A door closer controls how a door returns to the closed position after someone opens it. Choosing the right closer involves much more than matching the finish or buying one that appears similar to the existing hardware.
The correct door closer depends on the door size, weight, location, traffic level, mounting position, available frame and door space, required closing force, arm configuration, and other requirements of the opening.
A closer that is too weak may not reliably latch the door. One that is unnecessarily powerful can make the door harder to open. The wrong mounting configuration may not fit the door or frame at all.
This guide explains the main door closer types and specifications so you can narrow down the correct hardware before ordering. You can also browse Factory Direct Hardware's complete selection of door closers.
What Does a Door Closer Do?
A mechanical door closer stores energy as the door opens and then uses that energy to return the door toward the closed position.
Most common commercial surface closers combine spring power with hydraulic control. The spring supplies the closing force while hydraulic valves regulate how quickly the door travels through different portions of its closing cycle.
That distinction is important: closing speed and closing force are not the same thing.
Changing a latch-speed valve changes how quickly the door moves through the final portion of closing, but it does not increase the spring force available to latch the door. If additional closing force is required, the spring-power adjustment is the relevant setting on a closer designed to permit that adjustment.
Quick Guide: What Should You Know Before Buying a Door Closer?
Before selecting a closer, identify:
- Door width
- Approximate door weight and construction
- Interior or exterior location
- How frequently the door is used
- Door handing or whether the closer is non-handed
- Pull-side or push-side mounting
- Available top-rail and frame space
- Existing closer model and mounting pattern, if replacing one
- Required spring-power range
- Arm type
- Whether backcheck is needed
- Whether delayed action is needed
- Whether hold-open is permitted and appropriate
- Any accessibility, fire-rating, or other code requirements for the opening
Do not select a commercial closer solely from its physical dimensions. Closers of similar size can have very different spring ranges, arm packages, mounting requirements, listings, and intended applications.
Surface-Mounted vs. Concealed Door Closers
The first major decision is usually whether the closer will be surface mounted or concealed.
Surface-Mounted Door Closers
A surface closer is installed visibly on the face of the door or frame and operates through an arm or track.
These are among the most common commercial door closers because they are accessible for installation, adjustment, inspection, and replacement.
Browse surface mounted door closers when this installation style matches the opening.
Within the surface-mounted category, the three common arm installations are regular arm, top jamb, and parallel arm.
Concealed Door Closers
A concealed closer places most or all of the closer mechanism inside the door, frame, or another prepared location rather than leaving a conventional closer body exposed.
The cleaner appearance can make concealed hardware desirable for architectural applications, but the door and frame must have the correct preparation.
A concealed door closer is therefore not normally a direct replacement for an ordinary surface closer.
When replacing concealed hardware, identifying the original closer model, dimensions, pivot arrangement, and door preparation is particularly important.
What Is Regular-Arm Mounting?
Regular-arm mounting, sometimes called hinge-side mounting, normally places the closer body on the pull side of the door. The arm attaches to the frame above it.
When the door is closed, part of the arm projects outward from the face of the door and frame.
Regular-arm mounting is mechanically efficient and can be a good choice when:
- Pull-side mounting is appropriate
- Adequate door and frame space is available
- Maximum efficiency from the closer is desirable
- The projecting arm is acceptable for the location
Always use the template supplied for the specific closer and arm. Mounting dimensions are not universal across manufacturers or closer series.
What Is Top-Jamb Mounting?
With a top-jamb installation, the closer body is mounted to the frame above the door, generally on the push side, while the arm connects to the door.
This configuration is frequently useful when the door itself does not provide suitable space for mounting the closer body.
The depth of the frame reveal and available head-frame space matter because they affect the arm geometry and may determine whether a standard arm, special arm, plate, or other accessory is required.
Do not assume a closer that can be mounted regular arm can automatically be moved to top jamb using exactly the same hardware. Check the product's available arm package and template.
What Is Parallel-Arm Mounting?
With a parallel-arm closer, the closer body is generally mounted on the push side of the door. When the door is closed, the arm lies much closer to parallel with the door instead of projecting outward like a regular arm.
That lower-profile arrangement is one reason parallel-arm mounting is common on commercial openings.
