Door closer - Restoration

Door closer
Something from history :
The Story of the L.C.N. Door Closer - c. 1937
The Rector Wanted it Quiet!
A winter day in 1877, Boston’s splendid new Trinity Church was finished. Architect Richardson had done a noble piece of work, and so had Norcross Brothers of Worcester, who had the general contract. But there was one thing the eminent rector, Dr. Phillips Brooks, did not like. His first sermon in the new church had been punctuated, in nerve-wracking fashion, by a banging storm door out in front.
He spoke to the foreman about it, a capable young fellow, L.C.Norton by name, whom the Norcross people had left behind to watch things. Mr. Norton said he’d fix the door. Carefully he took off the door stops, shaved them down and installed rubber pads all around.
But Dr. Brooks was far from satisfied. That constant “thump, thump” of the door was almost as bad as the banging. Both he and the congregation were very much annoyed! A bit of the rector’s famous eloquence was turned upon the unlucky foreman.
Disgusted that his efforts were not appreciated, Mr. Norton stripped off his overalls, threw them with his tools into the little closet under the stairs, and slammed the door!…That is, he meant to slam the door, but it didn’t slam. Puzzled, he tried again and again to slam it, but could not do so. The air confined in the small closet formed a cushion…
Hmm! A cushion of confined air…Why couldn’t he make such a cushion to cure that storm door?
L.C.Norton was not the kind to put off trying a good idea. Searching the stores, he found a small hand-operated water pump*. He removed the hose and valves from the lower end and closed it with a cap of his own make having a hinge for attachment to the door. He then secured the handle end of the piston rod to a vertical post on the door jamb, drilled a few holes in the cylinder…and there it was: the first door check ever made!
L.C.Norton’s “Door Check” a Success from the Start
The Sunday after Mr. Norton had installed his new invention, Dr. Brooks had no cause to complain. Although late arrivals kept the storm door opening and shutting as usual, no sound from that source annoyed the good rector or his congregation. For the converted pump did its work, quietly and effectively, opposing the old-fashioned spring just enough to silence the closing of the door.
Dr. Brooks was delighted, and was one of the first to encourage Mr. Norton in the development of his invention.
The first step was to combine the closing and checking actions in one device, which meant putting a powerful spring into the checking cylinder. This change, with other modifications, resulted in the original “door check and spring” shown below, patented in 1880.
Mr. Norton interested a group of men in Boston and New York, who organized a company to manufacture and sell the device. One of the first customers was Trinity Church. Following his experience with the converted pump check, which had worked faithfully and well for more than a year, Dr. Brooks had sixteen of the new “check and spring” closers installed in the church. He was so well pleased by their performance that he wrote Mr. Norton the letter here reproduced.
Norton was asked to compile this history by his partner, D.R. Lasier. The company finally founded in 1926 came to be known as LCN Closers in 1948. The manuscript was uncovered recently when someone at LCN headquarters in Princeton, IL, was looking through old records stored in an unused desk. (source idighardware.c...)
If you have any information, you can share it with others on my Facebook page:
/ 951735661652138
If you have any questions about the process, use machines or other things, ask me in the comments. I try to answer everyone and as soon as possible.
I'm sorry for my bad English, it's not my language.
I'm uploading videos about restoring mechanical things. I'm uploading videos about the restoration of old wooden things. I fix things as best I can. I am self-taught. Therefore, if some procedures are wrong, forgive me. Thank you.
If you like this renewal, share and send :)
Thanks for the advice on how to improve this channel!
youtube channel / veradona1
-----------------------------
To support our KZbin channel:
My Patreon Page: / veradonarestoration
My PayPal: [e-mail]
Thank you Veronika and Radek
Veronica's new KZbin channel: / @recipebyveronica2731

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Hello friends, thank you for watching :) I would like to invite you to Veronika's new KZbin channel about cooking and baking, thank you all for her support by subscribing. Radek kzbin.info/door/fEr2fPoAF0GVBuxUmSu2Iwvideos

[@VeradonaRestoration]

@joed596 We are pleased, thank you :)

[@askerzeynal8638]

C* C* C * C C * C* * C* C* C* C* ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤.

