Have Your Doors Move Smoothly Using the Best Door Closers
Nothing does a good door more disservice than constant slamming because of traffic going through it. If you’re the sort of person who hates it when someone slams a door or feels irritated when they leave doors open, then a door closer is just the thing for you. Check out our reviews for the highest-rated door closers in 2022 along with a complete buyers’ guide and frequently asked questions.
Door closers help protect your doors and door frames by making sure they close gently. They also prevent doors from slamming on the adjacent wall if someone walks in with too much force. One of the main reasons why it is advised to get door closers is because they are essential for fire safety and handicap inclusive settings as well.
Subsequently, even in households, a door closer can be important in high traffic areas. It can keep the door open for easily moving furniture and objects in and out of rooms and can also help connectivity between spaces during parties. Get the perfect door closer to provide your space with an extra sense of comfort.
Buying Guide: Door Closers
Door closers vary depending on the type of door they are used for and the closing mechanism they feature. Every room or building has its own need for a specific type of door closer. Most people buy them based on aesthetic appearance, however, understanding their function and use is equally as important.
To help you make a better decision in picking the perfect door closers, we have assembled a detailed buyers’ guide with updated information and important tips. Here are some of the most crucial factors to keep in mind when buying a door closer:
Closing Mechanism
Some door closers use a spring mechanism, whilst others have a hydraulic mechanism, and the rest use a pneumatic mechanism. It is important to know the difference between each:
Spring
A spring door closer uses a coiled spring to generate the momentum of the door to close shut. These are the simplest and most used door closers.
Hydraulic
A hydraulic door closer uses a liquid piston mechanism to push the door closed. This is a very popular door close option for heavier doors in low-traffic areas.
Pneumatic
Similar to the hydraulic system, the pneumatic system uses a piston filled with air that is released to push the door closed. It is easily adjustable and can give you variable closing speeds as well.
Dimensions of the Door
The weight and width of the door are two of the most important determinants when deciding what kind of door closer to choose. Light doors that are not too wide can easily function on touch-and-hold mechanism door closers.
However, heavier doors tend to slam shut easily and need slower mechanisms such as pneumatic door closers. Some heavy doors include metal doors, solid wood doors, and others. Lighter doors include storm or screen doors, sheet wood doors, and other hollow choices.
It is very important to match the correct type of door closer according to the dimension of the door because if you use a weak door closer with a wide and heavy door, not only will the product wear out faster but it won’t be able to function well. The weight of a door is influenced by the type of material it is made out of.
Amount of Traffic
Another important thing to take into consideration is the traffic a door has to accommodate. Doors that are opened less often can easily use door closers that have slow working mechanisms. However, the same mechanisms would not work as well in areas where the door is frequently opened and closed. Not choosing the right product according to your requirement can cause the door closer to wear out faster.
Similarly, doors that open and close frequently do not need very strong door closers either, as the door is almost always in momentum. This makes it easier to open and close, and since such doors are lighter in weight, you can use normal or light door closers for them.
Type of Door Closer
Door closers are of various types. Some of the most common commercial and domestic types are:
Regular arm
The regular arm door closer is found on the exterior of a door. It functions on the pull-slide method and is the best option for regular doors. One arm of the door closer is attached to the frame and the other is attached to the closing mechanism. When the door is opened, the spring in the closing mechanism is coiled which pushes the door closed to go back to its original state.
Parallel arm
The parallel arms door closer is the most common commercial type of door closer. It has two parallel arms that are found on top of the door. When the door opens, these arms are perpendicular to each other. The coiled spring makes the door close and due to their location, they are harder to breakthrough.
Top jab mount
Top jab mounts have the closing mechanism attached to the doorframe whilst the arm protrudes perpendicularly when the door is opened. These door closers are usually found in an aluminum frame or glass doors that have narrow tops.
Concealed in the door
Some door closers are concealed inside the door to increase the aesthetic appeal of the door. They are usually used for lighter doors that do not have much traffic go through them. You can see such doors in offices or teachers’ rooms.
Concealed in the floor
These door closers tend to address the aesthetic concern as well as manage heavier doors when it comes to closing them. The spring mechanism is in place in a panel under the door within its sliding range or opening area. It holds the door in place and closes it as per requirement.
Speed of Closing
The speed of the door closer also needs to be taken into consideration. Some door closers have the option to stop and keep the door open till someone closes it. These are the touch-and-hold systems. Others close the door shut almost immediately whilst some close it rather slowly.