It can provide:
- A less projecting arm
- Push-side installation
- A cleaner appearance in many locations
- Better protection of the arm in some high-traffic or abuse-prone environments
There is a tradeoff. Arm geometry can make parallel-arm installations less power-efficient than regular-arm installations, so closer sizing and the manufacturer's recommendations become especially important.
Parallel-arm installations can also require substantial clear space at the top rail of the door. Some closer models use mounting plates when the available rail is too narrow.
What Is a Track Door Closer?
A track closer replaces the traditional two-piece projecting arm with a single lever that moves through a track.
Track configurations can provide a cleaner appearance and may be useful where the projection of a conventional arm is undesirable.
Depending on the closer, track systems may be available for pull-side or push-side installation.
Track closers should not be selected merely because the closer body looks similar to a conventional-arm version. The track, arm geometry, mounting template, opening angle, spring range, and required accessories need to match the application.
How Do You Choose the Correct Door Closer Size?
“Size” in door closer terminology usually refers to spring power, not simply the physical dimensions of the closer body.
The spring creates the force that closes the door.
Common closer specifications use numbered spring sizes, with higher numbers generally representing greater closing power. Many modern commercial closers provide an adjustable range rather than one permanently fixed spring size.
The correct setting depends on factors including door size, whether the opening is interior or exterior, mounting style, air pressure, weatherstripping, and other site conditions.
The correct setting should come from the manufacturer's sizing instructions for the particular closer and installation—not from a generic rule applied to every closer.
Adjustable vs. Fixed-Size Door Closers
Adjustable-Power Closers
An adjustable closer allows the spring force to be increased or decreased within the model's specified range.
This flexibility can be useful because actual opening conditions vary. Door width, exterior pressure, gasketing, mounting geometry, and other factors can affect how much power is needed for reliable closing.
Fixed-Size Closers
A fixed-size closer has a spring designed around a particular power range and must be ordered appropriately for the opening.
With a fixed closer, confirming the manufacturer's sizing chart before purchase becomes especially important because there is less ability to compensate after installation.
Neither design is automatically correct for every application. Follow the specification for the door and closer series.
Door Width and Weight Matter
Larger doors generally require more closing capacity than smaller doors, but width is not the only consideration.
Door construction can change weight dramatically. A hollow interior door, solid wood door, steel door, glass entrance door, and other constructions can place very different loads on the hardware even when their widths are similar.
Consider:
- Door width
- Door height
- Door weight
- Door material
- Hinge or pivot condition
- Weatherstripping
- Air pressure
- Exterior wind exposure
- Mounting style
Manufacturer charts should be used whenever available because closer families have different capabilities.
Interior vs. Exterior Doors
Exterior doors often impose greater demands on a closer.
Wind, weather seals, building pressure, and temperature conditions can make an exterior opening behave very differently from an otherwise similar interior door.
Do not simply increase closer power until an exterior door latches. Excessive opening force can create another problem. First verify that the door, hinges, latch, gasketing, frame, and closer are all operating correctly.
Traffic Level and Duty Rating
A supply-room door opened a few times each day has very different operating demands from a busy retail, school, hospital, office, or institutional entrance.
For frequent-use openings, pay close attention to:
- Manufacturer duty classification
- Tested performance
- Closer-body construction
- Arm construction
- Bearing and pinion construction
- Warranty
- Applicable ANSI/BHMA grade
- Replacement-parts availability
Browse Grade 1 Door Closers when that classification is appropriate for the project.
A grade designation should still be verified on the individual closer. Do not assume that every model from a commercial brand has the same grade or listing.
What Are Sweep Speed and Latch Speed?
A door does not necessarily close at one constant speed.
Many commercial closers provide separate hydraulic adjustments for portions of the closing cycle.
Sweep or Closing Speed
Sweep speed controls much of the main travel as the door moves from an open position toward the frame.
Latch Speed
Latch speed controls the final portion of travel as the latch approaches and enters the strike.
A door may need enough controlled momentum to latch reliably without slamming.
Changing latch speed does not create additional spring force. Speed valves control hydraulic flow and should not be used as a substitute for correct closer sizing.
What Is Backcheck?
Backcheck helps control the opening movement as a door approaches a wider open position.