[@GOWPSP]

QQ

[@emsnewssupkis6453]

I spent my life living, restoring Victorian houses and loved some of the inventions within and would rebuild these and NEVER came across a door closer like this one. It is a work of art and you did a great job, restoring it. BTW, I worked on the house the architect for Thomas Edison built for himself, it had the most amazing electrical systems, all of the circuit breakers were beautiful pieces of art, covered with gold leaf and the box they were in was a beautiful cabinet with a lovely glass door and it was installed in the middle of the front hallway so everyone could see it and marvel, it was one of the earliest houses with full electricity in New Jersey.

[@patjohnson3100]

That is a fascinating story about Edisons architect. What a once in n a lifetime experience that must have been.

[@emsnewssupkis6453]

Thank you, it is a lovely house and the new owners have taken very good care of it, too. It is like a museum but very comfortable.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Wow, I envy it. It must have been amazing. Thank you for your story. Have a nice day Radek

[@skemsen]

Wow what an interesting insight! Can one see pictures anywhere online of these things of Edison’s house you are describing?

[@Harko-]

Not only is it great to see these objects getting restored, I also regularly learn something new. I have never known these mechanisms already existing for so long. Thanks!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

I thanks Harko :)

[@ЕвгенийТёткин-п9е]

Вероника спасибо, подписался, буду смотреть на вашу готовку

[@VeradonaRestoration]

@@ЕвгенийТёткин-п9е спасибо :)

[@ЮлияМ-н4ф]

Браво мастеру Радеку! До последней минуты не могла догадаться, что за штука))) Представляю какая особая атмосфера царит в доме, когда окружен такими вещами! Музей, а в тоже время всем можно пользоваться))) классно!!!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Спасибо Юлия :) Радек

[@1nervi]

Великолепная работа!

[@samanthadean1083]

When you consider how utilitarian the modern version of these look, this is a beautiful piece to match its functionality!!! Wonderful job on the restoration!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Samantha :) Radek

[@garyjones2582]

That door closer saw some hard use.. They must of had kids.. I had 8 and they would destroy a freight train.. You did a very nice job as usual.. God Bless...

[@ВеселыйГробовщик-м5ы]

Как всегда достойная работа. Спасибо за хорошее настроение и удачи. Будем ждать новых роликов.

[@nickbremner6274]

A very good job Radek. Nice to see Veronica and your handsome little dog too.

[@karavalle12]

Another discovery for me! I liked the manufacture of the spring, and also the leather gasket..all done in an exemplary cleanliness..thank you to Veronica❤ and her team👏👏👏

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@nesvarog14]

Excelente pieza para la puerta y como siempre un objeto que se vuelve una joya con vuestra restauración. Gracias Veronika y Radek

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Gracias amigo por estar con nosotros :) Que tengas un buen día desde la República Checa. Veronika y Radek

[@sneakyflutes]

Glad to see that you not only restored it, but installed it and are using it in your own home. I imagine a restored 1880's door close like that would sell for a few hundred dollars.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@suejenkins1421]

Well another awesome job Radek, and great to see it where it belongs operating on your door great work best wishes from sue and andy j from Lockdown Reading England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 xx❤️

[@moiskon]

Работа классная! Лайк однозначно! Но мне показалось, что работает он намного жестче, чем современные доводчики - дверь хлопает. Great job! Like definitely! But it seemed to me that it works much harder than modern closers - the door slams.

[@AlLuger-ux1rs]

Надо просто отрегулировать и всё...😊

[@asmrhealingsounds5269]

Wow, such an old thing makes you repair like new, I guess you must have a lot of antiques that you have repaired! Thanks for the video you shared, you are awesome!👍🌹

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Yes, I have accumulated a few during the 14 years I have been renovating. Lol Thank you

[@raywood8187]

I like the inspiring story as much as the restoration. A man on the brink of giving is hit with inspiration and imagines an amazing invention. Then finds a way to somehow make it happen.

[@TheParkAttendant]

Another historical gem rescued. Those in the future will appreciate your efforts in saving these pieces of history Another great job!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you so much Ozwald :)

[@jimbolt5170]

Well done, as usual. I like that you do more than just make things look shiny and clean. Your decorative touches help the objects look better today than they did when they were new. I also really like that you tell your viewers about the history of the pieces you restore. It turns them from a random piece of rusted metal into something that links us back to a time when people lived, and thought, differently than we do today.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you very much for a very positive comment. Have a nice day Jim, Radek

[@vernabink2865]

The more I see a work the more I appreciate what excellent work you do. Beautiful and functional.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you very much Verna :) Radek

[@NapierNimbus]

Brilliant. Very clever thinking outside the box moves. Lovely dog.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks :) Radek

[@freethought2296]

Norton door closers are still in use to this very day. It shows you how good the idea was.

