A door closer is a mechanism that automatically closes a door. Its installation will protect the door from some damage and ensure tight closing. Most often they are used in shops and office premises, but it is also possible to use them in residential buildings and even cars.
Installing a door closer is not an easy task, requiring a professional approach to the choice of design, installation method and adjustment of the device. Those who wish to perform all these works on their own and eventually get a working mechanism should familiarize themselves with the information below.
Closer types
The mechanism works according to the following principle - when opening the door, a person exerts efforts acting on a spring inside the device. Then, the spring returns to its original state, controlling the closing of the door. Closers differ in the type of fastening and are hidden, floor and overhead.
Overhead mechanisms
Applied mechanismIt is these closers that are often found on the doors of offices, shops, entrances. The device is mounted to the top of the door and operates from a gear drive or sliding rod. In the first version, the design looks like a small box with two levers, one of which drives a gear connected to a toothed pin with a spring. These devices are optimally suited for heavy front doors.
The second option is a sliding rod mechanism. It has two functional pistons - opening and braking. This design is more compact than the previous one and is completely hidden under the casing, which increases its reliability.
Floor structures
Floor closer This type of closer is installed in a recess under the door and is almost invisible. The mechanism consists of a rotation shaft, which is connected to the spring on one side and to the door fasteners on the other.
The design is convenient for controlling the opening of glass doors, including pendulum doors (swinging open in both directions). These closers are more often used in shopping centers with many glass partitions. The need for their use, as a rule, is determined at the stage of drawing up an object project.
Hidden Devices
Hidden type devices are divided into two main subspecies - with a sliding rod and closer loops. The first are not much different from the overhead mechanisms described above, the difference is only in a smaller size and installation principle. One of the parts of the device cuts into the upper part of the door frame, and the second (designed for the movement of the rod) into the lower one.
Closer hinges The second type (hinges) is the smallest of the designs designed to close doors. It is used for doors with a small mass, usually interior doors. Its disadvantages include installation difficulties (the need to accurately adhere to the axis) and a short service life due to the fragility of the device. If we compare two types of hidden door closers, it is more practical to give preference to the more durable first.
Installation methods
Mounting the closer on the door frame does not require special skills and can be done independently. All the necessary parts for this are sold with the device. The attached instructions contain a detailed description of how to properly install the door closer, as well as the installation scheme recommended for this model. There are three most common installation methods - standard, top and side-by-side.
Standard installation
When mounted by the standard method, the device is installed directly on the door leaf. The mechanism lever is attached to the door lintel. This method is used for doors that open outward.
Upper scheme
With the upper installation scheme, the device body is mounted to the lintel (beam at the top of the door frame), and the lever is fixed on the door leaf. This method is used for door structures that open inward.
Visual material Parallel arrangement
This installation option can be performed according to the standard and upper scheme. The difference from the methods described above is that with parallel mounting, the installation is carried out using an additional part - a plate or a corner. This method is used if there is not enough space on the door lintel to secure the device. The plate in this case serves as a buffer and compensates for the lack of space.
Door closer installation algorithm
The algorithm that allows you to correctly install the door closer consists of a combination of a certain sequence of actions and a number of rules. Rules to be followed during installation:
- Carry out the work in accordance with the diagram attached to the device.
- For the front door, if there is a choice, it is better to install the mechanism from the inside, and not from the outside. This will protect the closer from the effects of adverse environmental factors - low temperatures, humidity.
- Make sure that the selected fixture is suitable for the weight of the door. The heavier the structure, the greater the force applied to open, the closer must have. It is not recommended to install powerful mechanisms on interior doors, because of the possibility of damage to the hinges if they are overloaded.
- After installation, check the correct installation, the absence of distortions and jamming of the loops.
The table will help determine the desired size of the device Compliance with the above rules will keep the door closer and door structure operational longer.
The main stages of installing a door closer
Although all devices have differences, the principle of their installation and the sequence of work performed in this case are similar. To install the closer on the door, you should first familiarize yourself with the attached sketch of the mechanism in the original scale. By attaching this drawing to the door and making marks, it will be much easier to drill holes for fasteners in the right place.
Installing the door closer consists of the following steps:
- Choosing the right opening angle and marking for fasteners (there are two or four of them).
- Drilling holes on the marks and fastening the mechanism body to the door.
