Commercial door closers are devices that automatically close a door after it has been opened. They are important for safety and accessibility reasons, as they prevent fire and smoke from spreading, maintain indoor temperature and air quality, and ensure that people with disabilities can enter and exit the building easily. However, commercial door closers can also cause some problems if they are not adjusted properly. They can be too hard to open, which can make it difficult for people to use the door. That is why it is essential to know how to adjust the speed and tension of your commercial door closers using simple tools and techniques. If you want to do adjustment of your commercial door closers speed and tension, you can do it yourself.
However, if you are not confident or encounter any other issues, you should contact Patriot Locksmith, the best locksmith service in Kansas City. Patriot Locksmith has a team of experts which can do adjustment of commercial door closers speed and tension. This article will teach you how to do that in a few easy steps. By adjusting the speed and tension of your door closers, you can ensure that your doors close smoothly, quietly, and securely and that they meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Tools and Materials Needed
In order to modify the door closers speed and tension, you must have the suitable tools. To adjust the speed and tension of your commercial door closers, you will need the following tools and materials:
Tool 1:
A screwdriver or an Allen wrench that fits the adjustment screws or holes on the side of the door closer. The size and shape of the screwdriver or wrench may vary depending on the model and brand of the door closer. You can check the manual or the label of the door closer to find out the correct size and shape. For your information, you can also open a deadbolt lock using screwdriver.
Tool 2:
A tape measure to measure the distance between the door and the frame when the door is open and closed. This will help you determine the optimal speed and tension of the door closer.
Tool 3:
A stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the door to close from a certain angle. This will help you check if the door closer meets the ADA standards for open force and close speed.
Tool 4:
Some lubricants such as oil or grease to apply the moving parts of the door closer if they are dry or rusty. This will help the door closer function smoothly and prevent leaks.
Important Tips to Follow Before You Start:
- Remove any objects or furniture that may interfere with the movement of the door or the adjustment of the door closer.
- Check for any damage or wear on the door, the hinges, the latch, and the strike plate. Repair or replace any broken or loose parts.
- Inspect and tighten or replace any screws or bolts that are not secure or present. Tighten or replace any faulty hardware.
- Make sure the door closer is clean and lubricated. Clean any dust or dirt with a cloth or a brush. Apply some lubricant to the moving parts if they are dry or rusty.
Steps to Adjust the Door Closer
Once you have the tools and materials ready and the work area prepared. Here the basic steps that are essential for the adjustment of commercial door closers speed and tension:
Step 1: Locate the Adjustment Screws or Holes:
Depending on the type and model of the door closer, you may find one, two, or three adjustment screws or holes. They are usually labelled with letters or symbols such as S, L, B, C, or +, -, O. The adjustment screws or holes control the following functions of the door closer:
Sweep speed:
This is the speed at which the door closes from the fully open position to about 10 degrees before the closed position. This is the first 90% of the door-closing cycle. The sweep speed adjustment screw or hole is usually marked with S or +.
Latch speed:
This is the speed at which the door closes from about 10 degrees before the closed position to the fully closed position. This is the last 10% of the door-closing cycle. The latch speed adjustment screw or hole is usually marked with L or -.
Backcheck:
This is the resistance that the door closer provides when the door is opened beyond a certain angle, usually 70 to 85 degrees. This prevents the door from hitting the wall or the frame and damaging them. The backcheck adjustment screw or hole is usually marked with B or O.
Step 2: Maintain the Sweep Speed:
You need to use the screwdriver or the Allen wrench to turn the sweep speed adjustment screw or hole clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning it clockwise will increase the sweep speed, meaning that the door will close faster. Turning it counterclockwise will decrease the sweep speed, meaning that the door will close more slowly. You should adjust the sweep speed according to the size and weight of the door, the traffic and usage of the door, and the environmental conditions such as wind or air pressure. The ideal sweep speed allows the door to close smoothly and quietly without slamming or bouncing.
Step 3: Modify the Latch Speed:
Use the screwdriver or the Allen wrench to turn the latch speed adjustment screw or hole clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning it clockwise will increase the latch speed, meaning that the door will close faster and more securely. Turning it counterclockwise will decrease the latch speed, meaning that the door will close more slowly and less securely. You should adjust the latch speed according to the type and condition of the latch and the strike plate. The security and privacy needs of the premises, and compliance with the fire and safety codes. The ideal latch speed allows the door to close firmly and securely without slamming or failing to latch.
Step 4: Tune the Backcheck:
For this purpose, use the screwdriver or the Allen wrench to turn the backcheck adjustment screw or hole clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning it clockwise will increase the backcheck. This means that the door will have more resistance when opened beyond a certain angle. Turning it counterclockwise will decrease the backcheck. This means that the door will have less resistance when opened beyond a certain angle. You should adjust the backcheck according to the size and weight of the door, the frequency and force of the opening, and the protection of the wall and the frame. The ideal backcheck is one that prevents the door from hitting the wall or the frame and damaging them. But also allows the door to open easily and comfortably.
Step 5: Test the Door Closer:
Try to do adjustment and make sure it meets the ADA standards for open force and close speed. To do this, you need to use the tape measure and the stopwatch. Using these tools, you can measure the distance and the time of the door-closing cycle. The ADA standards for open force and close speed are as follows:
Open force:
This is the amount of force required to open the door from the closed position to a 90-degree angle. The ADA standard for open force is 5 pounds or less for interior doors and 8.5 pounds or less for exterior doors.
