How to modify a hinge into an invisible gravity door closer
A high-quality door closer not only ensures ease of handling the door, but also helps reduce wear on hinges and other door fittings. The price of modern door closers is quite impressive, so making it yourself, or adapting something suitable, can save a lot of money. The work will not require special qualifications or any special knowledge.
Gravity door closer
This version of the closer can be combined with a door hinge with a diameter of 16 mm. At the bottom of the hinge we install a small ball bearing with an outer diameter of 15 mm and an inner diameter of 6 mm. To fix the bearing, we make a threaded hole for a bolt, which keeps the bearing from moving.
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In the upper part of the loop we also cut a hole with an M6 thread. Then, from a round water pipe of suitable diameter, we cut out a fragment of the required length with a longitudinal groove and one end beveled. Increasing the bevel angle leads to faster closing of the door leaf.
We place a fragment cut from a water pipe on the upper part of the loop so that the upper end of the bevel is on the surface of the outer ring of the bearing. Slightly lifting the door leaf, we secure the trim in this position with a bolt and washer screwed through the groove into the threaded hole in the upper part of the hinge.
Such a closer operates from the weight of the door leaf, which is why it is called gravity. When we open it, the bevel of the lining, together with the top of the hinge, rotates, sliding along the bearing, and lifts the door tightly. Closing of the canvas occurs under its own weight and the bevel of the lining returns to its original position.
This gravity closer has one significant drawback: there must be a gap between the upper part of the door leaf and the cross member of the frame, otherwise this closer design will not work.
Bonus: Door closer based on a furniture gas spring
We will use a furniture gas spring that creates a force of at least 60 Newton. This is enough for a door leaf of medium size and weight.
We fix one bracket, bent and welded from sheet metal, horizontally to the vertical post of the door frame using two self-tapping screws, and the second to the door leaf.
The closing force of the door leaf greatly depends on the location of the bracket on the leaf. The closer we attach the bracket to the edge of the door leaf, the greater the closing force will be.
