Options for furniture hinges with closers and their features

Correct placement of doors on furniture ensures long service life and ease of use. From time to time it may happen that the doors are sloping or do not open well. At such moments, the mood deteriorates sharply. That is why it is worth paying much closer attention to the correct installation and design of furniture hinges. Installation must take place in accordance with the rules, because all subsequent use depends on the quality of the installation.

In modern conditions, there are a great many varieties of furniture hinges, each of which is popular with customers in its own way. For example, more modern cabinets use a four-hinged type of hinge. In Europe, such loops are called “hidden”.

Features of hinges with a closer

The main purpose of using such mechanisms is to eliminate popping noise when closing furniture doors. In this case, a person does not need to control the position of moving structural elements. Hinges help you return the door to its place without outside help. There is no cotton even if effort is made to close the cabinet.

The design of the hinge closer is quite complex compared to the classic version. There is a spring installed inside. However, for smooth operation, a special environment is provided, thanks to which the closer mechanism is activated. Despite the complexity of the design, the appearance of such hinges in most cases does not differ much from the classic version. Thanks to this, the attractiveness of the furniture facade is not reduced.

The closer hinge is mounted on the surface of the door and the fixed wall. There is no need to carry out complex work on inserting it into the canvas. The quality of closing the door depends on the material from which it is made. The loop is installed in accordance with the weight of the canvas. For cabinets and interior doors, a lightweight design option is selected. If you install a more powerful closer, there will be difficulties when closing, which is due to the relationship between weight and spring force.

What to do if nothing works out?

It happens that the door closer is adjusted with good information preparation, the instructions are at hand, but still the result cannot be achieved.

The range of modern door closers is very diverse.

In this case, the point is the wrong choice of this part, especially for heavy metal entrance doors. Most likely, the European standard index does not match the weight or width of the door, the fastening angle is incorrectly attached, or the holes for the screws on which the closer is held are shifted.

In this case, the question of how to adjust the closer is not correct, since you need to change the intercom doors, or, more likely, remove the closer and install a new, more powerful one. You should also pay attention to the lever; it must be perpendicular to the plane of the door. If it is misaligned, one of the closer links may need to be moved. When purchasing door closers, know that adjustment is simple, especially if you have not lost the instructions.

Source: o-dveryah.ru

Operating principle

The mechanism inside the hinge structure acts as a shock absorber. The internal spring itself will not provide the required result. For this reason, a piston was provided for the hinges. It moves under the influence of pressure exerted by the liquid during the transition towards the closer capsule. Such a medium initially contains a spring. The slowdown of its operation (compression, extension) is ensured due to the viscous medium (oil).

The closer is distinguished by its functionality, as it also works in the closing mode. At the same time, the door response speed decreases or, conversely, increases. When the door is in the open position, it rests against the protruding part of the closer. To close the cabinet, more significant force is applied to the canvas. In this case, the lumen of the channel for the outflow of the piston decreases. Door closers of all types operate on the basis of this mechanism.

There are devices that operate on the basis of a gaseous medium. In this case, no oil is used. The function of a viscous medium is performed by gas. Such models of door closers operate effectively, but in most cases they do not work for long, which is due to their insufficiently reliable design.

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive traits:

• no noise when closing doors;
• it becomes possible to install a façade that is more weighty;
• the door is tight against the cabinet walls;
• it is possible to adjust the closer to change the speed of closing the cabinet;
• ease of installation and operation;
• there is no risk of the contents of the closer (viscous medium) getting on the walls or door of the cabinet, since the liquid is reliably protected by a fuse;
• there is no need for maintenance or repair of this type of hinge, which is due to the high reliability of the design, and even long-term or intensive use does not lead to breakdown of the mechanism;
• universal application: possibility of installation outdoors, in the house, since the temperature range is quite wide;
• the door is fixed in the open position, the design of the closer allows it to be held;
• metal products do not rust; if there are plastic structural elements, the door closer is also resistant to moisture, which expands the scope of application of such devices;
• adjustment, assembly and installation do not require the use of special, complex tools.

Such devices have much fewer disadvantages. First of all, they note the need for precise installation. It is important to adjust the mechanism so that during operation there are no problems in the form of a loose door fit, distortions, etc. Another disadvantage is the limitation when using a door closer containing oil. The working fluid becomes more viscous if the ambient temperature decreases. For this reason, devices in this group are recommended to be installed only in well-heated rooms.

What exactly can be adjusted

Special “settings” of the closer involve adjusting three of its functions:

• Door closing speed. It is important, since strangers may have time to enter behind a resident walking into the entrance. It is important that the door closes at intervals of 5–7 seconds per person. In addition, when the door closes slowly, cold comes into the entrance, insects fly, and homeless animals run.

