Door Closers

About Door Closers

Door closers are mechanical devices designed to automatically return doors to a closed position after opening, ensuring security, fire safety and energy efficiency across residential, commercial and industrial properties. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of door closers from trusted brands including Abus, Yale, Union and Draper, covering overhead closers for heavy-duty fire doors, surface mounted options for medium-weight applications, and concealed closers where aesthetics are paramount.

Modern door closers feature adjustable closing speeds, latch action control and backcheck mechanisms to prevent damage from forceful opening. Available in various EN size ratings from lightweight internal doors to heavy commercial fire doors exceeding 100kg, our selection caters to installations requiring compliance with UK Building Regulations and BS EN standards for fire safety and accessibility.

Applications

Door closers are essential equipment for various trades and professionals across UK construction and maintenance sectors:

• Fire Safety Engineers specifying compliant installations for commercial buildings
• Locksmiths and Security Specialists installing comprehensive access control systems
• Carpenters and Joiners fitting fire doors and internal door systems on site work
• Facilities Managers maintaining door hardware in commercial premises
• Shopfitters ensuring security and climate control in retail environments
• Landlords and Property Managers ensuring rental properties meet fire safety regulations
• General Builders completing new build and refurbishment projects
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners improving home security and energy efficiency

Choosing The Right Door Closers

Door Weight and Width: Measure your door's weight in kilograms and match it against the closer's EN size rating. Standard internal doors typically require EN Size 2-3, whilst heavy fire doors may need Size 4-6.

Installation Type: Overhead closers offer versatility and easy adjustment for heavy-duty applications. Surface mounted closers provide simpler installation for lighter doors up to approximately 50kg. Concealed closers deliver invisible solutions but require more complex fitting.

Fire Door Requirements: Fire door closers must be certificated to BS EN 1154 and suitable for the door's fire rating (FD30, FD60). They must not have hold-open features unless connected to automatic release systems linked to fire alarms.

Adjustability Features: Look for closers with adjustable closing speed, latch action and backcheck for fine-tuning to suit different door weights and accessibility requirements whilst maintaining compliance.

Environmental Conditions: Consider whether the closer will face external weather exposure, requiring corrosion-resistant finishes, as temperature extremes can affect hydraulic fluid performance.

Safety Information

Always follow manufacturer's installation instructions precisely, ensuring fixings are appropriate for door and frame materials. When fitting closers to fire doors, ensure the complete installation maintains the door's fire rating certification. Never disable or remove closers from fire doors, as this breaches fire safety legislation under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Adjust closing force to the minimum necessary for proper latching. Excessive force can make doors difficult to open for elderly people, children or those with disabilities, potentially breaching the Equality Act 2010. Inspect door closers regularly for fluid leaks, loose fixings and worn components, replacing damaged units promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size door closer do I need for a standard internal fire door?

Most standard UK fire doors in commercial buildings require an EN Size 3 door closer, suitable for doors up to approximately 80kg and 1100mm wide. FD30 and FD60 fire doors must have closers certificated to BS EN 1154. Always verify your specific door weight against manufacturer recommendations available at MyToolShed.co.uk.

Why does my door closer slam shut or close too slowly?

Door closers have adjustable valves (accessible via small screws on the body) controlling closing speed and latch action. Use the appropriate adjustment key to fine-tune settings – typically turning clockwise slows the action whilst anti-clockwise speeds it up. Make small adjustments and test repeatedly. If adjustment doesn't resolve the issue, the closer may have lost hydraulic fluid and require replacement.

Can I fit a hold-open feature to a fire door closer?

Fire doors must remain closed unless fitted with an automatic release mechanism connected to the building's fire alarm system. Free-swing or mechanical hold-open features without automatic release are not permitted on fire doors under UK Building Regulations, as they compromise fire compartmentation and building safety.