Its purpose is to cushion or resist rapid opening, which can help reduce the shock transferred to the closer, door, frame, and surrounding hardware.
Backcheck is not the same thing as a rigid door stop.
A door that needs a positive stopping point may require compatible stop hardware or a closer arm designed with an integral stopping function.
What Is Delayed Action?
Some door closers offer delayed action.
This feature can allow the door to remain in the initial portion of the closing cycle for a longer period before normal closing continues.
It can be useful for certain openings where additional passage time is desirable.
Delayed action is model-specific. If delayed action is required, choose a closer designed for it instead of assuming it can be added through ordinary speed adjustment.
What Is a Hold-Open Door Closer?
A hold-open arm can retain a door at a selected open position instead of allowing the closer to begin closing immediately.
Hold-open configurations can be convenient where doors are intentionally kept open for periods of time, but they are not appropriate for every opening.
Fire doors and other regulated openings may require the door to close automatically and may permit hold-open only through specifically listed automatic-release systems.
For that reason, do not add an ordinary mechanical hold-open arm to a fire-rated or otherwise regulated opening simply for convenience. Verify the requirements of the complete opening and use listed compatible hardware where required.
Accessibility and Door Closers
Closer spring power affects both closing force and the force a user must overcome while opening the door.
For an opening subject to accessibility requirements, closer selection and adjustment therefore need to balance reliable closing with the applicable opening-force and closing-speed requirements.
Browse ADA Compliant Door Closers to narrow products intended for these applications, but remember that compliance of the complete installed opening depends on more than the closer's product label.
Door size, hinges, seals, latch hardware, closer adjustment, installation, and applicable building requirements all matter.
Fire-Rated Doors Need the Correct Closer
A fire door is an assembly, not a collection of independently interchangeable components.
When a closer is being installed on or replaced on a fire-rated opening, verify that:
- The closer is suitable and listed for the application
- The door and frame preparation is permitted
- The arm and accessories are compatible
- Any hold-open arrangement is permitted
- The door closes and latches as required
- Modifications do not compromise the listed assembly
Follow the closer, door, and frame manufacturers' instructions and the requirements applicable to the project.
How Do You Replace an Existing Door Closer?
If the existing closer worked properly before it became worn or damaged, identifying that closer is usually the best starting point.
Look for:
- Manufacturer
- Series or model number
- Arm markings
- Cover markings
- Existing mounting style
- Hole pattern
- Door width
- Spring size or adjustable range
- Special arm or stop features
- Mounting plates
- Handing, when applicable
Do not assume that another closer with approximately the same body length will fit the existing holes.
Mounting patterns vary. Even products with similar performance ratings may require a different template.
If only one component is damaged, a complete closer replacement may not always be necessary. Browse door closer parts or LCN door closer parts when a replacement component rather than a complete closer is needed.
Should You Replace a Door Closer With the Same Model?
When the existing closer was correctly specified and performed well, using the same current model or manufacturer-approved replacement can simplify the job.
Benefits may include:
- Compatible mounting preparation
- Known arm configuration
- Familiar adjustments
- Easier identification of replacement parts
- Reduced need to drill additional holes
However, older closer models can be discontinued, building use may have changed, or the original closer may never have been correctly specified.
If the exact unit is unavailable, use the original model information to identify a manufacturer-recommended successor or a properly specified alternative.
Can You Use a Different Brand of Door Closer?
Potentially, but compatibility must be verified.
Different brands can vary in:
- Mounting-hole pattern
- Closer-body dimensions
- Arm geometry
- Spring range
- Mounting plates
- Fasteners
- Door and frame clearances
- Adjustment functions
- Certifications and listings
A model advertised as a “replacement” or “retrofit” should still be checked against its template.
Replacing a closer should not become a trial-and-error process of drilling holes until something fits.
Common Door Closer Selection Mistakes
Buying Only by Appearance
Two silver rectangular closers can have completely different capabilities.
Ignoring Mounting Style
Regular arm, top jamb, and parallel arm installations place the closer and arm in different locations.
Choosing Too Little Spring Power
An undersized or improperly adjusted closer may not reliably overcome the conditions needed to latch the door.