[@lilicadiz5822]

Una pieza tan sencilla pero bonita mente hecha y decorada, magnífica restauración 🇪🇸👏👏👏😘😘😷🍀

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Gracias Lili :) Radek

[@patjohnson3100]

Excellent restoration. A decades old piece of rare hardware put back into practical use. It's also a thing of beauty. Thank you.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Pat :) Radek

[@rolandvos]

The restauration, Mr. Norton's story and the dog's approval makes this a great video. Thanks.

[@bogusmyleene6989]

No matter how bad it is you always make it pretty! All talent and skill. Very nice.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :) Radek

[@kiramaldonado4509]

I am very impress with any job you realize...i never see that kind of design and beautiful finish...👍😁😁😮😮

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Kira :) Radek

[@ЗлойКот-л3к]

Приветствую вас Радек!!! Всегда с восхищением смотрю на ваши труды. У вас золотые руки и огромное терпение!!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Спасибо, хорошего дня . Радек

[@mariedominiquelhortolary8794]

Bonjour à tous les deux superbe restoration de fermeture de porte ! merci Radek ;)

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Je te remercie Marie :) Radek

[@vinceianni4026]

Hello mister Veradona another beautiful restoration I enjoyed watching the video thank you

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Vince :) Radek

[@robertovillalobos4798]

Excelente trabajó 👍 como siempre vos conocéis la función de las partes. Sin palabras. Desde Venezuela ciudad Maracaibo.👍

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Gracias Roberto :) Radek

[@vickiefowler1429]

That is SO cool!!! A door closer with some style!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Vickie :) Radek

[@andrzejporeda7281]

Przepięknia jest ta zrobiona robota pozdrawiam twórcę tego filmiku mile i serdecznie 👍👍👍👍👍

[@willieckaslike]

Another resounding triumph. Thank you for sharing !

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you so much Willie :)

[@tomswindler64]

Very interesting never seen that design,beautiful finish,great job as always.👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@deanledford5661]

Really enjoyed this restoration. Just love seeing old iron being brought back to life.

[@woodybeck8966]

Admirable workmanship. Well done.

[@mariocardamone1846]

that was really a beautifull resto i dont usally comment but that piece to me is so nice beautifull old world craft man ship

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you for your decision :) Have a nice day Mario :) Radek

[@IR-nq4qv]

I liked your use of the C-clamp with the round stock to loosen the shallow nut, good idea👍👍

[@pruebalkega8898]

Exelente trabajo....me dejan sin palabras.....lo maximo en restauraciones....sigan asi saludos desde Peru

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Muchas gracias :) Radek

[@Scott924m]

At first I thought a door closer who cares , boy was I wrong . The homemade spring the leather gasket and the gold wax . Man very cool . Stuff I didn't know could be done .

[@ВадимКузнецов-э5б]

... привет ребята!,у вас даже собака красивая!, молодцы, респект вам и уважуха, удачи и здоровья!!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Спасибо Вадиму :) Собачка - девочка 3 лет Мона :)

[@schuur10]

Now That Closed The Door ! Great restoration again!!!

[@amilcarmoncada1801]

Amigo otro muy buen trabajo de restauracion, excelente resultado ebtenido con este Cierrapuertas vintage, mis respetos y saludos para usted y su esposa desde venezuela, un abrazo.💯👍👊🙏

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Gracias a nuestro fiel amigo :) Veronika y Radek

[@amilcarmoncada1801]

@@VeradonaRestoration 👍💯👊

[@Miralee01]

The thing I love the most about your videos is that you save these items and restore to them a beautiful dignity. Thank you for doing this!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

I thank you :) Radek

[@walterengler5709]

Creating that new spring was amazing work. When you pulled out that other one and it was broken into three pieces I was thinking "Oh he'll order a suitable replacement for that as there is no way to repair it". But actually making a new one was .. incredible.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Walter :) Radek

[@nielsantsorensen881]

Good work ! Congrats. Hugs from Brazil

[@copperman752]

Oh my gosh, Radek. This thing was a MESS. You did a wonderful job restoring it! I'm glad Mona and Veronika approve. Take care.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you bro :)) Radek

[@CoolRestorations]

New Project!🛠😍 Hello From Portland Oregon! Or if you understand! Привет из Орегона!!!!!!📍🌍

[@jessebob325]

That's one gorgeous restoration. I particularly liked your solution to the shallow nut problem at 06:51. 👍🍻

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you so much :) Radek

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

Such a beautiful restoration.

