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Review on πŸ§₯ Soft Close Hanger by Johnson Hardware by Brian Whitmore

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Expensive but no choice

Failed to load media. I installed a Johnson sliding door 12 years ago. The hardware has survived and remained relatively unchanged, allowing this soft-close feature to be added years after the original installation. If the delivery wasn't so slow I would have added one more for soft opening but I had to close the wall. I was happy to save the cost of a second one. I have another door with soft opening and closing, which is a really useful feature. I like pocket doors and use them because I have small spaces where a swing door is impractical. They have changed the way our homes feel and how we move within them. The problem is that this equipment is relatively expensive. A typical curtain door can cost anywhere from $85-$100, including the door! If you add Johnson's soft-close feature to your door, you'll pay $130 or more and not even have a door. If you want one and find it for sale or used, take it. You can shorten them for smaller doors. About the equipment and assembly: The equipment is very light and not very big. Follow the instructions and the hardware will snap into place. Once you make a few changes. You will need to make some modifications to the location of the brackets on the door and possibly the door frame itself. In my case, I had to cut a slot in the vertical inner skin of the door to insert new hardware behind the door closer. It's hard to explain, but knowing you have to do it is better than discovering the problem unexpectedly. The photos show a modification that I only left as it is not very visible and for a possible future repair. The closer didn't want to stay in place when the door was closed. He slid further by force and clung to the door. It took several tries to attach it and I did it carefully so as not to damage it. I really felt like I had gone too far and didn't want to repeat anything. After several attempts (several days) the soft closer stayed in place and has been working fine ever since. Prevents animals (at least small ones) from opening the door. My cats used to be able to open the door People think it's cool Cons: Specific to Johnson sliding doors More to install than expected Slightly more expensive Other thoughts: I also have barn doors in my house which the additional soft close for costs a lot less than these Johnson ones closer. So I'm a bit disappointed with the price but it's nice to have this feature. If you are installing two sliding doors you can buy a complete Johnson set with a soft open/close and one without and use one of the soft closers on the second door to save some money. If I could get a soft close feature in another pocket door I would give it a try for myself because I have a few spots where a pocket door would be beneficial. Trouble is if you don't like it you have a pretty annoying project ahead of you, especially after you've completed the drywall, painted and added crown molding and I hate renovating an old job I just finished. a door kit that already includes this feature.

Pros
  • MADE IN USA – Made in USA.
Cons
  • No automatic