounting method. For example, for mounting loop closers on door hinges, separate sockets are used. In their absence, it is recommended to choose mortise or case mechanisms.
  2. The weight of the part. A weak device will not withstand a heavy door and will soon fail. If a mechanism with strong resistance is used for a facade with a small weight, the sash will not close.

The demand for the brand, the presence of positive reviews are no less important in the selection of fittings. If the goal is to use high-quality, durable products, you should contact the trusted manufacturers of furniture closers. It is important to pay attention to the possibility of adjusting the fittings. If there is no desire to spend time on this, it is worth choosing closers with automatic mode.

Manufacturers

A guarantee of the reliability of accessories for cabinets in the kitchen is the choice of devices from manufacturers that have proven themselves in the world market from the best side. A door closer is an important element of cabinets of all varieties, therefore, savings are inappropriate. Foreign brands are especially popular in the modern market of kitchen appliances, but domestic companies have established themselves as a worthy supplier:

  1. Blum. The Austrian brand has existed for about 70 years, successfully occupying a leading position in the market of furniture fittings. Blum develops advanced closers for kitchen sets of various modifications, cost. The company produces high-quality lifting mechanisms and products for sliding systems.
  2. Siro. The Italian brand is very popular in Russia. Each product of the manufacturer passes the stages of quality control, testing at an international certification concern.
  3. Hafele. The German company produces environmentally friendly energy-saving fittings. It is recommended to pay attention to the line of mortise shock absorbers, spring, gas lifting mechanisms for facades.
  4. Boyard The domestic company specializes in marketing products manufactured in China. Boyard offers a good budget device, characterized by functionality, high quality.
  5. Hetich. The assortment of accessories from Germany consists of devices of economy and luxury classes, a diverse selection of furniture hinges with a built-in closer. On the company's official website, you can use the function of creating an individual project.
  6. Httti. Another German company that has established itself in the domestic market. Its products are in demand due to quality and very affordable cost.

Furniture closers should be looked after the same way as other household items. Minor defects of the mortise, loop and overhead mechanisms in most cases cannot be repaired - they are dismantled and easily replaced. To extend their service life, it is necessary to regularly check and tighten the fasteners, clean them of rust, lubricate with machine oil or silicone grease when squeaks occur.

Blum Boyard Cafele Hetich

Types of closers

  1. Cabinet - are fixed on the furniture body. One of the most budget options.
  2. Self-tapping - screwed onto self-tapping screws.
  3. Loop - fasten in special loops or on Euro screws. Such installation is considered the most reliable, but it does not work in sliding structures.

If the accessories began to creak, you need to tighten all the screws on the hinges.

The mechanism will faithfully and for a long time bring you comfort if it is made of quality material and will receive proper care.

According to the principles of work there are:

  1. Oil - guarantee a smooth, full closing, often used in modern kitchen sets.
  2. Gas - end the slide in the middle of the closure. Differ in the low price.

Lubricate the hinges periodically; clean all mechanisms from contamination with soft napkins and soap and water.

The above designs are acceptable for swinging kitchen cabinets, for roll-out install a guide system with a special spring. Such closers are also divided into oil and gas.

The system is designed so that even with a major breakdown, it will remain in place.

Closers for kitchen cabinets for the kitchen must be selected based on where they will be attached, what kind of load they will be exposed to.

Cabinet - are fixed on the furniture body. One of the most budget options.

The main types of fittings

  1. Oil closers - produced in a set with hinges for swing doors, or only with a key, it is possible to fix it to any part of the case. Closers are made with a bend, with a straight shoulder or for angular and inclined loops.
  2. Standard four-hinged with integrated door closer. They are used for doors whose opening angle is from ninety-five to one hundred and seventy degrees.
  3. Mechanisms for boxes with a load of up to 25 kilograms without height restrictions. Full-fledged fittings that create full or partial extension of drawers, their soft closing. It can withstand loads of up to thirty kilograms.
  4. German closers for swing doors with overhead, floor overhead, inset hinges. The opening angle is about two hundred and seventy degrees.

Closers for kitchen cabinets are a specific mechanism that is placed on the doors of cabinets with the aim of their smooth, silent closing.

Mechanism advantages

  • Smooth door closure prevents breakage.
  • The door does not open by itself, fits snugly against the cabinet.
  • In the event of a malfunction, oil or liquid is held in the capsule without harming the furniture.
  • Able to withstand quite strong loads.
  • A wide range of choice of mechanisms and the price that suits any budget.
  • Long term of operation.
  • Easy to install.

