Taking Charge: A DIY Guide to Adjusting Your Hydraulic Door Closer
Tim Hayes July 24, 2024
BlogA-24 Hour Door National Inc > Uncategorized > Taking Charge: A DIY Guide to Adjusting Your Hydraulic Door Closer
A door closer is a hardworking hero, silently ensuring your door shuts smoothly and securely. But sometimes, that silent hero needs a little fine-tuning. Here’s a DIY guide to adjusting your hydraulic door closer, so it swings back into action perfectly.
Before You Begin:
- Safety First! Hydraulic door closers contain pressurized oil. If unsure about your abilities or the door closer type, consult a professional.
- Gather your tools: You’ll likely need a screwdriver (usually flathead or Allen wrench) and maybe an adjustable wrench for holding the closer body (optional).
- Identify your closer: Different brands and models may have slightly varying adjustment locations. Look for screw heads near the arm attachment points.
The Three Adjustments:
Most hydraulic door closers offer three main adjustments:
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Sweep Speed: This controls how quickly the door closes after it reaches a certain point (usually around 15 degrees from fully open). Turning the screw clockwise slows the closing, while counter-clockwise makes it faster.
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Latch Speed: This controls the final “shut” of the door. Similar to the sweep speed, a clockwise turn slows the latching action, while counter-clockwise speeds it up.
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Back Check: This adjustment affects how forcefully the door opens at the very beginning. It’s helpful for preventing the door from swinging open too wide with a strong gust of wind. Turning the screw clockwise increases the back check (more resistance when opening), while counter-clockwise reduces it.
Making the Adjustments:
- Start small: A quarter-turn adjustment is a good starting point. It’s easier to make small adjustments and test repeatedly than overcorrecting.
- Test after each adjustment: Close the door fully and observe how it behaves. Does it close too quickly? Too slowly? Does it latch securely? Fine-tune based on your observations.
Pro Tips:
- Consult your door closer’s manual: The manufacturer’s instructions will be specific to your model and may offer additional insights.
- Take note of initial settings: Before making adjustments, note the screw positions for reference in case you need to revert.
- Work with a partner: Having someone hold the door open while you make adjustments can be helpful.
Need Help?
While these adjustments can be done yourself, sometimes a more complex repair or replacement might be necessary. For those situations, A-24 Hour Door National is your one-stop shop! Serving the areas of Buffalo, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Cincinnati, OH, their team of certified technicians are experts in all things doors, including hydraulic door closers.
A-24 Hour Door National offers:
- 24/7 emergency service: A door malfunction doesn’t wait for business hours. They’re there for you, day or night. (Call 1-800-884-4440)
- Repairs and replacements: Whether your door closer needs a simple fix or a complete overhaul, they have the expertise to get it done right.
- A wide variety of door closer options: Looking to upgrade your current closer? They offer a selection of high-quality, UL listed hydraulic and pneumatic closers from trusted commercial hardware manufacturers like Norton, Assa Abloy (including brands like Sargent and Corbin), CRL, Kawneer, Dorma, Hager, and more.
Don’t let a malfunctioning door closer compromise your comfort or security. For adjustments you can handle, follow this guide. But for anything beyond your DIY skillset, contact A-24 Hour Door National!
Happy Adjusting!
