Frequently Asked Questions

Do’s & Don’ts

Selection of Hinges

SOFTERCLOS^TM hinges comes in left or right-closing sets. Different countries have their own interpretation of hinge sides. To complicate maters, where one stands also affects how we determine whether the hinges are left-handed or right. To avoid confusion, we recommend the following standardisation; the user or installer must stand in the position where he or she can see the cylinder (also called shaft or knuckle). The hinge to his or her left (with his eyes affixed to the hinge cylinder, shaft or knuckle) shall be called the LEFT hinges, and the hinge to his or her right the RIGHT hinges. Please refer to Diagram 1 below.

Pre-installation Pointers

Installation of SOFTERCLOSTM hinges, are generally similar to that of ordinary hinges.

Please take note of the following:

Pay atention to the positioning of respective hinges which have specific functions and are thus different from one another.

Wrong positioning may render the hinges ineffective and prevent them from working. For correct positioning, please refer to Diagram 1 on page 9.

1. Determine door is left or right-handed and choose appropriate hinges.

2. The spring hinges with door stop must be installed at the top and botom of the door (the cylinder of the hinge has two SS pins one above the other). The hydraulic hinge must be installed in the middle (the cylinder of the hinge has two pins placed horizontally at the top).

3. The top and botom hinges should be installed approximately 200mm from the top and botom of edge of the door panel respectively.

4. If the gap between door jamb and door panel is more than 5mm; the door frame must not but against the hinge cylinder.

5. If the clearance between door jamb and door panel is less than 5mm; the door panel can be installed against the cylinder of the hinge (Ø23mm).

6. Ensure that the hinges are in a free hanging state (the door can open and close freely by hand). 7. The suggested door panel thickness is 42-50mm.

Installation

1. Inspect and confirm appropriate hinge closing direction (L or R).

2. Mill out slots on both the door panel and door frame in the predetermined location for installation of the hinges. Ensure the hinges are on the same axis and are level with the surface of the door. Avoid twisting the hinge during installation as this may affect its functionality.

The dimensions of each slot is as follows:
Slot length: 150+0.5mm

Slot width: 37+0.5mm

Slot thickness: 9+0.5mm

3. Sit the hinge into the slot tightly. Mark the location of the seven installation holes and drill the holes with Ø3mm diameter drill bit. Use self-tapping screws to fasten the top and botom hinges, making sure that the screw heads are neither inclined nor higher than the surface of the hinges. All hinges must be on a common axis.

4. Install the door panel unto the door frame as per the following instructions:

A. Stand the door in an upright position; ensure that the clearance between the top of the door panel and botom of the door frame is approximately 2mm. The clearance between the botom of door panel and the finished floor level should be more than 5mm. The clearance between door panel thickness and door frame seal should be approximately 2mm.

B. Draw the outline of the hinges on the door frame and installation hole. C. Drill 3mm-diameter pilot holes in marked hole positions of the top, middle and botom hinges.

D. Ensure the top and botom hinges are on a common axis when fastening them to the door frame.

E. Test for successful fixing of the door panel by moving the door back and forth and making sure it opens easily as well as quietly.

5. How to set the closing strength of the top and bottom hinges:

A. Remove the caps of the top and botom hinges by turning caps in an anti- clockwise direction.

B. Insert the Allen key into the cavity located at the botom end of the hinge.

C. Turn the Allen key in the direction of door closing.

D. Align the holes and insert the fixed pin to engage the force needed for door to close. (Start with first hole alignment and increase until door closes)

6. How to adjust the speed of the hydraulic hinge closing:

A. Remove the top cap of the hydraulic hinge.

B. With the flat head screwdriver provided, turn the valve clockwise slowly until the desired closing speed is achieved.

C. Move the door panel back and forth between 60-90°. When resistance is met, run half ring with the screwdriver and turn 20-30° until door is completely closed. If door cannot be closed, refer to Step 5 and adjust the power of door closing, increasing the force until the door can close.

D. For door latching, insert the Allen key into the botom of the hydraulic hinge and turn it in the direction of door closing.

E. Align the holes and insert the pin to engage the force needed for door to latch.

7. How to adjust the door stopper:

A. Remove the top cap of the spring hinge. B. Insert the small trough inside the centre hole with a screwdriver, rotate clockwise in fixed open angle until a power rise is felt.

C. Test if door frame can be stopped with the fixed angles (90°, 120°, 150°) under current door closing power conditions; if it is not successful, increase the pressure until door frame is able to stop.

8. For best results:

A. Allow door closing to complete with the minimum door closing strength.

B. Accelerate the closing of the door before door reaches between 20-30°.

C. Ensure door can be stopped at the prescribed angles upon opening (adjust door stopper power if needed).

Precautions After Installation

1. Open door more than 60° to avoid being hit by door while it is closing.

2. After prolonged usage, screws should be checked and tightened if they loosen over time.

3. The higher the power of door closing, the faster the door closes and the greater the impact. This increases the risk of door frame damage.

4. External weather elements, such as wind direction and intensity may affect door closing.

Important Notes

1. When installing the hinges, ensure that the top and botom hinges are on a common axis and aligned.

2. Hinges must be installed as per the direction of markings on the wings of the hinges.

3. Allow the door to close; therefore do not assist or hasten closing by pulling the door panel.

Troubleshooting

1. Door panel stops at 20° and will not close.
Cause: Hinge is not loaded sufficiently.
Remedy: Increase loading as set out as above.

2. Door panel does not close at all.
Cause: Wrong side of hinge is installed.
Remedy: Replace spring.

3. Door panel closes too quickly or slams shut against door jamb.
Causes:Hydraulic adjustment needs tuning or there is insufficient hydraulic fluid.
Remedy: Adjust closing controls or top up the hydraulic fluid.