- Fixing the lever with a fixing screw on the axis of the device.
- Checking the reliability of fastening the body of the mechanism. When doing this, make sure that the nut responsible for setting the spring is opposite to the door hinges.
- Adjustment of the lever that controls the opening and closing of the door structure. It should be perpendicular to the door box and connected to the main lever.
- The mechanism is closed with a decorative cap and the correct functioning of the device is checked when the doors are opened.
Proper adjuster adjustment
It is not enough to know how to install a door closer, you must also understand the basics of its debugging. Adjustment is required for the mechanism both immediately after installation and during further operation.
The main parameter that needs to be adjusted is the speed of movement. If you notice that the door does not open quickly enough, adjust the spring compression by loosening the lock nut.
Serious deviations in the speed of movement are eliminated by turning the first of the two control valves. It can be rotated no more than two turns in any direction. The second valve allows you to adjust the force of the catch.
Spring compression correction For entrance doors during the cold season, additional adjustment of the first valve is required. This is because the oil used in the mechanism becomes more viscous and the speed changes.
If there is a need to hold the door in a certain position for a long time, use the closer option called "hold-open". To do this, open the door 90 degrees and tighten the latch. Now the opening will take place in the normal mode until this angle is reached, and then the latch will work. To close, just pull the door towards you.
Hold-open mechanism This function is not available in every device, but if you provide for frequent airing or bringing in and taking out overall things, it is better to purchase just such a closer. Since if the fixation of the door with the door closer is carried out by foreign objects, for example, a brick, this will create an excessive load on the mechanism and can subsequently lead to breakage.
If your device can't be debugged, it might be due to a bad installation. To avoid this, check that the adjusting nut is in the correct position and that the lever is at right angles to the door structure. If errors are suspected during installation, the mechanism should be removed and, referring to the diagram, reinstalled.
Do-it-yourself closer
It is not necessary to buy a ready-made device, there are several ways to make a door closer with your own hands. Let's start with the simplest of them.
To make it you will need a strong rope or cable, a wheel and a load. The weight of the load will have to be determined experimentally, depending on the massiveness of the door. The weight, which should pull the door leaf, is attached to the end of the cable, moving up and down, thanks to the wheel. So that the door leaf does not suffer when opening due to the load beating against it, the latter is placed in a plastic pipe case, the entire structure is mounted on the door and a simple mechanism is ready.
The next option is a closer made on the basis of a spring. Such a device functions thanks to a spring that returns the door to its place after opening. Its design is simple, but there is a drawback - it is only suitable for light (interior and car) doors. Installing such a closer on a metal door is irrational, since under heavy loads the spring will quickly become unusable.
In addition to the spring, for the construction of this mechanism, a shock absorber is required to slow down the movement of the door. It consists of two chambers filled with engine oil. When opening, one of them is filled, and when closing, the oil flows into the second. To do this, a bypass valve is installed between the chambers.
Self-construction and adjustment of the valve operation can be difficult, and if you have never encountered such devices, it is better to purchase the part ready-made. Another necessary component of a spring closer is a rack and pinion. It will apply the load to the spring and should be strong enough.
Homemade spring closer for a car You can also achieve smooth closing in a simpler way, using a piece of old rubber instead of a closer. True, such a design does not look aesthetically pleasing, but it is quite capable of performing its functions until the best option is acquired.
Whatever you choose - a home-made device or a ready-made mechanism - with the right approach to installation and operation, they will cope with the tasks assigned to them. We hope that the information on how to install and debug the closer will help you eliminate problems with slamming doors and drafts in your home and office. Good luck!
Installing a closer is not uncommon. It is convenient and practical, provides automatic closing of the door, extending its service life. Installation can be done with your own hands, having studied the instructions and watching the video, or invite a specialist. The scheme and mounting options differ depending on the type of device. The most common top outdoor closer.
Installation methods
There are different options for mounting an external closer. Its body can be put on the box. Then the leg will be attached to the door leaf. Or, conversely, the body is mounted on the door, and the leg is mounted on the box. Most people, when installing on entrance doors, prefer internal installation. It is believed that in this way the lever will be less exposed to negative influences. But it can also be placed outside, for example, on the door to the kitchen.