Most kitchen cabinets are equipped with a system of automatic closers, but if it is not, then this can simply be fixed by mounting the structure on your own.

Disadvantages

  • Carry out the installation strictly following the instructions.
  • Not aesthetically pleasing appearance.
  • Oil closers are more difficult to operate at low temperatures due to the viscosity of the oil.

Closers for kitchen cabinets for the kitchen must be selected based on where they will be attached, what kind of load they will be exposed to.

Installation of door closers at home

The installation of closers for kitchen cabinets depends on the design of the fittings. The mortise type needs to drill a hole corresponding to the sleeve in the cabinet body. Then the capsule is inserted into the nest. It is much easier to install a mechanism that is mounted on self-tapping screws to the inner wall of the cabinet or one of the shelves.

Although the closer mechanism is designed without any special difficulties, in case of a malfunction it is easier to replace it with a new one, or call the wizard.

Attaching accessories to kitchen drawers is more difficult, as they have a different design. Such systems are larger than ordinary ones. Before installing, it is worth checking that there is a free space of two millimeters under the rails.

The opening angle is about two hundred and seventy degrees.

The sequence of work is as follows:

  • pull out the box from the cabinet, if the restoration of the cabinet itself, it is better to remove it,
  • dismantle old elements
  • in their place attach accessories with a closer,
  • check that the strips on each side are symmetrical,
  • attach the tigger to the bottom of the box.

Do not loosen the adjusting screws fully.

If the box is narrow (width up to ninety centimeters), one-sided installation is possible. Large boxes must be mounted on wide paired rails.

Full-fledged fittings that create full or partial extension of drawers, their soft closing.

Upon completion of installation, the closer needs to be adjusted. Pay attention to the sliding speed, closing, tightness of the door or drawer.

One of the easiest to install are gas door closers, they are simply inserted into the loop.

Take a screwdriver, carefully tighten the door spring fixing screws and the hinge or door mounting screws. Due to the tightening force of the screw on the spring, the activity of the mechanism is modified. It is possible to adjust the closure density of the cabinet door with bolts on the housing.

The installation of closers for kitchen cabinets depends on the design of the fittings.

One of the easiest to install are gas door closers, they are simply inserted into the loop. Upon completion of the hinge fastener, the closer is installed in a special hole until it clicks and the mechanism is ready for operation.

Due to the tightening force of the screw on the spring, the activity of the mechanism is modified.

Do not loosen the adjusting screws fully. This can cause oil to leak, damaging furniture and closers.

It is much easier to install a mechanism that is mounted on self-tapping screws to the inner wall of the cabinet or one of the shelves.

Although the closer mechanism is designed without any special difficulties, in case of a malfunction it is easier to replace it with a new one, or call the wizard.

Upon completion of installation, the closer needs to be adjusted.

If the accessories began to creak, you need to tighten all the screws on the hinges. Lubricate the hinges periodically; clean all mechanisms from contamination with soft napkins and soap and water. It is forbidden to clean the door closer with soda or any other harsh cleaning agents.

If the box is narrow (width up to ninety centimeters), one-sided installation is possible.

Pay particular attention to the assembly and maintenance of closers for kitchen cabinets. Regardless of all its advantages, the work will be of poor quality if the mechanism is not installed correctly.

Attaching accessories to kitchen drawers is more difficult, as they have a different design.

The mechanism will faithfully and for a long time bring you comfort if it is made of quality material and will receive proper care.

Before installing, it is worth checking that there is a free space of two millimeters under the rails.

Closers for kitchen cabinets

Closers for kitchen furniture - devices that ensure smooth closing of doors on cabinets. They prevent the door from moving too fast and too fast, blocking the facade from hitting the building. Their main function is to ensure the safety of door hinges and protect furniture parts from chips, cracks and scratches.

Mechanism of action

According to the principle of operation, door closers are:

  1. Gas (on the picture). The door closes freely until it touches the stem. The rod penetrates into the dense gas environment of the sealed chamber, inhibiting the movement of the door. As a filler, air or nitrogen is used. The average service life of gas devices is 5 years.
  2. Polymer. The mechanism of action is similar to the gas version. Instead of gas, a liquid polymer filler based on silicone is used. By durability they do not surpass gas.
  3. Oil. From the beginning of the movement, the door or box immediately acts on the spring enclosed in an oil capsule. Oil slowly flows into the adjacent chamber. The speed slows down, the entire closing cycle is smooth. Oil shock absorbers are more durable, will last up to 10 years. Are more expensive than gas or polymer.

