Door closer replacement and servicing have been a part of the locksmith’s job for more than a century. The venerable door closers all perform the same basic function: making sure the door is closed, but with more specialized features for specific types of openings.
Early door closers used weights and pulleys, then evolved to spring-loaded devices. The first hydraulic closer was invented in the late 19th century by Lewis C. Norton (founder of LCN, now an Allegion company). Norton aimed to control a slamming door at Boston Trinity Church. On June 15, 1880, the Patent Office issued Norton a patent on a pneumatic door closer. Then on January 3, 1882, the Patent Office issued Norton a second patent. The new closer had improved closing performance, speed control, and was more effective in closing the door. In 1882, Norton founded the Norton Door Check and Spring Company.
Life safety codes require every fire door to be self-closing and for doors in hospitality and multifamily occupancies to close securely. Because life safety is involved, they’re tested stringently and graded so they can be installed properly and used appropriately.
Door closers come in several types:
Floor threshold closers: Provided by the door manufacturer as part of the door system.
Concealed in header center-hung pivot closers: Also a part of the door opening system, and included when the door is installed.
Overhead (Surface-mounted) closers: These comprise the majority of the closers locksmiths will encounter. They can be installed on existing doors and be replaced or upgraded without removing the door.
There are five types of surface-mount installations: regular arm, top jamb, parallel arm, track arm and corner bracket.
The standard “streamline” or modern surface-mounted door closer operates using fluid in a rack-and-pinion spring-loaded piston mechanism. When the door is opened, the arm assembly rotates a geared spindle that moves a gear driven piston, compressing the main spring and forcing fluid into the area previously occupied by the piston. The spring pressure increases as the door is opened. The farther the door is opened, the greater the spring pressure.
As the door is closing, the spring expands and exerts pressure on the piston. As the piston moves back, fluid is forced back to the area surrounding the spring. The valves that control the movement of the fluid as the spring expands determine controlled opening and closing of the door. If fluid is permitted to move too quickly, the door will slam. If fluid is restricted too much, the door will not close and latch.
Before installing, servicing or adjusting a door closer, make certain the hinges are properly lubricated, the hinge screws are tight and the door closes smoothly and latches properly. If the door is not operating properly, no door closer will be able to solve the problems.
Following is a listing of the latest door closers on the market. We will look at their cousins, the low-energy door operators, in next month’s Locksmith Ledger.
LCN
Most locksmiths are familiar with LCN’s 4040XP Series heavy duty closers for high-traffic doors. As a universal closer, the 4040XP fits a wide variety of applications, easing inventory headaches and serving as the closer for all types of high-traffic openings. It’s ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Grade 1 rated, cUL listed and UL listed for self-closing doors without hold-open, and meets ADA reduced opening force requirements.
Every 4040XP includes a high-strength cast-iron cylinder, forged steel arm, double heat-treated steel pinion and full complement, low friction bearings for rugged reliability in high-traffic installations. LCN peel-and-stick templates assure quick and accurate installation, and the LCN Green Dial takes the guesswork out of spring power adjustments. It also includes a non-handed plastic cover and fasteners.
LCN also offers light- and medium-duty closers, the 4050A heavy duty cast aluminum closer and the 4030 Series closers with universal design for doors where narrow frames are not a concern.
More info: www.lcnclosers.com
Norton Rixson
Norton Rixson’s extensive line of door closers includes the 2800ST cam action door closer, designed to make doors easy to open while maintaining enough force to close doors securely. The 2800ST is one closer and track assembly that can support up to four installation positions and has a unique arm to simplify installation. It is ideal for applications where both security and accessibility are a priority.
New from Norton Rixson is the 61 Overhead Concealed Closer, which uses cam action technology making doors easy to open while maintaining enough force to close door securely. This compact closer fits in a 1-3/4" thick door and is ideal for moderate use applications where aesthetics matter.
More info: www.nortonrixson.com
dormakaba
dormakaba’s TS93 Series is a top-of-the-line surface-applied closers because of its unique cam and roller design. Doors equipped with the TS93 will open much easier than doors with rack and pinion closers with track arms. The TS93 is a closer with regular arm operating efficiency and track arm aesthetics. It is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified.
The BEST EHD9000 cast iron door closer is a rack-and-pinion door closer with a single-piece cast iron housing. This versatile door closer was developed for high durability and consistent performance in challenging conditions. Its rugged, single-piece construction withstands high-stress applications in high-traffic areas. The EHD9000 also features a unique design to facilitate the installation and adjustment process for the installer.