The door opening angle depends on how the device is installed. It can be 180, 120 or 90 degrees. The instruction that comes with the box with the device indicates all dimensions for each type of installation, the distance from the top edge and corner of the leaf to the door closer, the distance from the edge of the box to the mounting tab of the thrust lever, and others.
Mounting the device on a metal door is more laborious and expensive. This is due to the fact that in addition to drilling holes for fastening, you also need to cut threads for screws in them.
Installation of a door closer is possible not only on entrance or interior doors. Furniture closers are often installed on cabinet doors. It automates their work, increasing comfort.
Tools for the job
Do-it-yourself installation is impossible without the necessary set of tools. It includes:
- pencil, ruler;
- level;
- drill, drill;
- screwdriver, screwdriver;
- hexagon.
Brief instruction
Do-it-yourself installation of the device does not differ in the complexity of the process. To perform it, you need to know the basic steps that need to be performed. How to install a door closer step by step is described below.
- We fix the template.
- We outline the places for drilling.
- We make holes for self-tapping screws.
- We fix the body.
- We fix the lever.
- We fix its counterpart.
- Adjust and fix the length of the leg.
- .We regulate the speed of the door movement.
Installing an external closer with your own hands
The first thing to do is to apply the markup correctly. All manufacturers put the template in a box with a device on which it is attached. It can be glued to the canvas with adhesive tape, and then outline the attachment points through it. The template scheme is removed, but the markup remains.
Drill and drill holes are made for self-tapping screws. The recommended drilling depth is 15 mm. The closer body is attached to the door so that the adjusting screws are facing the hinges. At the same time, its installation must be strictly parallel to the door.
The leg is disassembled into two parts (if assembled) and the traction foot is attached. Next, the main lever is put on the tetrahedral shaft and fixed with a screw. It must be fixed strictly at an angle of 90 degrees. The application of locking fluid to the screw is mandatory. When installing with your own hands, you can use any paint for these purposes.
The reciprocal lever is translated perpendicular to the door and its length is adjusted. After that, both parts of the lever are connected and fixed with a bolt. The fastening of all elements must be reliable, since the closer is constantly under load when opening and closing the canvas.
After adjusting the device, the installation can be considered complete. To make sure it is done correctly, check the operation of the door. It should close smoothly and without jerks.
Installing a floor closer
The floor unit is installed at the bottom of the door. Its installation is made in the floor. The scheme is characterized by a higher complexity of installation.
The set of the floor device consists of instructions, the body of the closer and additional keys. The fittings installed on the door are not always included in the kit. Building codes provide for the DIN standard, which door devices comply with. Therefore, accessories can be purchased separately.
The thickness of the devices is 40 mm. The door closer must be installed flush with the floor, i.e. his body will be hidden under the floor covering. Therefore, the installation of such devices should be provided at the stage of building construction.
The fittings of the door closer are divided into upper and lower. The lower one is mounted on the canvas below and put on the shank of the device. The upper one consists of two elements, one of which is mounted in the box, and the second on the door itself. For ease of installation, an adjusting bolt is provided. When installing the door, it twists, the pin hides, and the door is freely put in place. After that, the bolt is unscrewed, and the pin comes out completely and enters the reciprocal hole in the door element. Thus, the canvas is sandwiched between the upper and lower element.
The floor closer is often installed in offices, boutiques, salons and shopping centers on swing-type glass doors that open in both directions. In addition, it can be mounted on a metal, wooden or plastic door.
Installation of a hidden door closer
A hidden door closer is installed at the end of the door, which allows it to be hidden. To do this, you need to make recesses in the canvas and box. Therefore, for do-it-yourself installation, additional tools will be required, such as a drill pen and a chisel or a hand mill.
Mounting methods may vary. It can be mounted both on an already delivered door, and before its installation. The difference lies in the convenience of fastening the door closer.
Installation must be carried out with an accurate calculation of all dimensions. They are listed in the mandatory instructions that come with each device.
Knowing how to install a closer on the door, and having the right tools, you can easily do the job yourself. By following all the simple recommendations and rules, you can be sure that the device will work for a long time and reliably.
The door closer is an element of door fittings. Installing a door closer contributes to the smooth closing of the door and the distribution of the load on other devices evenly. Closers can be installed both on entrance doors and on interior doors or gates. To install the device yourself, you must first carefully read the installation diagram.
