A  door  closer  is  a  mechanical  device  that  controls  and  closes  a  door,  typically  after  someone  opens  it.  Choosing  a  door  closer  requires  the  consideration  of  a  variety  of  criteria  including  the  closer's  performance  in  fire  situations,  control  over  the  rate  of  closing,  safety,  durability,  risk  of  vandalism  and  aesthetics.