Wright Products VH440BL, Medium Duty Hydraulic Closer, Black

In 2008, Wright Products joined Hampton Products International Corporation, adding to Hampton's portfolio of high-quality products that include residential locksets, lighting, timers, builder's hardware, exterior door hardware, cargo management, winches, electronics, and portable security.

The standard-duty pneumatic (air pressure) door closer from Wright Products is designed for out-swinging light-to-medium weight storm, home, or security doors. Each door closer measures 12-5/8" long (unextended) and 1-1/2" in diameter. It can be used as a single closer for light to medium weighted doors or paired (one on top and one at the bottom) for heavier storm and screen doors.

This standard-duty-use door closer has a high level of durability that can withstand repeated opening and closing throughout the day. The closing speed and force can be easily adjusted with a screw at the end of the pneumatic tube. The fully lubricated spring stretches to allow the door to open a full 90 degrees before it pulls the door closed at a controlled pace. By using air within the pneumatic tube to cushion the force of the door, it prevents it from slamming and preserves the life of the closer, the door, and the door frame. The internal configuration allows for a smooth "no bounce" movement on open and close.

All installation hardware is included, and no additional parts need to be ordered or added. The door closer comes with a seasonal latching adjustment option to switch between a glass or screen insert. The pneumatic tube and attachments come in a high-quality finish to blend in perfectly with the door and frame, providing a clean, subtle look.

The door closer is suitable for wood or metal out-swinging doors, offering a full 90-degree opening and adjustable closing speed. It comes factory-lubricated and features a two-hole end plug for adjustable latching power.

Regarding door hardware in general, there are several types to consider. Entry hardware, such as knobs or handlesets (handle with deadbolt), is installed on exterior doors and locks with keys or touch pads from the outside and turn buttons from inside. Privacy hardware, designed for bedrooms and bathrooms, locks with turn buttons and does not require keys. Passage knobs and levers are for hallway doors, laundry rooms, and closet doors that latch but do not lock. Dummy knobs and levers are decorative hardware pieces for doors that only require a pull to open, with no latch or lock.

When selecting door hardware, it's important to consider safety features. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets different grades for door hardware, ranging from Grade 1 (basic) to Grade 3 (highest). Manufacturers also offer bump-resistant cylinders to address the increasing use of "bump keys" and locksmith tools.

Ensuring the hardware fits the door is also crucial. Standard doors are either 1-3/8 or 1-3/4 inches thick, and most hardware is designed to adjust for either. Extension kits are available for thicker doors. Most hardware is interchangeable, requiring only that the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the knob or lock, usually 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches) matches the hole(s) in the door.

As for installation, most door hardware, including keypads and deadbolts, can be installed in under an hour with only a Philips screwdriver. Keypads are typically battery-powered, so no wiring is required. Handlesets may require a drill, and if the door or doorframe is not pre-drilled, hardware usually comes with a paper template to mark holes for drilling and sawing. Specialized tool sets are also available for door hardware installation.

Finally, some cool hardware features include keypad locks and deadbolts that allow adding and deleting numerous user codes, providing easy access for family members, neighbors, and caretakers. Biometric keyless entry systems, which scan dozens of different fingerprints, are also growing in popularity.

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