When it comes to ensuring doors close smoothly and safely, two popular options emerge: spring closers and door closers. Both claim to deliver self-closing functionality, but which one is the better choice? By understanding the features and benefits of each, you can make an informed decision for your door-closing needs.
Why is Waterson Spring Closer Considered to be a Hydraulic Door Closer?
Spring hinge door closers and door closers are essential hardware that provides self-closing features after being opened. They are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings for fire safety purposes. While spring door closers are notorious for slamming, door closers are not so pleasing when installed on an aesthetic door.
Waterson closers with spring feature a built-in spring mechanism that is simple to install and offers adjustable tension and speed.
Waterson Hinges with Adjustable Spring vs Hydraulic Door Closer
Mutual Features
Both spring hinges and door closers share several similarities, including self closing, adjustability, noise reduction, customization, and a wide range of applications. They can automatically close doors after opening, can be adjusted to control closing speed and force, and are designed to minimize noise. Additionally, both can be customized to meet specific requirements, such as slow-closing or fast-closing doors, and can be used in a variety of settings, from residential to commercial environments.
Comparative Aspects
While both spring door closers and traditional door closers share some similarities, spring features have several advantages that set them apart from door closers, making them a more suitable choice for certain applications.
| Self Closing Spring Door Closer | Traditional Door Closer | |
|---|---|---|
| Closer Location | Side of door. Installs easily like regular hinges | Top of the door. Requires additional installation space |
| Aesthetics | Elegant and minimal visual intrusion with PVD Finish | Bulky and significant visual intrusion |
| Opening Force | Effortless | Requires more effort |
| Outdoor Use | Yes, highly weather-resistant | Closing arm susceptible to rust |
| Interior Use | Less likely to be broken or vandalized | Closing arm susceptible to breakage and vandalism |
| Fire Resistance | Up to UL-Listed 3 hours | Various fire-rating levels |
| Durability | 1 million cycle test certified | Various cycle test levels |
| Total Cost | Low installation & maintenance expense | High installation & maintenance expense |
Ultimate Door Solution: Overhead Closer + Regular Hinges = Self Closing Spring Closers
Why Use Waterson Hydraulic Door Spring Closers
Besides the general advantages mentioned above, Waterson heavy duty hydraulic hinges also vary in outstanding features.
- Stainless Steel: Made with 304 and 316 stainless steel to withstand the elements and heavy use.
- Load-bearing Capacity: Waterson hydraulic door closer for heavy doors efficiently support significant loads – three hinges can bear over 260 lbs, and four hinges up to 440 lbs.
- Corrosion Resistance: Exceptionally durable, Waterson closers excel in harsh environments, surpassing ASTM B117 and A156.7 standards in salt spray tests for over 200 hours.
- Weatherproof: Designed to withstand door closer leaking oil, strong winds, rusty, squeaky, noisy, and eventually stuck.
- Fire Door Compliance: Adhering to ANSI/BHMA A156.17 standards, these door closers meet strict quality and safety benchmarks.
- Anti Slamming & Soft Closing: Prevent doors from slamming shut and pose risks like finger trapping and injuries for children.
- ADA Compliance: Meet 32 inch clear width, open force less than 5 lbs, and self-closing mechanisms taking 3-5 seconds to close from 70 degrees to 3 inches of the latch.
Are you looking for these functions? Get Waterson Hydraulic Door Closer now!
Every door spring hinge must wear out over time due to frequent use. While wear and tear is inevitable, Waterson’s mechanical stainless steel hinges come with a 10-year warranty for both interior and exterior use. In contrast, hydraulic hinges typically have a 5-year warranty for interior use and a 3-year warranty for exterior use, with certain exclusions from the warranty. ( See our warranty statement )
Go further with Mechanical vs Hydraulic Comparison here.
Waterson hinges perform best in a swing zone from 0° to 120°. Whereas our
hydraulic hybrid hinge open limit is 120°, the mechanical can be opened
beyond 120° up to 180° .
However, we do not suggest keeping the mechanical over 120° for long periods of time; frequently extending beyond 120° will damage the mechanism and decrease its lifespan. Please note that excessive use over 120° will not be covered by warranty.
Unlike most spring hinges, Waterson’s VISUAL numerical tension panel and patented speed control unit make the adjustment process much more assured and precise. Installers can effortlessly use the installation kit we provide to achieve the ideal tension based on different environments or user needs.
You can take a look at Waterson hinge Adjustment Instructions here.
Waterson Heavy Duty Self Closing Door Closers with Spring
Waterson Spring Door Closers combine an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door stop features. These hydraulic spring closers hevay duty are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. The closers are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson door closers meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being one of the best door hinges for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.
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Please note that Waterson closer hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
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