• Intermediate travel of the web. This refers to the speed of attraction of the leaf to the magnet. That is, the interval of movement of the canvas after full opening. By adjusting this parameter, you can ensure that the sash is always open.
• Damn it. That is, direct contact of the door with the trap or magnet. It is undesirable for a door with a closer to hit the frame with all its might. This is uncomfortable for the user and harmful to the casher/magnet.

How to choose hinges with a closer

We consider different types of products that differ in purpose:

• for installation on wooden structures;
• for plastic doors;
• for metal sheets (divided into groups: for aluminum and steel);
• for glass.

Products for metal doors are divided into groups: welded, overhead, hidden. Analogs for installation on glass sheets differ in that they are protected on the inside with a special coating that prevents excessive friction of metal on glass. The closers also differ in appearance. They are coated with different alloys and metals. Available finishes: nickel, gold, bronze, chrome.

These devices are similar in their mechanism of action, but they differ in design and appearance. For example, models for installation in cabinets with hinged doors are characterized by small sizes and are located in a horizontal plane. There are rod analogues. These are large-sized closers that are mounted in cabinets equipped with lifting doors.

General rules

First you need to determine what type of device is suitable for installation on furniture. Then the parameters of the types of products that were selected are studied in order to highlight the most suitable options. The main criteria to pay attention to:

• the capabilities of the closer must correspond to the weight and dimensions of the door leaf;
• take into account the type of material from which the door is made;
• select devices taking into account the installation method: overhead, hidden;
• hinges are acquired taking into account the operating conditions; oil and gaseous substances inside the closer behave differently under the influence of high and low temperatures.

It is important that the products are of high quality. It is not recommended to purchase the most affordable varieties. Their service life is much shorter. This also applies to products of unknown brands. It is recommended to consider devices from trusted brands.

Which manufacturers are worthy of attention?

The products of some brands are most popular due to their quality and reliability:

• GTV;
• Bloom;
• Hettich;
• Boyard;
• Fuaro;
• Dorma;
• SISO;
• KM-Tech;
• Morelli Innovation.

What are they suitable for?

Hinges with closers are widely used in the manufacture of cabinet furniture for household, office and commercial purposes. Thanks to the self-closing mechanism, it is possible to avoid damage to the facades, which is especially important when furniture is used frequently. Hinges with clinches are used in the manufacture of the following furniture structures:

• bedroom sets - wardrobes, fronts of dressing tables and chests of drawers. Sliding systems with closers are used for sliding wardrobes and dressing rooms, and meta boxes for drawers;
• kitchen units - wall cabinets and tables. Using hinges, it is convenient to close the upper and lower cabinets of furniture with virtually no effort;
• furniture for children's rooms and living rooms, desks for schoolchildren. To prevent a child from slamming doors when using furniture frequently, it is worth equipping cabinets and tables with closers;
• office furniture - computer desks, shelves with doors for storing papers and documents. Company employees use furniture every day; it is important that it closes smoothly;
• trade groups – glass showcases. To display goods under glass for commercial purposes, cabinets with glass display cases are installed. Furniture hinges are installed on an aluminum profile frame.

If you install a hinge with a closer directly on the glass sheet with preliminary drilling, the fragile material may not withstand frequent use. By enclosing the glass in a metal frame, the installation of the hinge will be more reliable.

Installation Rules

When it is planned to place a powerful closer on a lifting door, the main part of the structure (piston) is placed on the stationary part of the cabinet. The remaining elements of the device are fixed to the door. To install an overhead door closer, you must follow the instructions:

1. The area of ​​the door and the cabinet wall is marked. The closer is installed at a distance of at least 20 mm from the edge (adjacent to the fixed part of the furniture). 120 mm depart from the upper/lower edge of the canvas.
2. When installing, take into account the possibility of movement of the top drawer. Nothing should interfere with him.
3. A cut-in is made along the marked lines: excess material is removed with a milling cutter, which allows the hinge bowl to be positioned.
4. At the last stage, the product is fixed with self-tapping screws at different points.

Cabinet hardware manufacturers

Expensive oil closers use higher quality and more expensive oil. Let's look at the most popular manufacturers of kitchen furniture fittings:

1. BLUM fittings. Austrian company producing various kitchen accessories. The most popular manufacturer of lifting mechanisms in Russia is bloom. The price of products is very varied (from 140 rubles to 800 rubles).
2. Vauth Sagel. The second most popular manufacturer, popular in Russia. The German company is recognized as the best in the world. The price for closers is from 300 rubles to 1000 rubles.
3. Hettih. German company - manufacturer. The cost of mechanisms and handles for kitchen furniture ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.
4. Siro. Austrian company. The price of door closers ranges from 130 rubles to 500 rubles.
5. agoform. The German company is a manufacturer of fittings for kitchen furniture. The cost of the company's products varies from 200 rubles to 900 rubles.

presentation of Bloom accessories:

Kitchen cabinets are used daily, which wears out the fittings. It is necessary to timely care for and clean the door closers from dirt.

