Materials Needed:
- Drill & Drill bits
- Phillips-head screwdriver w/ Torque Driver)
- Allen Wrench
- Ladder to reach top of door
- Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Most do-it-yourself door closer kits are easy to install and contain a universal arm kit so that they can be installed on various door types. They also include a template that can be applied to the door with tape or has adhesive on it already. They are a very good idea to use and double-check the measurements in the instructions.
Step 1
Select the correct arm type for your door - regular, top jam, or parallel. For definitions and picture of common arm mount types please see this overview article.
Step 2
Apply the appropriate template to side of the door you will be installing the closer. The template mounts to the upper corner of the door on the hinge side of the door (regular arm mount). Also apply the the template for the arm mount on the door frame header (regular arm mount).
Step 3
Drill pilot holes where the door template indicates. Use an appropriate size bit to drill the mounting holes for your kit.
NOTE: Door thicknesses can vary. Be extra careful to make sure that you do not drill through the door and that the selected screws will not protrude through the door when installed and tightened.
Step 4
Place the door closer body on the door with the adjustment nut pointing away from the hinge (regular arm mount) The template will usually show correct orientation of the body.. The adjusting nut is on the end of the door closer barrel. Another way to make sure you have the closer on the door correctly is to check the location of the arm spindle. The arm spindle will be closer to the hinge side of the door than the handle side.
Step 5
Secure the closer to the door with the mounting screws in your kit. Tighten all mounting screws with the appropriate Phillips-head screwdriver, impact or socket wrench.
Step 6
Follow similar procedure to drill the pilot holes for the arm mount and secure this mount with the appropriate screws.
Step 7
Place the lower portion of the closer arm on the arm spindle of the closer. There are markings you will want to align the closer with and it may be necessary to use a ladder so you can see on top of the closer body clearly.
The arm is a two-piece arm. The end of the lower arm has a square hole that fits over the square spindle on the door closer. Attach the arm door jamb mount to the end of the upper arm with the mounting pin in your kit. The arm mount has an open side and a solid side. The open side must point toward the hinge side of the door.
Step 8
Pull the lower portion of the arm toward the handle side of the door until the arm is over the "1" position. Spread the upper arm and position the arm mount on the header. For universal arm kits, it is likley you will need to adjust the nut on the upper arm to the correct length that allows the arm to align with the mounting arm bracket.
Step 9
Adjust the door closer force adjustments according to the manufacturer's instructions - focusing on the BC,S, and L. Please see this overview article for further information.
Related Articles