How-To Install A Door Closer

This 3-hour fire door is required to have a closer.
These things are never fun to install, but let’s get it done.
The kit comes with a paper template that marks everything out, so I use a level to make sure it’s straight, and a punch to mark where I need to drill.
My one complaint with this kit is that it comes with Phillip’s Head screws- torques would definitely work better.
First, I install the closer arm to the top of the door jamb; then I screw the closer to the door.
These screws are a pain to use, but it’s not going anywhere.
Next, I slip the arm over the pinion shaft on the closer.
I adjust the forearm length so that it’s perpendicular at a 90-degree angle to the door- this puts preload tension on the closer.
Then, I tighten the forearm screw to hold it in place.
Finally, I put the main arm screw in to permanently attach the arm to the closer.
Let’s give it a try- you can see how it slams shut at the end.
There’s an adjustment for both the latch and the sweep of the door.
I slow down the latch speed- it shuts so much smoother now.
All that’s left to do is to put on this plastic cover.
Thanks so much for watching -If you haven’t yet subscribed, please consider doing so. ‪@hausplans‬
#build #howto #door #doorcloser #tools #construction #diy #contractor

[@genocadetto3813]

I was taught to use to a screwdriver and never and impact on doors. It also helps make sure you dont strip the holes.

[@ryanb4533]

That’s for wooden doors, imo. This one is metal. I wouldn’t want to use a screwdriver on a metal door.

[@davidperry4013]

@@ryanb4533I use an M12 fuel impact on wooden door but have it on speed one and no more than 2 or 3 impacts.

[@davidsandvik7895]

Basically all commercial hardware number 3 tips

[@davidsandvik7895]

It comes with a phillips-head number 3 not number two that's why you're having such a hard time and the reason why they have a number 3 tip is so they don't start out

[@hausplans]

If you look close in the video ( when I was holding the screw in a bit in my hand ) I was using a # 3. It was still skipping like crazy. I started out with a # 2 and then switched. But you bring up a good point using the proper size Phillips head to match the screw head is important!

[@larryrice2654]

I was ready to say the same. I've installed them with no problems.

[@spacecoastkid5033]

There's no debate that that torx is a far superior screw type that Phillips. A 5yr could drive a torx in with very little effort!

[@ChromeLuxx]

There is a spring adjustment on the other side. You don’t have to preload the arm.

[@xxMarcxxrocks]

Completely agree. They need torx or in Canada, we use square head roberstons

[@hausplans]

👍

[@Mark-gt9yv]

But Americans refuse to admit Robertson is superior in every way!! 😂 let the stripping continue 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Jjb-gk4ce]

@@Mark-gt9yvyou’re really saying this under a video where an American is saying Philip’s heads are bad. Never ceases to amaze me how far people go to bash Americans.

[@Mark-gt9yv]

@@Jjb-gk4ce I’m not sure why your feelings are hurt… I’m not calling him out, or “bashing Americans” as a whole, just pointing out the hypocrisy of those that do stand by it

[@bunsguns8222]

We use those in the US also, most common on electrical work.

[@addiction2bass]

I love them adjustment screws…. At work we always had the front door slamming on everybody… I seen a video like this and they said the screws adjusted the speed and pull of the door and easily adjustable so I had to try it out!!!! So now I’ve got the door closing at the perfect speed where two people can make it out without getting blasted by the door lol great for carrying stuff in and out of the building! And so easy!!! It’s something when you learn it’s so nice to know how easy it is! And you can impress anybody by adjusting the doors! Nobody likes getting hit with a heavy door closing too fast lol

[@hausplans]

👍👍😊

[@harveylong5878]

the latch and closing speed adjuster screws are only part of the equation. if the closer arm isnt on the closer exactly right, you can fiddle with latch and close speed adjustments till the 2nd coming of Jesus, it'll still be slow or slamming. getting the arm set properly can be a PITA

[@davidperry4013]

I want to put closers on all my exterior doors and the door that goes from the garage to the mudroom. Not only for anti theft but I think they look cool. I’d go for an LCN, Universal products, or a Norton

[@MrSmid888]

The heads on all these type of screws are soft! Pilot hole a must

[@hausplans]

Yeah, I did end up drilling pilot holes and your right the heads are soft.