Closer installation methods
Modern manufacturers produce:
- overhead conductors. The device is installed from the outer or inner side of the door by laying the main elements on the door leaf and the door frame;
- floor closers. The device is located on the floor. The design and installation of floor-type closers is carried out at the stage of repair (laying floors). If the installation of this type of door closer will be carried out after finishing the premises, this will lead to additional costs;
- hidden closers. The fittings are mounted inside the door frame. She is almost completely invisible. It is recommended to install a flush-mounted door closer exclusively on massive doors and a reliable (powerful) door frame. Some designs of hidden door closers are suitable for compartment doors.
If the door closer is planned to be installed on its own, then it is better to choose an overhead structure, since the installation of this device is the simplest and does not require special knowledge and skills.
How to install a closer? The device can be installed:
- in the standard way. The main part of the device is fixed on the door leaf, and the guide - on the door frame;
- top way. With this method of installation, the main part of the closer is fixed on the door frame, and the guide is fixed on the door leaf;
- in a parallel way. The closer rod is fixed parallel to the main box. To install the door closer in this way, you will need an additional metal corner.
The choice of installation method is influenced by factors such as the side of the door opening and the location of the door hinges. If the door opens on itself, then it is advisable to install the device according to the standard scheme. When opening the door away from you, the closer is installed in the upper way.
Mounting the door closer and its adjustment
How to install the closer? Each device is accompanied by a detailed instruction, which describes a step-by-step guide to the installation and configuration of door fittings.
Closer installation
Installation of the overhead door closer on the gate or door is carried out according to the following scheme:
- marking the installation area of the closer. Currently, almost every device is attached, which facilitates the process of marking. The location of the fasteners is marked on the template. In order for the marking to be as correct as possible, the template is fixed on the door leaf with adhesive tape or in other ways, and the upper part of the template should be located strictly along the edge of the door leaf, and the vertical part of the sheet should be parallel to the axis of the door hinges;
- drilling holes. After determining the location of the bolts (4 pieces for the closer and 2 pieces for the guide), it is necessary to drill holes. The drill diameter is selected according to the corresponding parameter of the fasteners;
- we make the final installation of guides with a closer, that is, the fixation of individual elements of the device on the door;
- at the last stage, the guide (rod) is connected to the main part of the device.
- performance check and, if necessary, adjustment.
Depending on the type of device, the installation diagram may differ slightly from that shown above. However, the basic installation steps are the same.
Closer adjustment
After installing the closer on the door, the final adjustment of the device is made. During the adjustment process, you can set:
- door closing speed, which is made in the range from 180º (full opening) to 15º (limiter);
- the speed of the final slamming, which is made from 15º to the complete closing of the door leaf.
To adjust, you will need a hex wrench, which is usually supplied with the door closer.
Adjustment screws are located on the side of the main unit of the device.
Produced by rotating the corresponding screws:
- clockwise. At the same time, the closing speed increases;
- counterclock-wise. The door closing speed is reduced.
The optimal setting is considered to be the setting of the device, in which the door closes completely in 5 - 6 seconds.
How to install a closer with your own hands and make the final adjustment of the closing speed of the device, see the video.
If you choose the right closer for the door and install it according to the instructions attached to the device, then the door hardware designed for smooth closing will serve for a long time without breakdowns and failures.
A door closer is a mechanical device whose main function is to automatically close an open door. Basically, in the production of door closers, manufacturers use European standards EN 1154, which determine the main parameters of these devices. It is necessary to consider the varieties of these mechanisms and the algorithm of how to install the closer on the door.
With the help of a door closer, the open door closes automatically.
Varieties of closers
Depending on the technical characteristics, closers are divided into the following classes:
- By installation method:
- hidden;
- upper;
- floor.
- By force of closing (classes EN 1-EN 7). Some models have a range of closing force classes, such as EN 5-7, which allows you to choose the right amount of force.
- According to the structure of traction:
Scheme of the device door closer.
- with linkage (simple technology, but the mounted closer is not compact);
- with a sliding channel (compact when assembled, with a cam mechanism);
- floor (installation in the floor).
- According to the design of the working mechanism:
- cam (the most versatile technology);
- spring (obsolete type);
- toothed rack and pinion (a common option that provides smoothness and increased pressure when closing).
- By type of installation (hidden, surface / overhead).