The 8900 door closer series provides a flexible door control system suitable for institutional or high-traffic commercial applications. Its hydraulic control system features a full range spring power adjustment and backcheck, along with a narrow projection full cover and flatform style arm. It is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified.
More info: https://www.dormakaba.com/us-en/offering/products/door-hardware/door-closers
Corbin Russwin
The Corbin Russwin DC5200 cam action door closer is designed to make doors easy to open while maintaining enough force to close doors securely. The DC5200 closer and track assembly can support up to four installation positions and has a unique arm to simplify installation.
The DC62900 Series electric track closer-holders combine the functions of a single-point electromechanical door holder with the DC6200 door closer. The track assembly contains an arm slide and solenoid-operated hold open mechanism.
More info: www.corbinrusswin.com
Sargent
The 281 Series Powerglide Cast Iron Door Closer features a heavy-duty one-piece cast iron body for superior strength and wear resistance. It is designed to meet the needs of facilities maintaining “cast iron” specifications.
The 351 Series Powerglide Door Closer is ideally suited for highly trafficked environments like schools, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and commercial buildings. With a full complement of arm types and front-facing valves, these door closers can be easily installed and maintained — for interior and exterior applications.
The 422 cam action door closer is designed to make doors easy to open while maintaining enough force to close doors securely. The 422 is one closer and track assembly that can support up to four installation positions and has a unique arm to simplify installation. Ideal for applications where both security and accessibility are a priority.
The 1131 Series is a Grade 1 door closer that fully adjusts for sizes 1–6 and easily retrofits on medium-traffic, commercial applications. The 1331 Series is a Grade 1 fully-adjustable door closer suitable for new construction and renovations. Available with a full range of arms and accessories, this door closer can be used for most common applications and is ideal for standard duty installations.
The 1431 Series Powerglide Door Closer features heavy-duty construction for superior strength and wear resistance. It is ideally suited for highly trafficked environments like schools, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and commercial buildings.
More info: www.sargentlock.com
Hampton Products
Hampton Products International has introduced its next-generation All-In-One Door Closer, featuring its new patented FlexPlate technology. Engineered for faster, easier installation, this fully integrated solution delivers three times the compatibility of its predecessor — supporting more than 130 mounting hole patterns across competing brands — while eliminating the need to drill new holes.
Its patented design features sliding shims for horizontal and vertical adjustability, allowing installers to correct minor misalignments without rework. A directional arrow located on the plate ensures correct orientation every time, avoiding confusion tied to hinge or swing direction — an issue with the earlier mounting plate.
More info: https://hamptonproducts.com/news/Next-Generation-All-In-One-Door-Closer
Detex
Detex offers the Ryobi by Detex door closers, through a 2023 partnership with Ryobi.
The D-4550 Series AL Closers are heavy-duty door closers constructed of high-silicon aluminum alloy for installation on exterior and interior doors that are subject to high use and potential abuse. They are designed and engineered for reliability and superior performance. The commercial applications for which these closers are ideal include schools, medical facilities, institutions, and hospitals as well as office buildings and any entrance door with high foot traffic.
More info: www.detex.com
Learn More Online
Here are some door closer resources and training programs.
Door Closer Basics from ASSA ABLOY University: In this free, online introductory online class, students learn how to choose the correct door closer for your application. You'll be able to select the appropriate closer, determine the best mounting option, make speed adjustments, and properly size the door.
https://learn.assaabloyacademy.com/learn/courses/57/door-closer-basics
Norton-Rixson Door Closer and Operator Solutions from ASSA ABLOY University: This free, online class covers basic door hardware and review the features and benefits of Norton Rixon closers and operators. We'll review the 7100SZ series electromechanical closer and the 5900, 5800 and 5600 series electromechanical low-energy operators.
https://learn.assaabloyacademy.com/learn/courses/32/norton-rixson-door-closer-and-operator-solutions
Allegion Learning Center: These online sessions are divided into six tracks.
Learning Track 3: Allegion 101 Hang, Secure, Control & Protect the Door
Learning Track 6: Installation Videos for Select Products,
https://us.allegion.com/en/resources/training/learning-center.html
How to Install the LCN 4040XP Closer YouTube video: https://youtu.be/I_04xh-ZanA?si=ndSPqbInnQMGtr2c
Ryobi by Detex installation videos: https://www.detex.com/support-training/videos/
Dormakaba elearning courses: https://www.dormakaba.com/us-en/elearning