Allen Screw Sensitivity: Fine-Tuning Door Closers For Precision Performance

Allen screws are used to adjust door closers. The size of the Allen wrench depends on the specific adjustment being made. For instance, a 3/32 Allen wrench is used to adjust regulation valves, including the main speed, latch, and backcheck, while a 5/32 Allen wrench is used to adjust spring power.

Hex key/screwdriver adjustments

Step 1: Remove the Cover

First, you need to locate the adjustment valves. If you can't see them, the closer has a cover that needs to be removed. Loosen any fasteners and slide the cover off, or simply pull it off if there are no fasteners.

Step 2: Close the Valves

Close the hydraulic valves by turning them clockwise until they stop. There are usually three valves: backcheck, sweep (main speed), and latching speed.

Step 3: Adjust the Backcheck

Make 1.25-1.5 turns counterclockwise and test the door. It should now come to a steady, hard stop. The door should begin to slow down at around 75 degrees to prevent slamming. Turning the valve counterclockwise will increase the opening width of the door.

Step 4: Adjust the Sweep/Main Speed

Make 1.5-2 turns counterclockwise to adjust the closing speed. Turning the valve in the clockwise direction will slow the closing speed.

Step 5: Adjust the Latching Speed

Make 1.5-2 turns counterclockwise to achieve the desired latching speed. For outside doors, a faster latch speed is preferable, while for office doors, a slower speed is better to prevent slamming.

Step 6: Test the Door

Open and close the door several times to ensure the adjustments are correct. Remember, small adjustments make a big difference, so even an eighth of a turn can significantly impact the door's performance.

Tools

The tools required for these adjustments are a hex key, a small wrench, or a screwdriver.

Precautions

It is important to note that if you find oil in the cover or leaking from the closer body, the seals are broken, and the door closer needs to be replaced. Additionally, be cautious when adjusting a hydraulic door closer as improper adjustments can be dangerous and cause harm.

Clockwise/counterclockwise turns

When adjusting a door closer, the direction in which you turn the Allen screw will depend on the specific adjustment you are making and the desired outcome. Here is a detailed guide on the clockwise and counterclockwise turns for each adjustment:

Clockwise Turns:

When you turn the Allen screw in a clockwise direction, you are reducing the speed of the valves and increasing the power from the power adjuster. This means that the door will close more slowly and with more force. Clockwise turns are used in the following adjustments:

• Closing Speed Adjustment: Turning the speed adjustment screw clockwise will increase the closing speed of the door. This is useful if you want the door to close faster, such as for an outside door.
• Latching Speed Adjustment: Turning the latch speed screw clockwise will increase the force of the latch. This is useful if the door is not latching properly, as it will add more force to the door closer without affecting the speed.
• Backcheck Adjustment: Closing the backcheck valve by turning it clockwise will restrict the door's opening swing. This is the initial step before making counterclockwise adjustments to control the door's opening speed and prevent slamming.

Counterclockwise Turns:

When you turn the Allen screw in a counterclockwise direction, you are increasing the speed of the valves. This means that the door will close more quickly. Counterclockwise turns are used in the following adjustments:

• Closing Speed Adjustment: Turning the speed adjustment screw counterclockwise will decrease the closing speed of the door. This is useful if you want to slow down the closing speed, such as for an office door, to prevent slamming.
• Latching Speed Adjustment: Turning the latch speed screw counterclockwise will increase the speed of the latch. This is useful if you want the latch to snap closed faster, such as for an outside door.
• Backcheck Adjustment: After initially closing the backcheck valve, you then make counterclockwise turns to adjust the resistance when the door is opened forcefully. This helps to prevent the door from slamming against a wall or other objects by controlling its opening speed.

It is important to remember that only small adjustments are needed when working on a door closer. Even an eighth of a turn can make a noticeable difference in the door's operation. Always test the door after making adjustments and modify as needed until you achieve the desired results.

Backcheck, sweep, latching speed

The backcheck, sweep, and latching speed are three adjustable hydraulic valves that work together to help a door close smoothly.

Backcheck

The backcheck is an optional feature in hydraulic door closers that prevents a door from opening too fast and slamming against a wall or other objects. It slows the opening swing of a door at a certain degree and controls the speed of the door during the balance of its opening cycle. This is usually the valve located by itself and facing away from the hinges.

To adjust the backcheck, make 1.25-1.5 turns counterclockwise and open the door to ensure it comes to a steady, hard stop. The door should start to slow down at about 75 degrees so that it does not slam into the surface behind it or get caught by the wind. Turning the valve counterclockwise will make the door open wider.

