How to Choose the Right KURIKI Soft Closer for Your Door

When installing KURIKI Hinged Door Soft Closer, one of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong product for your door’s opening direction. The challenge comes from the fact that door handing standards differ between Japan and the U.S. — so what’s called a “right-hand door” in one country may actually be a “left-hand door” in another.

To help you find the right product and avoid the hassle of returns, here’s a simple guide to understanding door handing differences between Japan and the U.S.

1. Why Door Handing Matters for Soft Closers

The soft closer’s internal mechanism is designed to control the closing motion according to your door’s swing direction. If the wrong handing is selected, the closer won’t function properly — it may resist opening or fail to close smoothly.

That’s why checking your door handing before purchasing is very important.

2. Our Standard for Door Handing

Different regions use different methods to determine handing, but at KURIKI JAPAN, we use one simple and universal rule:

Stand on the side where you can see the hinges. 

• If the hinges are on the right, it’s a Right-Hand Door.
• If the hinges are on the left, it’s a Left-Hand Door.

It doesn’t matter whether the door opens toward you or away from you. This standard ensures you can easily identify your door handing without worrying about regional differences.

3. Use the Diagram Below

To make it even easier, refer to the diagrams below.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Assuming “left” or “right” from the push/pull direction — our standard is based only on hinge position.

- Comparing with foreign standards — Japan and the U.S. define door handing differently.

- Skipping confirmation before purchase — always check your door opening before ordering.

If you’re still unsure, you can send us a photo of your door (showing hinges and the swing direction), and we’ll help confirm which type you need.

5. Choose the Right Soft Closer, Every Time

By following the simple “hinge-side” rule above, you can confidently choose the right swing door soft closer for your home or building. Our goal is to help every customer achieve a smooth, quiet, and effortless door-closing experience — with the correct product, the first time.

Explore our range of Hinged Door Soft Closers designed for smooth, quiet operation and precise performance — find the right model for your door today.