[@EuelBall]

Serious envy for the restoration! Love what you did, especially rebuilding the spring. Regards to your lovely wife.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks :)

[@telescopereplicator]

Je t'adore........!!! I mean............. shut the door !! Great video. Great object. Good find. And it takes determination to take on a restoration like this.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks )

[@gabrielniculaita8131]

Hello. It is really very successful. Your attention to detail is your strong point. I think you're the only one who pays so much attention to the smallest detail. It's hard to believe that the starting heap of junk gets to this wonderful device. At the time it was made, almost every element was decorated. It was made to last a long time. Apart from normal wear and tear there is only the spring which is broken. I find it unfortunate that you installed it outside. There is no risk that the rain will damage it? I have seen videos that are 3 years old these days. Much has changed since then. The thoroughness with which you repaired the large black frame dazzled me. You replaced every floral element that was missing. Thank you for your video. I love her so much. I wish you a good day and take care of you. I don't know how it is with you with the coronavirus crisis. Here in France it's very difficult, we are on a curfew from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. During this time you can travel only with a derogation and for specific reasons. The fixed fine is 135 €. There are people who have recidivated and they are in prison. In addition, we are talking about a new confinement if the situation does not improve. Anyway, please take care. Gabriel (France).

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Have a nice day friend, as I read, it's a hard time for everyone. Maybe it will get better soon, we have to hope. Cheers Gabriel. Hugs from the Czech Republic. Veronika and Radek

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@lucynaz.8538]

Nigdy bym nie wpadła na pomysł co to jest. Dlatego oglądam z taką ciekawością. I jak zwykle - mistrzostwo:-)

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Dziękuję za obejrzenie Lucyny :)

[@freethought2296]

You need never apologize for any of your work as you are among the top-tier restoration mechanics on FaceBook.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks :) Radek

[@horstszibulski19]

What a fight at the disassemble, every piece of hardware another type, rivets, hollow(!) bolts, you name it... Great job! :-D

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Rivets full. Drilled :)

[@Ragnar8504]

@@VeradonaRestoration He's talking about the screw and hollow bolt earlier in the video, where you clamp the screwdriver bit in the vice.

[@braxtonnelson7422]

I love this beautiful piece even more because it is still useful! Very nice job on an unusual old door closer! Cheers!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Braxton :) Radek

[@soniamartins9472]

Ficou perfeito Radek. Somente depois que vc prendeu na porta eu entendi para que servia essa peça. Adoro quando vejo Veronika e o Dona. Lindos.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Obrigada Sonia, estamos todos felizes :) Tenha um bom dia Radek, Veronica e a pequena Mona :)

[@georgekucy1027]

great job beautiful work

[@kevinauld4367]

Grate work you just helped me with something I am working on rite now thank you .

[@patrickstoquert1637]

Bonjours à vous deux ,une très belle restauration d'ouverture et fermeture de porte à la prochaine video d'émerveillement ,j'ai hâte.

[@lcampm2]

You made your own spring! Very nice - edit: you made very nice button round head rivets and the leather seal were also commendable. Your home is becoming a museum of restorations

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks :))

[@vintagemachineworks]

Beautiful Work

[@jilldavies7094]

What a wonderful object! Beautifully restored and given a new lease of life. Great video.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Jill :) Radek

[@heliarche]

Clamping that chunk over steel over the wrench, awesome.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks :)

[@KitWasHere]

I work as a locksmith and still install LCN closers to this day! Cool to see something so old get restored from a company that is still alive and kicking. Great video!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Wow, thanks. Now I blush in front of the expert and I hope I fixed it correctly :) Radek

[@gildagoose]

Awesome restoration. So happy to see something from the past, refurbushed and used!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@lindaali6703]

You are the master of problem-solving!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Linda :)

[@reginaromsey]

I’m learning so many alternates to the resident wisdom of percussive maintenance: “when all else fails, get a Bigger Hammer”. Instead, get a grinder or a metal drill! Then get a better hammer and Vice-grips!