Close speed:
Close speed is the amount of time it takes for the door to close from a 90-degree angle to the closed position. The ADA standard for close speed is 5 seconds or more for the sweep speed and 1.5 seconds or more for the latch speed.
To test the open force, you need to use a scale or a gauge and calculate how much force opens the door from the closed position to a right angle. You can also feel the resistance of the door with your hand. If the force is too high, you need to loosen the tension of the door closer. This is done by turning the adjustment screws or holes counterclockwise. If the force is too low, you need to tighten the tension of the door closer. You can do this by turning the adjustment screws or holes clockwise.
To measure the close speed, mark the door’s 90-degree angle on the floor or wall with a tape measure. Use a stopwatch to time how long the door takes to close from 90 degrees. You can also watch and listen to the door. Turn the screws or holes of the door closer left to slow down the door, or right to speed it up. You should test the door closer several times until you achieve the optimal open force and close speed that meets the ADA standards and your preferences.
Step 6: Troubleshoot the Door Closer:
If door closer still does not close properly or leaks oil. Despites of you have followed the previous steps and the door closer still does not close smoothly, quietly, and securely, or if it leaks oil. You may have some other issues with the door closer that require more attention. Some likely causes and solutions are as follows:
Old or worn out:
If the door closer is more than 10 years old or has been used frequently and roughly. It may have lost its efficiency and functionality. The springs, valves, seals, and pistons inside the body of the door closer may have deteriorated or broken. This may cause the door closer to malfunction or leak oil. In this case, you may need to replace the door closer with a new one that matches the type, size, and weight of the door.
Compatibility with the door:
Chack out if the door closer is not suitable for the type, size, and weight of the door, it may not be able to control the speed and tension of the door properly. If the door closer is too large or too strong for a small or light door. This may not be able to open the door easily or prevent it from bouncing. In this case, you may need to install a different door closer that matches the type, size, and weight of the door.
Correct Installation:
The door closer may malfunction if it is not aligned with the door and the frame, or if it is not attached securely to the door and the frame. If the door closer is loose or wobbly, or if the screws or bolts are missing or damaged. This may affect the stability and security of the door. In this case, you may need to adjust the position and the attachment of the door closer to the door and the frame. If you are not sure what the problem is or how to fix it. You may need to consult a professional locksmith who can diagnose and repair the door closer you.
Read about this topic how you can save your day if you need to hire a locksmith: How to Choose a Reliable Commercial Locksmith for Your Business?
Types of Commercial Door Closers
There are different types of commercial door closers, depending on how they are mounted and how they operate. We are providing comprehensive research about the adjustment of commercial door closers speed and tension. You should know the types of commercial door closers, before you buy the best one. Here are the most common types of door closers.
Surface mount:
These are the most popular and affordable types of door closers. The door or the frame has them attached to its surface, and a visible arm connects the body of the closer to the door. You can install them on the hinge side, the top jamb, or the parallel arm of the door.
Recessed:
These are more discreet and aesthetic type of door closers. The door or the frame holds them inside, and a concealed arm links the body of the closer to the door. The hinge side of the door is the usual place for their installation.
Overhead:
These are more durable and heavy-duty types of door closers. They are installed on the header above the door, and they have a track that guides the movement of the door. They can be single-acting or double-acting, meaning that they can close the door in one direction or both directions.
Floor:
These are more elegant and sophisticated types of door closers. They are installed on the floor below the door, and they have a spindle that connects the body of the closer to the door. They can also be single-acting or double-acting, and they can have a hold-open feature that keeps the door open at a certain angle.
Concealed:
These are the most hidden and secure type of door closers. They are installed inside the door or the frame, and they have no visible parts. They can be hydraulic or electromagnetic, and they can have a delayed action feature that slows down the closing of the door.
How to identify the best door closer?
To identify the type of door closer you have, you need to look at the header, the arm, and the body of the closer. The header is the part of the door frame that is above the door. The arm is the part that connects the body of the closer to the door. The body is the part that contains the mechanism that controls the speed and tension of the door.
Here are some examples of each type of door closer:
- Surface mount
- Recessed Overhead
- Floor
- Concealed
Read more: How to Maintain and Repair Automatic Door closers?
Bonus Tip: Patriot Locksmith
If you are looking to choose best locksmith service in Kansas City and Missouri for the adjustment of commercial door closers speed and tension service. We recommend Patriot Locksmith, this company is a licensed, bonded, and insured locksmith company. This company has been serving the Kansas City area since 2005. As well as, they have a team of experienced, skilled, and friendly locksmiths.
Learn more about Patriot Locksmith and their adjustment of door closer speed and tension service, you can visit their website at https://patriotlocksmithks.com or call them at (913)-361-5945. They will be happy to assist you with any of your commercial door closer needs.
Video Guidance:
Here is the video guidance for you to learn how you can do adjustment of commercial door closers speed and tension:
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained how you can adjust your commercial door closers speed and tension. Speed of the door closer refers to how fast the door closes after it is opened. There are usually two types of speed: sweep speed and latch speed. You need a certain amount of force to open the door, and this is called the tension of the door closer. A spring inside the door closer controls the tension, and you can tighten or loosen it. If you have trouble in adjustment of commercial door closers speed and tension, you should consult a professional locksmith. Moreover, if you notice any bending, or damage on the door closer or the door, you can proceed with the installation process.
You should call a professional locksmith to fix the problem. We recommend Patriot Locksmith. They have the experience and expertise to handle any commercial door closer issues and provide you with the best solutions. Contact them today for a free estimate and consultation.
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