Gas-filled closers are used for folding structures. Oil devices are used for drawers, swing and sliding doors.

Important! When using oil devices in unheated rooms, difficulties may arise in the operation of the closer. Oil becomes thicker at low temperatures.

Type of mount

By way of fastening closers are divided into three types:

  1. Mortise - a hole is drilled inside the side wall of the cabinet in which the device is placed.
  2. Cabinet - are fixed on the surface of the parts of the kitchen with the help of self-tapping screws or fixing bolts (pictured).
  3. Loopback - are installed on door hinges in special slots.

Often there are loops with an already built-in closer. Check if the fittings on your furniture have such an option before installing additional equipment.

Lifting gear

In a separate category stand out furniture closers for the kitchen, used for hinged doors. Such doors can fall down or open up.

There are four types of hoists for kitchen:

  1. Spring loaded. A metal spring helps to pull or push the door. The design of the device is simple, rarely fails. It is not possible to leave the door with the spring shock absorber ajar; it must either be closed or fully open.
  2. Spring-oil. In a sealed chamber filled with oil, there is a spring. Reducing, it overcomes the additional resistance and provides a slow, even opening of the door.
  3. Pneumatic (gas). Smoothness is achieved by displacing a special rod of air from a closed, impermeable capsule. There is a pressure drop in its different parts.
  4. Electric. Sophisticated programmable mechanisms with electric drive. Allows you to set the opening speed, maximum angle. The doors are closed independently after a given period of time. Open by pressing on the facade or touching the handle.

How to choose a closer

Choosing a closet for a kitchen cabinet, pay attention to the following:

  1. Part Weightwhich will act on the closer. A weak mechanism will not withstand the pressure of a massive door and quickly exit from a standing position. The weight of the light facade will not be enough when using a device with high resistance, the sash will not close.
  2. Mounting method and the location of the mechanism. To install loopers on the hinges of the headset must have special sockets. If they are not, stop at hull or mortise. If you want to install door closers with your own hands, choose the ones that will be easier for you to fix.
  3. If there is no time to adjust and adjust the closer, pay attention to self-adjusting models.

Brand popularity and the presence of positive reviews play an important role in choosing furniture fittings. If you want to buy a quality product that will last a long time, it is better to refuse to buy door closers from little-known or dubious manufacturers.

The best manufacturers of furniture hardware

Among the manufacturers most in demand on the furniture hardware market, the top lines of the rating belong to foreign companies. Russian importers of Chinese products have also worked quite well.:

  1. The world-famous Austrian brand Blum (pictured) for almost 70 years of existence, he has mastered the markets of more than 20 countries. The company began its journey from a forge engaged in the manufacture of horseshoes for horses. In 1958, the first furniture fittings were released. Blum offers quality closers of various types and price categories. It is worth paying attention to the lifting mechanisms and devices for sliding systems proposed by the manufacturer.
  2. German hardware Hafele also holds a leading position in the global market. The company has been operating since 1923. Eco-friendly energy-saving production allows you to set reasonable prices for products. Of interest is the line of mortise shock absorbers, spring and gas lifts for facades.
  3. Hardware Hettich made in Germany and deservedly popular among consumers. The assortment includes products from economy to luxury class, a wide selection of furniture hinges with a built-in closer. The site has the option of designing the layout of a furniture set with the selection of the most suitable fittings.
  4. Siro brand in Russia, it sells accessories manufactured at a factory in Italy. Among the products, numerous groups of mortise closers and compact lifting mechanisms stand out. All products undergo testing and quality control in an international certification concern.
  5. Manufacturer Vauth-Sagel specializes not only in the manufacture of fittings. At enterprises in Germany, wire and sheet metal are processed. This provides high quality material for the production of furniture components.
  6. Domestic company Boyard (photo on the right) sells products made in China. In the range of budget quality accessories. It is worth exploring the representative's suggestions if you need hinges with a built-in closer or closers for drawers.
  7. TBM company represents Chinese products under the brand name Firmax. All products are tested in our own product testing center. In retail outlets and the company's online store, you can safely buy loopers and accessories for sliding systems at affordable prices.