[@warrenmunn3224]

Beautiful work as usual. Just love the old machinery where the Companies actually made products that not only did an amazing job but actually 'looked' good. Now days we have similar products that are smaller and less obtrusive in design but lack the character and artistry of the old equipment.

[@frick566]

Great unique project!!...Hello to Veronika and Mona!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Lee :) Radek, Veronika and Mona :)

[@АртемБел-т8т]

Мои аплодисменты, Радек!! Как всегда высший пилотаж!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Спасибо Артем :) Доброго времени суток Радек

[@ErnestoRodriguez-fn1sh]

Aunque, es evidente, que con mucho trabajo, pareces un mago : a la decadencia le arrancas esplendor. Un 10 👌👍🇪🇸

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Wow gracias Ernesto :) Radek

[@lucifermorningstar7069]

You have "golden hands" . Thank you for all your videos. 😉

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you for your views :)

[@55ATA3]

Great dog, I love mine. Door closer is very nice.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@jalechavez6042]

Guau...!! que lindo accesorio...!!!...Muy Bien..como siempre My Friend...jiji ji ji...Saludoss desdeee...Punta Arenasss--Patagonia Chilenaaa...okkk

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Vaya, eso es un largo camino. Gracias por mirar desde la República Checa :) Radek

[@cyroscop4473]

Старинный доводчик. Круто ...

[@kjamison5951]

I like how everything you restore is used and seen in use. Some other restorations are destined to be curios but yours stay alive!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

What a wonderful object! Very cool.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Kerri :) Radek

[@eddbayes2767]

Beautiful restoration work.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Edd :) Radek

[@mitchellpawlina586]

I love watching your channel, you always have some unusual stuff. And it marbles me to see how you come up with ideas in fixing, and restoring them. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks, but why does it scare you? I'm doing something wrong ?

[@frednetherlands887]

Bravo!

[@toddfryman6178]

Beautiful job!! Also love your problem solving skills absolutely brilliant!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Todd :) Radek

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent work👍👍👍 . Thanks for sharing

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :) Radek

[@basshunter1705]

Nice job 👍👍👍

[@jimjohandes]

You are a wonderful teacher!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Wow, thanks :)

[@scottgm321]

Beautiful. Thank you for the tip/trick on how to hold a wrench in place for a situation like that.

[@aetherograph]

I had no idea that device was that old! Wow! And such a beautiful one, as all objects from that century were made to be!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you.

[@Desmodus1958]

Beautiful restoration! Love the trick with the vice for getting a better bite on that nut! That will most definitely come in handy some day!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you Jeff :) Radek

[@dirtyhairy8884]

It looks amazing!🤩 Beautiful work and restoration.👊 Cute pup, his little doggie door needs one of those door closers... LOL!😄

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks :))

[@DELFIN-u5y]

Викторианский стиль - эталон красоты и комфорта! Надо было остановится на его достижениях и не придумывать пластик, который замусорил планету. Красота нереальная, то что мастер возродил такую прекрасную вещь!

[@ЛенаАндреева-д8д]

Почему у такого мастера,так мало подписчиков?В рекомендациях так поздно высветилось, так бы раньше на вас подписалась,огромное вам спасибо!!!

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Я понятия не имею, есть идеи?

[@valmonta3647]

Great job, great vintage item and great use of it, well done Radek and your lady :)

[@angusmclaren6257]

A great piece and the result is a pretty good talking point. Look forward to the next restoration.

[@vincentreveillaud3250]

Bravo, Très joli. Et très jolie essayeuse 😍

[@reubenrodriguez6219]

Always great job. 👍

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Reuben :) Radek

[@200596U]

Incredible job!! Congratulations... 👌

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@markgoddard2560]

An open and shut restoration! Very good!

[@shawnataylor7998]

Love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Thanks Shawna :) Radek

[@СофьяКабардинская-г3н]

...замечательная работа , какие вы молодцы , ребята !! ...👍👋...

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Спасибо София :) Радек и Вероника