Door Closers

About Door Closers

Door closers are essential mechanical devices designed to automatically close doors after they've been opened, ensuring they return to a secure, closed position every time. Widely used across residential, commercial and industrial settings throughout the UK, these devices play a critical role in fire safety, security, energy efficiency and noise control. Whether you're a professional tradesperson installing fire safety equipment or a homeowner looking to improve draught exclusion, choosing the right door closer is essential for compliance and performance.

At TooledUp.com, we stock a comprehensive range of door closers from trusted brands including ABUS, Yale, Union and Draper. Our selection includes overhead door closers for heavy-duty fire doors, surface mounted closers for medium-weight applications, and concealed door closers for installations where aesthetics are paramount. Each type offers different installation methods, weight capacities and adjustment features to suit various door sizes and usage frequencies.

Modern door closers feature adjustable closing speeds, latching action control and backcheck mechanisms to prevent damage from doors being opened too forcefully. With products suitable for doors ranging from lightweight internal doors up to heavy commercial fire doors exceeding 100kg, our range caters to installations requiring compliance with UK Building Regulations and BS EN standards for fire safety and accessibility.

Jargon Buster

• EN Size Rating: A standardised classification system (typically EN 1-7) that indicates the maximum door size and weight a closer can handle. Size 3 is common for standard commercial doors, while Size 7 suits heavy industrial applications.
• Backcheck: A resistance mechanism that prevents the door from being opened too quickly or forcefully, protecting both the door closer and the surrounding walls from impact damage.
• Delayed Action: A feature allowing the door to remain open longer at a specific angle (typically around 90 degrees) before closing begins, useful for wheelchair access and compliance with Part M Building Regulations.
• Closing Force: The adjustable power with which the door pulls shut, measured in accordance with BS EN 1154. This must be sufficient to overcome air pressure and seals whilst remaining safe for all users.
• Latch Action: An increased closing force in the final degrees of door travel to ensure the latch engages properly, particularly important for fire doors requiring positive latching.
• Free Swing: A hold-open function allowing the door to remain open at any angle without spring pressure, often disabled on fire doors for safety compliance reasons.

Who Uses Door Closers?

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

• Fire Safety Engineers and Consultants 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 and Building Maintenance Teams maintaining existing door hardware in commercial premises
• Shopfitters and Retail Installers ensuring security and climate control in retail environments
• Electricians and Alarm Engineers integrating door closers with access control and fire alarm systems
• General Builders and Contractors completing new build and refurbishment projects
• Landlords and Property Managers ensuring rental properties meet fire safety regulations
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners improving home security, energy efficiency and fire safety

How to Choose the Right Door Closers

Selecting the appropriate door closer requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure proper function and regulatory compliance:

Door Weight and Width: Measure your door's weight in kilograms and check 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. Door width also affects the required closing force.

Installation Type: Overhead closers are the most common and versatile option, suitable for heavy-duty applications and easily adjustable. Surface mounted closers offer simpler installation for lighter doors up to approximately 50kg. Concealed closers provide an invisible solution but require more complex installation, often best left to experienced tradespeople.

Fire Door Requirements: If installing on fire doors, ensure the closer is certificated to BS EN 1154 and suitable for the door's fire rating (FD30, FD60, etc.). Fire door closers 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. These allow fine-tuning to suit different door weights, wind pressure and user requirements whilst maintaining compliance with accessibility standards.

Environmental Conditions: Consider whether the door closer will be exposed to external weather conditions, requiring corrosion-resistant finishes, or if it's for internal use only. Temperature extremes can affect hydraulic fluid performance in some models.

Accessibility Requirements: Building Regulations Part M specifies maximum opening forces for accessible doors. Choose closers with delayed action features and adjustable resistance to accommodate wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Popular Accessories

• Door Closer Arms and Brackets: Replacement components for damaged or worn parts, available in various finishes to match existing hardware
• Hold-Open Devices: Electromagnetic or mechanical hold-open arms that release automatically when fire alarms activate
• Overhead Door Stops: Protect walls and furniture from impact damage when doors are opened
• Drop Seals and Threshold Strips: Work alongside door closers to improve acoustic and thermal insulation
• Intumescent Seals: Essential for fire door installations, expanding in heat to seal gaps
• Spy Viewers and Letter Plates: Complementary door hardware for security and functionality
• Adjustment Keys and Allen Keys: Specific tools for fine-tuning closing speed and force settings
• Fixing Screws and Rawlplugs: Quality fixings appropriate for door frame materials

Safety Information

Door closers must be installed and maintained correctly to ensure they function safely and comply with UK regulations:

Installation Safety: Always follow manufacturer's installation instructions precisely. Ensure fixings are appropriate for the door and frame material – inadequate fixings can result in the closer tearing free, causing injury or property damage. Use proper drill bits and Rawlplugs rated for the load when fixing to masonry or hollow doors.

Fire Door Compliance: When fitting door 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 compromises building safety and may breach fire safety legislation. Regular inspection and maintenance are legal requirements for fire doors in commercial premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Accessibility Considerations: Adjust closing force to the minimum necessary to ensure proper latching. Excessive force can make doors difficult to open for elderly people, children or those with disabilities, potentially breaching the Equality Act 2010. The HSE recommends maximum opening forces of 30N for internal doors in accessible buildings.

Maintenance: Inspect door closers regularly for fluid leaks, loose fixings and worn components. Replace damaged closers promptly, as malfunctioning units may allow fire doors to remain open or cause doors to slam dangerously.

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. However, always check your specific door weight and the manufacturer's recommendations. FD30 and FD60 fire doors must have closers certificated to BS EN 1154.

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 that don't release automatically are not permitted on fire doors under UK Building Regulations, as they compromise fire compartmentation.

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

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

What's the difference between overhead and concealed door closers?

Overhead closers mount visibly on top of the door and frame, offering the strongest performance and easiest adjustment – ideal for fire doors and heavy-duty applications. Concealed closers install within the door and frame, remaining invisible when the door is closed, but they're typically limited to lighter doors (up to 50kg) and require more complex installation involving routing out sections of the door and frame.

Do I need different door closers for external doors?

External doors require door closers rated for outdoor use, with corrosion-resistant finishes and seals that withstand temperature variations and moisture. Check the manufacturer's specifications for temperature ranges – some hydraulic fluids can thicken in cold weather, affecting performance. Consider a higher EN size rating to overcome wind pressure and weather seals on external doors.