• When a squeak appears, you need to tighten all the screws on the hinges.
• All fittings and roof rails in the kitchen interior are cleaned with soapy water and clean napkins.
• The hinges must be lubricated periodically.
• Do not clean the door closer mechanism with soda or other granular cleaning agents.
• You cannot “help” door closers close the doors all the way.

The mechanism of the closers is very simple, so breakdowns with proper operation are practically excluded. If a breakdown does occur, it is better to call a specialist or replace the broken door closer with a new one.

Make your kitchen more convenient

Interesting cuisine

There are many manufacturing companies with different prices for kitchen accessories, so choosing closers according to your capabilities and needs is quite easy. Installing the mechanism is also not difficult. The main thing is to follow the instructions exactly. You need to take care of kitchen fittings in the same way as all other household items. Proper installation and maintenance will allow you to enjoy silent closing of kitchen cabinet doors for a long time.

Nuances of adjustment

If necessary, the loops are adjusted. This allows you to change the speed of the door movement. The simplest option is to move the canvas under its own weight. This ensures its smooth closing without human intervention. The speed can be adjusted up or down. A Phillips screwdriver is used for this purpose. Adjustment recommendations:

• first adjust the position of the door in the vertical plane, then in the horizontal plane;
• It may be necessary to adjust the level of the furniture itself; if necessary, it is adjusted;
• to level the canvas in height, proceed to changing the position of the fasteners on the fixed part of the cabinet;
• There should be no gap left between the door leaf and the furniture structure; for this, bolts on the closer body are used.

The advantage of such devices is the ability to perform three-dimensional adjustments - in different planes. Adjustment allows you to hide various defects: unevenness of the floor, load-bearing structures of the object. Thanks to this, the straight line of the facades helps to visually correct defects in other coatings in the room.

However, significant curvature of the floor and walls cannot be hidden in this way. Further use of furniture on these surfaces will lead to damage to the closer, and the doors will become deformed along with it. For this reason, furniture should be placed on a prepared floor.

Drilling holes

Installation is carried out with all the rules:

• The depth of the hole for the furniture hinge should be about thirteen millimeters. If possible, the insertion of furniture hinges should not be deeper, otherwise the front side of the canvas may crack;
• The diameter of the hole depends strictly on the cup of the loop. Tools must be completely aligned with their axis to prevent damage to the surface;
• A sharpened cutter will help protect the blade from damage and chips;
• Do not rush while drilling, otherwise there is a risk of doing it sloppily;
• It is worth paying attention to the dimensions of the cups and their dimensions when installing furniture hinges;

Having drilled one hole, proceed to the next and so on until all the holes for laying the hinges are prepared.

What tools should I use for this?

The bowl must be secured to the facade, and the bar to the body of the bedside table. The furniture hinge must be inserted into the hole, which must be made in advance. The shoulder of the loop becomes a kind of bridge, now connecting both parts. To make holes for such loops, you need to prepare the following tools:

• screwdriver or drill;
• special drill-mill;

The diameter of the cutter for the hole for a furniture hinge is 35 millimeters or 25-26mm. It is selected depending on the size of the loop cups. To create holes for such hinges, you can also use a simple drill.

A multifunctional drill, with attachments that are easy to replace, is quite suitable for such work.

The middle spike must be installed in the center of the circle, outlined using a specially prepared caliber. Automatic calibration is used on the corresponding machines, but at home the master cannot do without a specialized electric tool.

During installation, hinges require a high level of care and precision. The chance to complete exactly the required niche is the most important advantage of the so-called Forstner drill. It can provide a stop that will prevent you from penetrating further than required. And the teeth of the drill do not allow it to deviate from the intended “course”. The end result is an almost perfect hole. And due to this, the cup fits into the recess quite tightly.

But the above-mentioned drill also has one significant drawback, which manifests itself when working with a solid piece of wood. This is low quality, which is to be expected if the instrument was not made in a factory. This is why you should choose tools exclusively from official companies. And, of course, don’t forget about warranty cards.

Depending on the type of panel you are working with, the cutter can get quite hot. Due to this, it can burn the edges and wood that is removed from the recess. That is why, when working with such a foundation, you should not forget about breaks in work. So that the drills have time to cool down at least a little. Working in three or four sets will be ideal. Particular attention should be paid to breaks when working with MDF sheets. If the activity is carried out with chipboard sheets, parts made of strong alloys can make recesses for hinges really quickly and without much stress.