How To Adjust A Door Closer? Step By Step Guide

Door closer work with the balanced adjustment of two different forces. One of these forces is a spring that pulls the door back to its closed position. In doing that, the door shuts with full force and slams shut.

A door closer must be well-adjusted to prevent any damage to the door. Door close adjustment is a rather simple but vital task. A few adjustments on the screws, valves, and swing and latching speed could be enough to ensure the longevity of your door closers.

This article talks about how step-by-step door closer adjustments can be made yourself with the right tools.

How To Adjust Door Closers?

The pneumatic door closers are responsible for the speed and the pressure at which the door shuts and latches on. With proper adjustments in due time using the right tools, you can change both the speed and pressure on the cylinder of the pneumatic doors.

The step-by-step process to adjust the door close properly is as follows:

Removal Of The Closer Cover And Locate The Adjustment Screws

Most door closers have a cover that hides the adjustment screws and valves underneath. Take the cover plate off gently by prying it off if it is not screwed in.

Suppose the door closer is installed correctly, using an appropriate tool such as a hex key. In that case, the cover should completely unscrew and expose the screws, or the valve seals should be visible.

Since the door's closer arm connects the closer body to the door's frame, it is also important to be aware that the arm makes noise. If the arm is rigid, pushes the door noisily, and can't hold open the door, then the hold open arm on the closer body needs extra care. It may need to be opened using proper tools such as an Allen wrench to check the valve and the large nut that might need to be cleaned or oiled.

Turn The Screw Clockwise Or Counter Clockwise Rotation To Tighten Or Loosen

Check the valve using a small or appropriate wrench and decide whether it needs to be tightened or loosened. Making common adjustments to the screw should be enough to fix your door closed unless you need it completely removed.

Although making adjustments like these depends on the types of door closers you have. However, if the door's speed is higher, turn the valve clockwise to decrease the closing speed and counterclockwise to increase the closing speed.

Adjust The Swing Speed To Prevent Slamming

Whether a concealed or a hydraulic door, the speed at which the door swings can affect the door frame. The spring tension adjustment valves need to be altered. For this, the door closer adjustment screws need to be turned according to the speed the door closes.

In the case of hydraulic door closer, concealed door closer, or any other to function properly, the closer adjustments need to be precise when turning it to increase or decrease closing speed.

The precision is to prevent the door from either shutting too fast or too slow. The details for door closer adjustments should also be available on the door closer manufacturer's website to help you understand exactly how the adjustment screw needs to be turned.

However, the speed at which the door shuts can also cause the door to lock automatically by slamming against the wall too hard. Hitting the wall too often and too hard could result in a warped door, at which point no amount of adjustment valves will let the door open or close properly.

Adjust The Latching Speed To Desired Speed

Latch speed refers to how fast or how slow the door closer is when shutting it close. Door closers work the best when the latch is on. It takes about seven to eight seconds for the last few inches to shut completely.

The wrong installation of the arm on the shaft can be why your door closer needs to be adjusted or avoid having to manually shut it to make sure it closes properly and can make the door hold open long enough.

For the door to latch properly, keep the door open and check the latch valve to determine whether the door closing takes too long or too short. Either of these could cause significant damage to the door as both the opening and the closing pressure make the door hold open for too long or have the door closed before you get through it.

The door closer manufacturers should have closing hydraulic valves that need to be checked to ensure it is not responsible for the latch speeds imbalance. Like all the other screws and valves, the latch valves should also be underneath the cover plates. The proper adjustment screw, adjustment screw clockwise rotation will cause the screw to tighten and take longer before the door close.

This adjustment screw on either side will keep you safe when the door is held open. At the same time, the anti-clockwise rotation will cause the screw to loosen up and hold open the door for a shorter period. However, it is important to know that opening the door past a certain point and for too long can cause damage to the closer on the new door too.

Test The Door

Office doors and commercial doors often use concealed closers for a cleaner look. They require a commercial locksmith with their mechanical device to make all the necessary adjustments; valves, speed, and pressure on the closer should be just right once the locksmiths are done. Once you have successfully tested and made the proper adjustment, valves of all types should be in-sync and move seamlessly.

Once all the adjustment valves have been checked, and the swing uphill has been confirmed to be adequate, the doors should be ready to use for a long time. After everything has been adjusted and the doors are in perfect motion without disruptions, it is vital to ensure you look after the closer well.

Regular checking and maintaining the closer will prevent the door from slamming at high speed and pressure, which can be dangerous if ignored.

Are Surface Mounted Door Closers Good?

As it is one of the hottest products in the market for closers, several variations of it are also available with several upgrades and security changes. Surface-mounted closers have grown significantly in demand as it gives a much cleaner visual appeal.

These closers are mounted to the door's frame and secure the closer body with about four screws and the arm bracket with five screws. It is also the easiest to install without needing much assistance or heavy-duty tools.

The adjustment valves on surface-mounted closers also have strong spring tensions that give you enough time to walk past the door without risking being slammed. The powerful arms on these closers are much different from regular closers and affect the speed, pressure, and time for the doors to open and shut.

These are also highly unlikely to need to be tightened or loosened up soon since being installed. The doors don't suffer any damage from the closer being slammed due to the durable and strong arms on them. Closers mounted on the surface are generally more well-built and easier to work with than others.

Final Words

There are several different options of door closers available to choose from. Each of these closers serves different purposes and wants. Whichever closer you choose, with proper maintenance and care, these can provide you with ears of service with ease.

This article was made to help you understand how to adjust a door closer with step-by-step information and a guide on how to go about it.

Suppose you are searching for a reliable source of a locksmith who knows what they are doing with the help of their extensive experience and knowledge. In that case, Armor Locks Co. is the place for you to check.

So, if there's an issue with your door lock adjustments, slamming shut problems, or any other door troubleshooting, immediately call us at 832-481-5030, and we'll send our expert locksmiths to your service.