How to install a door closer yourself

The installation of complex, expensive cushioning systems, such as electric lifts, must be handled by professionals. With the installation of simpler and more common designs, any home master can cope with the power.

The easiest way to fix on furniture hinges special loop closers.

The shoulder or hinge cup must have special groovesThe door closer overlaps and snaps into place.

If the hinges are not suitable for attaching shock absorbing devices, use case or mortise closers.

Installation of a cabinet closer

Installation of a cabinet closer is carried out in the immediate vicinity of the furniture hinge. Allowed placement in the middle, between the loops.

How to install:

  1. For convenience, remove the wall cabinets from the wall. Lay the piece of furniture on the floor or table.
  2. Mark where the device will be fixed, put dots in the places of the proposed holes.
  3. Drill holes for the mounting bolts. For self-tapping screws, puncture the surface with an awl.
  4. Screw the door closer using screws or bolts.
  5. Check for obstructions when opening and closing the doors.
  6. Hang the cabinet in place.

Overhead cabinet closers can be equipped with a limiter. It is applied to the edge of the part and immediately fix the device with screws without preliminary marking.

Mortise Devices

Mortise door closers are mounted on the end of the side cabinet part opposite the door. For wall cabinets, choose the upper or middle part of the part, for floor - the bottom.

Installation is as follows:

  1. Mark the installation point of the closer at the end of the part. Make a small hole with an awl.
  2. With a drill corresponding to the length and thickness of the closer shaft, a hole is drilled to the appropriate depth.
  3. Insert the mechanism into the hole.

It is better not to use glue or sealant for fixing.. They will create difficulties in dismantling in case of breakage. The closer will not shift and will not fall out without additional means of fastening.

Gas lift installation

Operating procedure:

  1. Mark with a pencil the installation locations of the equipment mounts.
  2. For mounting bolts, pre-drill holes. If you use self-tapping screws, you do not need to do this.
  3. Having attached fastenings to the designated places, fix them with self-tapping screws or bolts.
  4. Insert the closer mechanism into the holes of the fasteners, click it into place.

How to fix a broken door closer

Small loop, overhead or mortise mechanisms in case of breakdown are usually not repairable. They are dismantled and replaced with new devices.

To extend the life of the mechanisms, do the following:

  • protect from corrosion if the product is steel (clean rust, treat with anti-corrosion agent, for example, WD-40),
  • lubricate when creaking occurs with machine oil or silicone grease,
  • check and tighten the fasteners.

Lifting mechanisms are more complex, have in their structure more details. Lifts can be disassembled into spare parts and select interchangeable ones.

Repair is available in the following cases:

  1. Oil leak. Find a leak. If it is a small crack, fill it with sealant. Add leaked oil through the holes for the adjustment bolts. A synthetic engine oil or shock absorber is suitable.
  2. Detect cracks and breaks by welding. Level the weld with the surface, sanded.
  3. If the closer bar is bent, straighten it with a hammer. Try to use moderate force so as not to damage the part.

Conclusion

When choosing a closer, pay attention to the look of your furniture, the configuration of the facades, and their material. It is better to purchase devices that you can install on your own or repair if the door closer breaks down on the kitchen unit door.

Loop mechanisms are the easiest to install; equipment and fasteners are not required for their installation. Mortise and overhead models, simple lifting devices are easy to install with your own hands, observing accuracy and accuracy.

Purpose and functions

The task of the closer is to help quietly and smoothly close the cabinet doors. Manufacturers of mechanisms sometimes integrate an additional function that allows you to secure the door in an angled position. Some modern devices can be independently configured by adjusting the opening angle and smoothness.

What are closers

The mechanisms differ in the installation location of the structure and the principle of operation. According to the method of fastening, they distinguish:

  • Cabinet - are installed on the inner wall of the cabinet.

  • Placed between furniture hinges.

By the principle of work there are:

  • oil (able to smoothly close the door),
  • gas (cheaper, but provide a slow door from the middle of the way).

Gas closers are recommended for installation on hinged doors (opening downwards), while oil closers are suitable for swing doors.

Gas lifts

Such devices are simpler than lifts. When closing, the cabinet door presses on the piston. The air in the chamber is compressed, thereby softening the blow. Unlike lifting systems, gas are activated at the end of the door.

In modern systems, manufacturers replaced the air in the chambers with polymer.

