Is your door closing too quickly? Is opening too difficult? Then it is time to adjust your door closer. Door closers play a crucial role in safety, accessibility, and compliance with ADA standards. We used Allegion instructions to elaborate and illustrate the different types of door closers, as well as provide insights into how to adjust them. Follow this guide to gain an understanding of which type of door closer you are working with, and the steps to take when adjusting different hydraulic valves.
Types of Door Closers
There are a variety of door closers, including: Surface-mounted, overhead concealed, high security, fire & life safety, and automatic operators. Surface-mounted door closers are the most commonly used and each one comes with many different mounting styles, such as:
- Regular Arm: Otherwise known as the hinge side mount, it is mounted on the pull side of the door, with the arm attached to the frame face above.
- Parallel Arm: Is mounted on the push side of the door, with the parallel arm shoe attached to the underside of the frame head.
- Top Jamb Mounted: Is mounted on the push side of the frame, with the arm attached to the face of the door.
How to Adjust Door Closers
On most door closers, there are three different hydraulic valves that allow you to control the motion of your door: Back Check, Main Speed and Latch Speed. In addition, there is the optional Delayed Action hydraulic valve. The goal of these adjustments is to allow the door to close swiftly but quietly.
Back Check Valve
The Back Check adjustment slows the door upon opening to reduce the wear on the door wall and hinges (It does not serve as a door stop). This starts to take effect at about 70°.
To Adjust the Back Check
- Locate the back check screw (the screw closest to the spring tube).
- For more back check, turn the screw one-quarter turn clockwise.
- For less back check, turn the screw one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
- Cycle the door twice to test between adjustments.
Main Speed Valve
The main speed adjustment is what controls the speed of the door. This starts to take effect as it closes from fully open to about 20°.
To Adjust the Main Speed
- Locate the main speed screw (the screw closest to the pinion where the arm is attached to the body).
- Make an adjustment one quarter turn at a time.
- Counterclockwise to increase speed.
- Clockwise to decrease speed.
- Test the door closing speed between adjustments by opening and releasing it.
Latch Speed Valve
The latch speed adjustment controls the speed at which the door closes during the last 20°. It is recommended that only small adjustments are made to the latch speed to ensure that the door latches properly.
To Adjust the Latch Speed
- Locate the latch speed screw (the screw adjacent to the main speed screw).
- Make an adjustment one-quarter turn at a time.
- Counterclockwise to increase speed.
- Clockwise to decrease speed.
- Open the door all the way and release it to observe the latching speed. The latching speed can be adjusted if the door still will not latch.
Delayed Speed Valve (Optional)
The delayed action adjustment controls the delay time on closers and is an optional feature.
To Adjust the Delayed Speed
- Locate the delayed speed screw (on the door closer body around the pinion)
- Adjust the valve to the position that the delay will kick in.
- Clockwise for a longer delay (up to 50 seconds).
- Counterclockwise for a shorter delay or no delay at all.
Tools You Will Need
- Ladder
- Drill
- 1/8″ drill bit
- Center punch
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips #3 screwdriver
- Hex wrenches 5/32″ & 3/32″
- Tape measure
- T-square
- Safety glasses
For a demonstration on how to adjust door closers for proper operation watch:
Door Closer Requirements
There are important ADA, fire door, and life safety requirements that you need to consider with your door closers, such as force and closing speed. We can help you decide what is best for your door opening.
ADA Standards to remember when installing door closers:
- Interior Door – 5 lbs. opening force.
- Exterior Door – 5 to 8 lbs. opening force.
- Minimum Closing Speed – 5 seconds at 90° to 12°.
- Recommended Closing Speed – 5 to 7 seconds at 90° until latching.
For additional information about Door Closers, please check out our blogs Door Closers & How to Adjust a Standard Door Closer
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