- For additional features:
- opening damper (for outdoor canvases);
- fixing the open position (with intensive traffic);
- closing delay (for low traffic in utility and storage rooms);
- coordination of door leaf closing (in case of double doors and fire doors);
- Separate rebound setting (for leaves with rubber seals).
Closer selection: its standard equipment
Table of requirements for the moment of closing the door.
Before choosing and installing closers, measure the dimensions of the canvas (width, weight). These are the main parameters that determine the force of inertia, according to which the class of the mechanism is selected. Also, when choosing, one should take into account the temperature conditions of the device and the features of its installation site, for example, whether it is possible to install a door closer.
The standard equipment of a closer with a link arm contains the following components:
- linkage mechanism;
- fasteners;
- instruction.
Necessary tools and materials
In order to properly install the closer on the door, the following tools are needed:
- punch;
- wiring diagram 1:1;
- perforator or drill.
How to mount a door closer?
Door closer installation sequence.
Installing a door closer consists of several stages. By itself, this work is simple, if you know some of the nuances. As an example, you can consider how to properly install a common type closer - an upper, invoice, having a linkage. In this case, the closer itself with the first part of the lever is installed on the sash, and the second part of the lever and the shoe - on the upper quarter of the box. The scope of delivery of this mechanical device contains:
- instructions for use and installation of the closer on the door;
- housing (device itself);
- mounting shoe and lever.
So, you need to understand what is the sequence of actions and how to properly install the door closer with linkage:
- Choose a device of the appropriate class, which is suitable for installation on a leaf of given dimensions.
- Before installing closers, inspect and prepare the canvas.
- Determine the location of its attachment. It depends on the side of the opening at the entrance. “Pull yourself”: install the body of the device from the side where the hinges are attached to the upper part, and mount the shoe and part of the lever at the top of the box. “From yourself”: install the body on the upper quarter of the box, and the shoe and part of the lever on the doors themselves. This must be done before installation.
- Close the sash tightly and place the mounting pattern on the mounting location of the device assembly. Then, with a center punch, through paper, mark the attachment points corresponding to the type of installation of the door closer.
- Drill holes in the door block.
- Mount the elements with self-tapping screws in the places selected for installation. Then fasten the second part of the lever to the body with a screw. Connect the two parts.
- Adjust the lever: set the angle of its inclination to the plane according to the instructions. The value of this angle will correspond to the mode of operation - with or without a catch.
- Adjust the closing speed with special screws.
- If the element is equipped with additional functions, configure these parameters according to the instructions.
Door closer adjustment.
This installation of doors is the most common. It can be done both with the help of specialists and on your own.
It should be noted that in the question of how to install a door closer, in the case of installation and operation of it on external canvases, it is necessary to adjust the door closing speed depending on the season. This allows you to extend the life of the product.
How to properly install the mechanism in case of installing a floor version for swing doors or doors with a one-sided rebate? Before installing closers, check their completeness. Typically, the delivery set of such devices consists of:
- special door hinges;
- closer;
- fasteners;
- wiring diagram 1:1;
- Instructions for use and installation of the closer on the door.
The installation sequence of such a mechanism consists of the following steps.
Mount the door on special hinges: in this case, the hinge located at the bottom acts as a lever, fixed from one end to the shaft, and from the other - to the door itself.
After installation, checking the correct installation and before installing the closers, remove the canvas, leaving the hinges on the door frame.
Types of door closer installation.
In the floor, on the hinge side, mark with a paper wiring diagram and drill a recess according to the dimensions of the casing. If a ledge is provided in the canvas, which hides the gap between the canvas itself and the quarters of the box, then it is necessary that the axis of the mounted mechanism be vertical with respect to this ledge. In this case, the upper edge of the prepared recess should go under a quarter of the box by about 0.03 cm. If the aforementioned gap is closed by a recess in the box, then the axis of the device should be positioned so that it coincides with the end of the recess.
In the case of a swing door, when marking the recess before installing the closers, position the installation diagram so that it is parallel and symmetrical to the door leaf.
Place the mechanism casing in the prepared recess and check the horizontal installation with a building level. Fill the gaps between the casing and the recess with special glue (cement mortar). After the glue (solution) has dried, continue mounting the device.
Insert the body of the device into the casing and fix it slightly with screws before final installation.
