A manual door closer will close a door after it has been opened by hand. To limit the door's speed, common door closers have a hydraulic (oil-filled) damper. The speed may be adjustable by up to two set screws near the door's hinge end of the closer (Do not fully remove these screws because oil may leak out).
Most door closers control the speed of a door as it opens and closes. As you open a door, the closer provides very little resistance until the door nears its maximum open position. Some doors have an adjustable backcheck control to add resistance to the closer, slowing the door to a stopped position and protecting door hardware and the wall from damage. When the door is released, it moves at a uniform speed until it nears the fully closed position. Some doors have adjustable latch speed to close the door slowly (to prevent slamming) or quickly (to firmly engage the latch mechanism).
Selecting a Door Closer
To replace your current door closer, remove the cover
and look for the mounting hole pattern. We provide this
information for all of our closers, so you can find a match
and eliminate the need to drill new holes.
The following are factors to consider in selecting a
door closer:
1. How wide is your door? Is it an interior or an
exterior door? Most of our door closers are Multi Sized,
adjust to fit a range of door widths. For sized door closers
see the following chart:
2. Do you have a right- or a left-hand door?
Most closers are reversible for use on both right- and
left-hand doors. However, some closers work only on
right-hand doors, while others work only on left-hand doors.
If the door pushes open to the right, it's a right-hand
door. If it pushes open to the left, it's a left-hand door.
3. How will the closer be mounted? There are
three mounting styles. See diagrams at left. Regular Arm—
Closer mounts on the door and the arm extends
perpendicular to the door. Parallel Arm— Closer
mounts on the door and the arm is parallel to the door.
Top Frame— Closer mounts on the top face of the door
frame and the arm extends perpendicular to the door. Often
used on the inside frame of exterior doors to protect
closers from exposure to weather elements.
