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Door closer adjustment is a skill that requires knowledge, patience, and an ability to climb up and down a ladder several times. But with these attributes and the appropriate wrench, hex key, or screwdriver, you can do it yourself. This article is primarily about commercial door closers, but the ideas here can be applied to other kinds of door closers as well.
Hydraulic Door Closers Troubleshooting
Touch 'n Hold Smooth - Dual Door Closer System - Heavy Duty - for (Medium and Heavy Weight) Storm, Screen, Security Doors - New Doors or Replacement for Previous Units (White) 4.4 out of 5 stars 973 $33.99 $ 33. 99 $35.99 $35.99. Take the closer off the door (simply pop the pins out of the brackets). Once in your hand you will notice at the end of the rod that will not retract a hole where the pin held it to the door bracket. If the door closer continues to not operate smoothly (or the door closer is unsightly), you may need to replace it. Close the door completely. Press up to remove the pin from the bracket and release the door closer barrel. If the pin is under too much tension, open the door an inch and slide the open clip against the barrel and try again.
Most of the adjustments to the commercial door closer are implemented by opening and closing hydraulic valves. When it comes to turning the screws that operate these valves, a little goes a long way. A turn of just five degrees can significantly increase or decrease closing speed.
Making an Adjustment to a Commercial Door Closer
When you examine the closer, if you can’t see adjustment screws, chances are the closer has a cover. The cover is usually plastic, but it could also be metal. If you see no fasteners holding the cover on, that means the cover is held on by tension. Pull it off and if you do see fasteners, you can loosen, but not remove, the fasteners and the cover will slide off.
- If you find that there is oil in the cover or oil on or leaking from the closer body – stop right there – you need a new door
closer. (If, however, it is not leaking, you can proceed.) - Now that you have the cover off, you should be able to see the adjustment screws. They should be marked on the closer body as to what they are or there will be a diagram inside the cover. If not, you may have to experiment a little to see which is which.
- Remember, when it comes to turning commercial door closer adjustment screws, a little goes a long way. Start with no more than 1/8 of a turn. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to slow the closer down, counter-clockwise to speed it up.
- Open the door and watch it close. If it closes right the first time, check it 10 more times. If it closes correctly every time, you’re done. If not, go back up the ladder and make another adjustment.
- When it closes the way you want 10 times in a row, it will probably continue to do so.
- Ideally a non-delayed action door closer will close and latch the door in seven to eight seconds.
Troubleshooting a Commercial Door Closer
Wright Door Closer Troubleshooting
- If there is a hinge problem, a warped door, or the door must swing uphill to close, a door closer will only go so far to solve the problem. Sometimes a door must be repaired before it will close and lock automatically.
- If the closer stops closing the door before it’s closed all the way, or actually springs back when you try to manually shut the door, the arm is probably installed on the shaft incorrectly. Download the instructions from the door closer manufacturer’s website and see if it is installed correctly.
- If the arm makes noise and bounces up and down while the door is in motion, tighten the fasteners that hold the arm to the closer, to the header, and at the knuckle that holds the two parts of the arm together.
When It’s Time To Replace Your Commercial Door Closer:
Touch'n Hold Parts
- If oil is leaking from your door closer, it must be replaced.
- If your door closer is slamming the door and cannot be adjusted to do otherwise, either the fluid has leaked out or the valve seals are worn out. In either case, your best option is to replace it.
- If the door closer has no spring tension and the spring tension adjustment turns around with no effect, the spring is broken the
door closer must be replaced. - If you’re having any of these problems with your commercial door closer and would like to see your replacement options, give us a
call or visit us online and we’ll be happy to discuss your options!