What can you tell me about self-closing hinges for a door (regular house door, like to the bathroom). Are there types that are adjustable, so it doesn’t close too fast or whatever?
forestgirl — you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the girl 😉
Replies
To my experience all the self closing hinges depend on a spring of some sort, and have no way of slowing the door as it reaches the closed position. Best thing is to adjust the hinge spring so it's just enough to close the door without slamming it. You could also put some pads on the door stop, like they do with cabinet doors.
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Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.net
See some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
If you're talking about the type that is part of the hinge, then it's usually just a simple spring plus an optional damper. The better ones are adjustable, and the damper gives you some control over the smoothness of the closing motion.
If you're talking about the commercial type (the kind where there's a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder sitting at the top of the door, connected to the jamb by a linkage; lighter duty versions are used on screen doors), then there are all kinds of options. You can get ones that close smoothly, then hold up just before they close (so they don't slam), or ones that close smoothly and then speed up just before they close, to ensure that they latch.
Then there are the Star Trek-style doors, which are operated by two guys hidden in the walls pulling ropes....
-Steve
"...the type that is part of the hinge, then it's usually just a simple spring plus an optional damper." Yeah, that type would probably work.
"...Star Trek-style doors, which are operated by two guys hidden in the walls pulling ropes" Nah, this is a 98% women bathroom, we'd be leary of the guys with the ropes.
The restroom in the "lobby" at the horse arena has an automatic light and heater, fancy dancy thing, but if people forget to close the door, the heater is trying to heat the outside too! I'm rapidly becoming the on-site fix-it gal, so I'm thinking I could replace the hinges.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
If you opt for the guys pulling ropes method, I think I can be available. :D--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
"I think I can be available. :D" I bet! ;-)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
FG ,
Look for Baumer brand hinges , also hydraulic self closing hinges will work.
dusty
In my area they are a rquirement for house to garage doors. You rotate the pin w/ a supplied little tool which adjusts the tension, then locks in place w/ an allen screw. Generally only 1 is req'd on the ctr hinge.
"Generally only 1 is req'd on the ctr hinge." That is good news! Didn't think about using just one self-closing hinge. Thanks!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie, google up HouseofAntiqueHardware.com
One hinge is all you need .Can be either on top
or bottom hinge placement.Adjustible price $11.49
item # -04em-95023X
Edited 3/2/2008 2:18 pm ET by Steinmetz
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