Rooms that often require privacy prefer to have door closers that shut immediately whilst shops and classrooms are fine for slow closers. Homes and commercial doors usually require an option to keep the door open for various reasons like bringing in furniture, etc.
Aesthetic
The last factor to take into consideration on our list is aesthetics. Door closers can sometimes ruin the appeal of a room or door for some people. In that case, it is better to have discreet or built-in door closers.
However, if one just wants an object to do its job without giving importance to its aesthetic value then any door closer works fine. The most common door closers make use of the spring coil mechanism or the touch-and-hold mechanism.
Comparing the Best Door Closer Of 2022
Onarway Adjustable Door Closer
– Best Overall
The Onarway Adjustable Door Closer is the perfect product to protect your door and lock from wear due to slamming. Its high-grade commercial aluminum body supports a hydraulic system that makes it easier for you to adjust the speed of the closing. The manufacturer specifically states that it is not for light doors.
It typically supports doors weighing 45-60kgs and has a wide opening range up to 180 degrees. Since this product is made with top-quality materials, it is oxidation resistant and will not rust. Moreover, this durable product is easy to install and comes with a guide.
- Has a wide door opening range
- Easy to install
- Made of anti rust material
- Sturdy and durable build
- May not support heavier doors
Write Products Pneumatic Closer
– Editor’s Choice
The Write Products Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Closer is one of the best products for storm and screen doors. It comes in the classic white color that matches most household storm doors, as well as a black and aluminum shade. Its mechanism supports outward opening doors and makes sure to close them without a slam.
The heavy-duty product works well with both wooden and metal doors. Above all, it is easy to install. The range of the door is 90 degrees and offers adjustable closing speeds for your door.
- Easy to install
- White color blends with most doors
- Offers adjustable closing speeds
- Heavy duty product for durability
- Piston may be loud at times
FORTSTRONG Automatic Door Closer
– Best Automatic
If you’re looking for a door closer for low to medium traffic areas that also includes all required parts for installation, then the FORTSTRONG Automatic Door Closer is definitely the one for you. This product prevents slamming when the door is closed, and its closing speed can be adjusted.
Made of high-grade aluminum, it is resistant to rusting and damage. The most prominent feature is that it is easy to install and comes with all the screws and materials required for the installation process. This item comes in a silver finish that blends in most environments.
- Prevents slamming when closed
- High-grade aluminum build for durability
- Adjustable closing speed
- Easy to install
- May not work with heavier doors
Touch ‘n Hold Smooth Door Closer
– Best Function
The pioneer of the hold system, the Touch ‘n Hold Smooth Door Closer is the first of its kind to introduce a mechanism to keep the door open for as long as you need to. It comes with a hands-free hold option that can be activated with your foot. The product has a wide opening range, hence the door can easily be extended.
The easy-release mechanism is activated by pushing the door forward from the hold and it closes without a slam. Resistant to wear, this product is easy to install and can be adjusted for various types of doors. The best part is that it comes in a variety of colors.
- Keeps the door open for as long as you want
- Closes without slamming
- Easy to install
- Wide opening range
- Rain may affect the mechanism
National Hardware Door Closer
– Best Durability
The final product on the list is the National Hardware Door Closer. It also adopts the one-touch and hold mechanism, but improves upon it with the introduction of an ergonomic button design. This product also sports an easy auto-release option. The unique design can be attached to the top, middle, or bottom of the door.
Although this product only comes in the classic white color, it is perfect for screen and storm doors. The build is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. Along with the product, the screws for fastening it in place are also included. This makes the installation process much easier.
- The ergonomic button design makes the product easy to use
- One-touch and hold mechanism
- Durable and lifetime warranty
- Easy to install
- Available in just 1 color, white
People Also Asked
A: The spring size on a door closer means the amount of power it has to close the door shut. Spring sizes usually vary from 1 to 6, with 1 being the weakest and 6 the strongest. This is also referred to as spring power.
A: Yes, heavier doors generally need more powerful closers. On average, heavy wooden or metallic doors have a closer with a strength of 4 or higher to make sure they close on their own. If you have a weak closer on a heavy door, the door might not close on its own.
A: The touch-and-hold door closer is best for keeping doors open when needed by pressing a button with your foot. These door closers have a dual function and are extremely handy in high-traffic areas.