Check the alignment of the axes of the upper hinge and the axis of the center of the shaft: a vertical plumb line passed through the hole of the hinge (in the center) should point to the center of the shaft. Adjust this indicator by moving the mechanism body, after loosening the set screws.
Check the parallelism of the installation of the body to the door leaf. Tighten the mounting screws.
Put the dust protection plate on the output shaft. Install the door block assembly. Set the opening speed with a special screw.
Attach the decorative protective cover.
With the help of pliers, remove that part of it that interferes with work.
In the case of swing doors, it is not necessary to change the shape of the cover. Attach the decorative cover to the case.
It should be noted that such installation of doors is within the power of a non-professional and does not require special skills and knowledge. It is enough to have the necessary tools and follow the instructions.
In our entrance, the second door (not street) is constantly open. That is, the heat leaves the entrance, and something had to be done about it. They hung a spring on it, but it slams terribly, I, as a resident of the first floor, are very uncomfortable! Therefore, after not much deliberation, we decided to put a door closer on this door. This is aesthetically pleasing (compared to a spring), and the door will be constantly closed. I decided to put it myself (to help the entrance, so to speak). Therefore, today I am posting a useful article - how to install a do-it-yourself door closer , in my case it is wooden, but installation on a plastic or metal door will not differ much. Read more…
As usual, there will be photo and video material for installation. So after the photo and text, you can watch a detailed video.
About how the closer was chosen,. BUT today is the installation.
The door closer itself
We bought a closer with a force of 50 kilograms, this is more than enough for our wooden door.
The set consists of:
- closer legs, or it is also called a lever
- the closer itself, we have it closed frost-resistant, with two adjusting bolts
- and of course instructions
As you can see, the equipment is the simplest, there is nothing supernatural in it.
Closer check
The most interesting begins. Before we install the closer, we need to try on the leg, sometimes it is quite difficult to put on.
It sits well for me, we try to tighten the mounting bolt.
Everything is checked, everything works, now you can proceed to the installation itself.
We study the scheme
Many people have many questions before installation, for example − where to mount the closer itself, and where the leg, on the door or on the door frame ? Guys, everything is simple, here it’s as convenient for you, you can do it this way and that, that’s exactly what it says in the instructions, and for this the closer has two mounts. Top of the body and bottom.
Here is the instruction
1) Mounting option. When the closer is installed on the door frame, and the "foot" on the door itself. This is the so-called "internal method" of fastening - the door closer is installed when the door opens away from you, push from the inside.
2) Mounting option. When the closer is installed on the door, and the "foot" on the door frame. This method is “external” - the door closer is installed when the door opens towards itself, from the outside - towards itself.
I chose the second option, it’s just that I won’t be able to fix the door closer to the box, because the door is “cashed” at the top. I chose the “external” method - a closer on the door, a foot on the box, for “cashing in”.
Starting the installation
To begin with, I decided to attach it to the door and see if nothing was in the way, everything was fine?!
YES, everything is fine, you can take measurements from the instructions and mount the door closer. We transfer all dimensions to the door, I think everything is clear here, no need to explain.
For those who don’t understand, I have the closer from the corner of the door at a distance of 45 mm (16 mm from the top point), the foot at a distance of 170 m, and from the foot to the closer a distance of 51 mm.
Next, we measure all these dimensions on the door with a pencil. I also immediately drove the "screws" on the tree, I did not take them from the set, since they are thick and will not fit a thin wooden door. I drove the “self-tapping screws”, because I don’t have a screwdriver, I did everything with an ordinary screwdriver! If you have a screwdriver, you can tighten everything at once. On a plastic door, it is installed in the same way as on a wooden one, you can get by with an ordinary screwdriver, but on the metal you will have to drill small holes for the bolts.
Now we unscrew the "screws" and install the closer itself.
Adjust closing bolts as needed. They are needed for smoother or faster closing.
That's all, check, the door closes smoothly!
And most importantly, the door is always closed, it will become warmer in the entrance and heating bills will go down (since we have a weather control sensor installed, which also checks with the heating pipes in the entrance and if they cool down, it consumes more). And with the door closed, consumption will be less, I think by 10-20 percent.
And now the video version of the article, watch
Door closer installation video
So installing closers is a really useful thing, moreover, if you have weather regulation sensors.
That's all, read our construction site, only useful articles.
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