A bit of obsession with horizontal, stability (multiple screws),,, but hey it was an unexpected success , which deserves scrutiny.

— Up to three parameters to adjust. See https://laforceinc.com/blog/how-to-adjust-a-standard-door-closer-in-6-steps/

• latching speed .. slow down to avoid slamming to door frame or …. fingers [THE original motivation]
• backcheck .. avoid slamming to the surface behind. Can also reduce the number of magnets required to hold the door open
• closing speed .. easy to control using hydraulic. I think all door closers has this feature

— j4: personal injury…. Non-negotiable.

After removing door closers, I noticed more than one door slams by boy and wife. Each slam could result in an injury (never mind door damage). Family members are so used to the protection by the door closer, that we now depend on it.

Fact: Most homes don’t have soft-closing doors. Some families put on bumpers to protect the hardware but not for injuries!

— very high tcost of shopp around (online/offline), install, adjustment .. $cost is minor in comparison

The high tcost felt like a winUp problem. Now I have invested hours to acquire the skill + confidence [drilling metal door frame]. Looking back I think it is worthwhile.

Initially, I thought my 10Y living with the oversized Dorma on my room2 door was powerful motivation to find a better solution for the new home. Therefore, I spent hours researching online/offline all during the final stretch of my runway! One of Singapore’s biggest door accessory shops told me in writing (whatsapp) “410mm minimum needed. Your gap is only up to 350mm so no door closer can fit”.  Well, I didn’t give up and I kept investing time, despite professional advice.

— choice: Dorma thin model
https://shopee.sg/Dorma-TS68-Door-Closer-i.10214.11034350435?sp_atk=e5513983-b275-491a-bd1a-23241977f685&xptdk=e5513983-b275-491a-bd1a-23241977f685

Sims Ave thin model is 40cm thick.. trustworthy.

— choice: one-arm hydraulic
Don’t choose cheapest model, as durability is the most likely derailer. Now that I have invested hours in learning, I am confident/comfortable about buying a higher quality, and reusing the holes (The four holes are worth many times more than the hardware.) or drilling new holes.

I could install a second unit if not enough protection, or if first one stops working.

— wear-n-tear .. Dorma lasted about 10Y, before one of the units had _some_ wear-n-tear. The door contractor instructed me to throw it out (I had no use of it), but in hind sight, I think it is still usable as a spare.

One-arm hydraulic may have a shorter lifespan… 2Y would be good enough.

Rough handling would definitely damage either the door closer or the door. This is part and parcel of every door operation. There’s powerful force in every door. Soft-closing solutions also need comparable powerful force. These forces can cause harm to users or the hardware [door, wall,,,]