How To Adjust Speed Of Door Closer
Dampers equipped with hold-open pneumatic closers have a variety of adjustments that you can use to make the door close smoothly every time. While every manufacturer has different settings for their closers, the basic direction is the same. In most cases, all you need is a little patience and a few basic tools to get the door to close properly during normal use and stay open when you need it. If the closer is not working properly after adjustments, then it's time to replace it.
1.Adjust the door closer on its bracket. With the door in the open position, slide the door stop to the end of its rod. Loosen the screws of the bracket from the door and reset the door closer on the bracket to the door handle side of the door. Reattach the screws to the door.
2.Set the backstop range of the door. This limits the door from opening beyond a 90-degree angle. Look for a screw or hex nut next to the "B" on the cylinder. Use a screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise or an Allen wrench to turn the hex nut to increase the swing of the door beyond 90 degrees. Move the screw or hex nut counterclockwise to reduce reverse checking. Some door openers may not have this adjustment.
3.Find the swing adjustment. This is usually marked with an "S" or "C" on the cylinder of the door closer, but it may be in a different location than the backstop adjustment. On most models, you want the door to swing faster than it locks so the door doesn't slam shut. Turn the adjustment screw or hex nut counterclockwise to slow the swing speed and clockwise to speed it up.
4.Find the latch adjustment next to the swing adjustment. It usually has an "L" to mark it. The latch adjustment keeps the door tight against the frame when the door is closed to the last 5 or 6 inches. Turn the adjustment screw or hex nut clockwise to speed up the last part of the closing cycle. Turn the adjustment mechanism clockwise to slow it down.
5.Check the operation of the door. The manufacturer recommends that it takes at least 6 seconds to close the door from a 90-degree angle.
Pneumatic door closers control the speed at which the door closes and the pressure at which it locks. They need to be adjusted periodically to ensure that the door locks properly and closes at the correct speed. Fortunately, with just a screwdriver, you can easily adjust the cylinder, change the swing speed, or readjust the cylinder and bracket so that the door closes hard enough to lock securely. If your door still doesn't work the way you want it to after making these adjustments, then you'll likely need to replace your door closer.
Method 1 Change the speed of the door closer's swing
1. Locate the tension adjustment screw on the end of the pneumatic cylinder.
A door closer consists of a cylinder that controls the speed of the door and a bracket that holds the cylinder to the door. With the door closed, look at the end of the cylinder closest to the bracket to see the adjustment screw.
*Tightening and loosening the adjustment screw can make the lock cylinder close the door slower or faster.
*Some door closers may have one screw, while others have two.
2. If you can't find the adjustment screw, remove the cover from the door closer.
Some closers have housing that covers the cylinder and bracket. If you don't see the adjustment screw on the cover, you may need to take the cover off to find it. Removable covers can be gently pried off because they are held on the door closer by suction only.
*Some covers are not removable. These covers have a visible adjustment screw on the outside of one end. If it is not clear which screw is the adjustment screw, you will have to test by loosening or tightening the screw one at a time and then closing the door to test it.
3. Turn the screw clockwise to make the door close more slowly.
If the door closes too fast, use a screwdriver to tighten the adjusting screw slightly. This will change the speed of the pneumatic cylinder and slow the door down.
*Make very fine adjustments-perhaps 1/8 turn at a time until you are satisfied with the way the door closes.
*Test the speed of the door by opening and letting the door close to see how slowly it closes. Continue making fine adjustments until the door closes at the desired speed.
4. Turn the screw counterclockwise to make the door close faster.
If your door is closing too slowly, use a screwdriver to slightly loosen the adjustment screw. This will adjust the speed of the pneumatic cylinder to make the door go faster.
*Make sure not to completely unscrew the adjustment screw or the cylinder may come apart and start leaking pneumatic fluid.
Method 2Make the door latch secure
1. Remove the pin that holds the cylinder to the bracket by pressing it upward.
Close the door completely and locate the pin holding the cylinder to the bracket. Slide it out upward to release the cylinder from the bracket.
*The door closer has a cylinder that controls the swing speed of the door, and a bracket that connects the cylinder to the door. Look for the place where the cylinder arm attaches to the bracket and find the pin you need to remove.
*Most door closers have 2-3 different holes that you can use to attach the cylinder closer or further away from the bracket to adjust the closing pressure.
2. Place the pin in the hole farthest from the cylinder so that the door locks.
Align the hole in the cylinder arm under the farthest hole in the bracket. Slide the pin back to hold the cylinder and bracket together, making it harder to close the door and lock it completely.
*If there is not enough pressure in the last few inches when closing the door, your door will not lock completely. Attaching the cylinder closer to the bracket will create more pressure in the final stages of closing the door so that the door will lock securely.
*If the cylinder is already attached to the bracket through the hole furthest from the bracket and the door still does not lock properly, then you will need to adjust the position of the bracket on the door.
3. If moving the pin does not work, change the position of the bracket on the door.
Loosen the screws that hold the bracket to the door. Move the bracket further away from the lock cylinder and closer to the door handle to create more closing pressure.
*Most door closer brackets have slotted holes, so you are able to slide them from left to right to make adjustments without having to remove the screws completely.
*If none of these adjustments work, then your door closer is probably worn out and you'll need to buy a new one to replace it. Look for a similar model so you can simply unscrew the old one and screw the new one into the same position.