Sweep (Main Speed)

The sweep is the movement of the door from the open position to the point where it is a few inches away from hitting its latching point (usually 12 or 20 degrees before latching). This is usually the valve located in the middle.

To adjust the sweep, make 1.5-2 turns counterclockwise to adjust the closing speed of the door. Turning the valve clockwise will slow down the closing speed.

Latching Speed

The latching speed is the closing speed of a door closer that kicks in within the last few inches before the door reaches its latching point. This is usually the valve closest to the hinge, located near the sweep.

To adjust the latching speed, make 1.5-2 turns counterclockwise to achieve your desired latching speed. Depending on the situation, you may want to increase or decrease the latch speed. For example, if it is an outside door, you may want to increase the latch speed (counterclockwise) so it snaps closed a little faster. If it is an office door, you may want to slow it down (clockwise) so it does not slam.

Tools

To adjust the backcheck, sweep, and latching speed, you will need a 3/32" Allen wrench. You may also need a screwdriver to remove the cover of the door closer if necessary.

Spring power

Door closer spring tension, or spring power, refers to the compression of the internal spring inside the door closer body. As a door opens, the internal spring compresses, storing energy. When the door closes, the spring decompresses and forces the door closed.

Standard Duty Door Closers

On standard duty door closers, the adjustment hex key screw is located on the side of the door closer. If the door closer has a backcheck, the spring adjustment screw will be directly above it. Typically, adjustable door closers are shipped as a mid-size (3 if adjustable from size 1-6). To increase the spring tension, the hex key screw must be rotated clockwise in full 360-degree revolutions. To decrease the spring size, rotate the hex key screw counter-clockwise in full 360-degree revolutions.

Before adjusting the spring tension, always refer to the manufacturer's adjustment chart, which identifies how many hex key rotations are needed for a given door size. For example, if the door closer is shipped with 8 rotations of the spring tension nut, and the user wishes to adjust the spring tension for a larger size door, they can refer to the manufacturer's adjustment chart to see how many more rotations are needed for the desired door size.

Heavy Duty Door Closers

On heavy-duty door closers, the spring is located in the long cylinder attached to the closer body. The spring tension adjustment nut is at the end of the cylinder. For heavy-duty door closers to function properly, the door closer spring must be preloaded before any spring tensioner adjustments can be made. This means that the door closer must be mounted with the arm installed so that there is tension on the spring. The manufacturer's installation instructions should be referred to for properly installing the product.

Assuming the door closer is properly installed and the spring is preloaded, it can be adjusted by rotating the spring adjustment nut. On most heavy-duty door closers, an 11/16" wrench can be used to turn the spring adjustment nut clockwise a full 360 degrees to increase the spring tension, or counter-clockwise a full 360-degree rotation to decrease the spring tension.

Other Considerations

From the charts above, we can see that the larger the interior or exterior door, the more tightly tensioned spring is needed. It is important to remember that all door closers should abide by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). As stated in the ANSI Standard A156.4, a maximum of 5lb of opening force is allowed for all interior doors. ADA reserves the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority for exterior doors. 8.5lb of opening force for exterior doors is the standard. With that in mind, after door closer installation, the opening force should be checked with a force gauge to ensure compliance.

Accessibility compliance

Door closers are essential for maintaining convenience, safety, and security in both residential and commercial settings. They are especially important in environments where accessibility is a priority, such as hospitals or assisted living facilities, to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and promote inclusivity and safety for all individuals.

To ensure accessibility compliance, adjustments to door closers may be necessary. The closing speed, backcheck, and power of the door closer can be modified to meet the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. These adjustments can be made using an Allen wrench and a screwdriver.

The Allen wrench is used to adjust the valves that control the speed and force of the door closer. The standard sizes required for these adjustments are 3/32" and 5/32", which are commonly found in an installer's tool kit. The 3/32" Allen wrench is used for adjusting regulation valves, including the main speed, latch, and backcheck. The 5/32" Allen wrench is used for adjusting the spring power.

The screwdriver is used to remove the cover of the door closer to access the valves for adjustment. Once the cover is removed, the valves can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the speed and power, respectively. It is important to make small adjustments, as even an eighth of a turn can make a significant difference.

By following the steps outlined in the previous paragraphs, you can adjust your door closer to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. These adjustments will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to open and close doors, providing them with greater independence and a more inclusive environment.

Frequently asked questions