The vulnerability of gas closers is that a closed door presses the camera constantly. For this reason, such furniture fittings are relatively short-lived - up to 4 years. But it is notable for its low price and ease of installation.

Drawer Closers

Usually shock absorbers are placed on metaboxes - furniture drawers with a hard, thick bottom, facade and rear part made of chipboard or MDF, the side walls of which are made of metal. There are rails with built-in closers and separate components that make up the box kit.

You can also put shock absorbers on ordinary kitchen drawers with a bottom from fiberboard, but you need to consider the method of fastening before buying. If the installation will be carried out to the bottom, it will require reinforcement. If to the inner wall of the cabinet - the design of the mechanism will not allow you to put it on the lowest drawer (there are exceptions that are mounted above the guide).

You can also purchase ball guides with a built-in closer and replace the standard ones. It will be more expensive, but do not have to redo the design of the headset.

Closers for furniture hinges

There are three varieties of hinged closers:

Standard, embedded in the shoulder that connects to the bowl. The shoulder has a specific spring shape by which it is possible to determine the presence of a closer.

Integrated shock absorbers with adjustment of degree of effort. Depending on the weight and area of ​​the door, reaching the closed state can be slower and faster. Complete or partial “damping” of the impact on the housing is provided.

Overhead closers. You can buy separately from the canopies and install as needed later. Each company produces models that are suitable only for their loops. On facades with three canopies, one or two shock absorbers can be installed if desired.

Overhead closers also produce three types of fasteners:

  • Screwed onto a cup hinge (SOFTECH R).

  • With snap-on hinge cup (WAVE).

  • Snap on shoulder loop (SOFTPLUS).

Dampers

It is also worth mentioning the smallest assistants in the fight against the noise of the facades. Dampers play the same role as door closers - they dampen when the door is closed. They are put in addition to the main mechanisms and come in three types:

  • Overhead. Mounted inside the cabinet to the side wall.

  • Mortise. Crash into the end of the wall or housing cover.

  • Silicone Glued to the end of the cabinet.

How to install

It is not enough to choose good fittings; the installation method and procedure is no less important. The packaging with the mechanism usually contains instructions. Popular brands also place a booklet of each model on the company's website. If you bought products of a Chinese manufacturer without a name and want to assemble the mechanism yourself, and there is no documentation available, we offer a universal gas lift installation guide.

To attach the closer, follow some simple rules:

  1. Before installing the gas lift, draw the layout according to the template on the door and cabinet body.
  2. Screw the hinges to the marked places.
  3. The mechanism should be finally installed after the loops are securely fixed.
  4. Insert the ends of the closer into the special holes inside the hinges until a distinctive click is heard.

A detailed explanation of the process is presented in the video. After installation, check the operation of the mechanism. If the door does not close completely, adjust the density of the door closer with a screw.

For installation of the remaining types, read the relevant instructions.

How to adjust the closer

Simple models are adjustable and not adjustable. Depending on the type of device, the adjustment is made by different methods. Models for drawers and gas lifts can only be adjusted by changing the installation location - they themselves are not configurable.

In those mechanisms where adjustment is possible, you will find a wing or an adjusting screw on the body.

Check door closure for tightness. The adjusting screws must not be loosened completely so that oil does not leak. If it is not in the capsule, the mechanism will stop working. It is necessary to turn the screw slowly, one revolution at a time, so that the closer does not receive damage.

Rhinge adjustment on cabinet doorsalways the same regardless of the presence of a closer.

How to remove and repair a door closer

If the mechanism does not work, it can be removed and repaired. To do this, unscrew the screws from the housing, then from the junction of the lever. Often the problem arises due to the following factors:

  • the mechanism is rusted in humid moist air,
  • the door was opened or closed with effort, interfering with the operation of the closer,
  • the door mechanism was too heavy for the weak mechanism
  • oil has leaked
  • the bar is deformed.

When the rod is deformed, they do this:

  • If the problem is rust, clean with a special grease.
  • A broken rod can be repaired by welding.
  • Small distortions are eliminated with a hammer. You need to work carefully. If the lever does not return to its original shape, the broken part is replaced.
  • With significant deformation, the purchase of a new bar is required.

Repair the damaged part immediately, otherwise the structure breaks completely. The condition of the accessories should be monitored carefully, since it needs more careful care. Wipe the mechanisms periodically from dust and oil.