Choosing Excessive Spring Power
More power is not automatically better. It can make opening the door unnecessarily difficult.
Trying to Fix Closing Force With the Speed Valves
Speed valves control hydraulic flow. They do not replace correct spring sizing.
Ignoring the Top Rail and Frame
The door and frame need enough space for the selected closer and arm. Some conditions require mounting plates or special templates.
Assuming a Hold-Open Arm Can Be Used Anywhere
Regulated openings can have specific self-closing requirements.
Replacing Only the Closer When the Door Has Another Problem
Loose hinges, damaged pivots, frame misalignment, worn latches, severe air pressure, or binding weatherstripping can all affect closer performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Door Closer Do I Need?
Use the manufacturer's sizing chart for the selected closer. Door width, weight, interior or exterior location, mounting style, and site conditions can all affect the required spring power.
For an adjustable closer, select a model whose adjustment range covers the intended opening rather than assuming one setting works for every door.
What Is the Difference Between a Size 1 and Size 6 Door Closer?
The size number generally refers to spring power. Higher numbers provide greater closing power.
The exact suitable door dimensions and applications depend on the closer manufacturer and series.
Is a Parallel-Arm Closer Better Than a Regular-Arm Closer?
Neither is universally better.
Regular-arm mounting is mechanically efficient and works from the pull side. Parallel-arm mounting places the arm closer to the door on the push side and can provide a less projecting installation.
The correct configuration depends on the door, frame, appearance, traffic, available space, and project requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Top-Jamb and Parallel-Arm Mounting?
Both are commonly used on the push side, but the closer body is installed differently.
With top-jamb mounting, the closer body is on the frame and the arm attaches to the door. With parallel-arm mounting, the closer body is generally on the door and the arm folds toward the frame in a position roughly parallel to the door when closed.
Can I Adjust a Door Closer So It Closes Harder?
On a closer with adjustable spring power, the spring can be adjusted within the manufacturer's permitted range.
Do not attempt to obtain more closing force by simply increasing latch speed. Speed and spring force are different adjustments.
Why Does My Door Closer Slam?
Possible causes include improper valve adjustment, closer wear or failure, an incorrect closer, or another problem with the door opening.
Before making large adjustments, identify the closer model and follow its instructions.
Why Won't My Door Closer Latch the Door?
Possible causes include:
- Insufficient spring power
- Incorrect closer size
- Door or frame misalignment
- Binding hinges
- Weatherstrip resistance
- Latch or strike problems
- Building air pressure
- Incorrect closer mounting
- Incorrect adjustment
Test and inspect the complete door rather than assuming the closer is the only cause.
Can I Replace Just the Arm on a Door Closer?
Often, provided the correct replacement arm is still available for the exact closer model.
Closer arms are not universally interchangeable. Identify the manufacturer, model, mounting style, and arm function first.
Browse door closer parts when a replacement component rather than a complete closer is needed.
What Is a Grade 1 Door Closer?
Grade classifications are used to identify tested performance levels for door-control hardware.
When a project specifies Grade 1, verify that the individual closer model and configuration meets the required standard instead of assuming all commercial closers from the same manufacturer qualify.
Browse Grade 1 Door Closers to narrow the selection.
Door Closer Selection Checklist
Before ordering, confirm:
- Manufacturer and model if replacing an existing closer
- Door width
- Door weight and construction
- Interior or exterior location
- Traffic level
- Required spring range
- Regular-arm, top-jamb, parallel-arm, track, or concealed mounting
- Available door top-rail space
- Available frame-face and reveal dimensions
- Arm type
- Backcheck requirement
- Delayed-action requirement
- Hold-open requirement and whether it is permitted
- Mounting plate or special-template requirement
- Duty grade
- Required listings
- Accessibility requirements
- Fire-door requirements
- Finish
- Replacement-parts availability
A well-selected closer should control the door smoothly, provide enough power to close and latch it under normal operating conditions, and fit the actual door and frame preparation.
Browse Factory Direct Hardware's Door Closers, Surface Mounted Door Closers, and LCN Door Closers to compare available options.
For additional terminology, see the Hardware Glossary, or visit the Factory Direct Hardware Learning Center for more hardware selection and measurement guides.