[@MrSmid888]

@@hausplans I can’t use impact drills in this type of work. I know you can feather the trigger but prefer a normal drill driver. I’m sure a 5mm pilot holes works for these screws, can’t remember. Loading the arm is a top tip, I’d have told nobody and took all the money 😂😂😂💀

[@troycarpenter3675]

#3 Phillips work fine. I prefer Phillips style head over Torx in some applications. One key point to consider here is letting the self-tapping screw to do the work. By allowing the cutting tip to do its intended purpose instead of using the same technique for wood screws you'll increase efficiency and success

[@hausplans]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@EL17762]

Those screws are awesome. Use the right bit. It’s a P3.

[@hausplans]

I was using a #3 Phillips

[@robcarter2891]

Put on hundreds of those😊

[@hausplans]

👍

[@gpilsitz1783]

Well done!

[@hausplans]

Thanks 😊

[@vernonnelson2205]

Next time use a square bit number 2 I find it better to use the square bit to prevent stripping the screw 👍🏼👌🏼works better on a Phillips P3 head screw which comes with the closer hardware .

[@hausplans]

Great advice! I’ve actually done that before too, but didn’t think about it in this situation

[@tonycurtiss1081]

And show the tapping of frame and door… that’s where the problems are…. Knowing you tools and how to use them is the only battle!

[@hausplans]

I actually didn’t tap the door or the frame, just drilled a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screws. The screws they sent are tapered sheet metal screws so no need to tap

[@glengarbera7367]

Robertson would even be a better choice.

[@Hydro0612]

Crl tube wax works wonder for steal idk if you're still following

[@bunsguns8222]

I prefer nutserts/rivnuts in sheet metal doors like that.

[@normalantipathy]

Knowing the door speed can be adjusted might be worth sharing with one of my local gas stations... They got a new door and it's hard as hell to open.

[@hausplans]

😂👍

[@harveylong5878]

closing speed has nothing to do with the door opening. the back check is probably set too high, so its stiff / hard to push/pull open

[@slash.9882]

Use a drill, the clutch will help you drill in the screws much easily.

[@Tman0517]

That looks like a hager. Works like a hager. Installs like a hager.. I wonder.

[@paulw4834]

Use a screw driver and not an impact and the screws will go in easily

[@hausplans]

I’ll give that a try👍

[@theurbanredneck2493]

The self tappers they sent with these closers suck dont they!! Haha. I have Installed a ton of this brand. Other than the screws they are decent closers.

[@hausplans]

Totally agree, I think if I installed these all the time I would have a box of different screws to use.

[@ivandiaz4168]

What's the poundage on that door? You said it fire rated... so do you know how much pounds it needs to break and open? What's the time to close and latch at 90? Lol. I'm just messing with you, I don't care but I know what the inspector will look for.

[@donhagerty5669]

IT WOULD NOT COST ALL THAT MUCH TO REPLACE THE SCREWS WITH ONES YOU LIKE BETTER

[@hausplans]

Definitely

[@wcbscout]

Nice, what model closer is that and what made you choose it? I see someone mentioned its a Harney 316?

[@hausplans]

Yes, I think it’s a 316. It’s just what the company I ordered the door from sent

[@DawsonTyson]

They all use philips

[@hausplans]

Not sure why they haven’t changed. I guess the Phillips has a nicer appearance on something that’s decorative. Although these are under a plastic cover.

[@spacecoastkid5033]

There's no debate that that torx is a far superior screw type than Phillips. A 5yr could drive a torx in with very little effort!

[@hausplans]

💯

[@XroorX]

I installed these hinges bc of my frogs leaving doors open and after a few weeks, it doesn’t self close….do these need periodic adjustments? Thanks

[@hausplans]

I’ve never had to go back and readjust one. I guess there’s a chance it wasn’t set to the right power to start with. You can download the instructions online if you don’t have them still.

[@XroorX]

@@hausplans dogs not “frogs” lololol

[@PhlippWhip]

What is it you guys do?

[@hausplans]

We are general contractor/builders

[@allred53]

Closer not closure

[@ghodgeco]

My company sells that Design Hardware. Closer model 316

[@hausplans]

That’s awesome! It’s a good unit, I’ve installed several of them👍

[@HyperionBadger]

Why do you include Philips screws?

[@ghodgeco]

@@HyperionBadger Philips is the industry standard. What would you prefer?

[@HyperionBadger]

@@ghodgeco Torx all the way. Although it’s the “industry standard” it doesn’t mean that it should be. The overwhelming majority of guys I work with wish that Philips would be eradicated completely. I feel like when companies provide Torx screws they are a bit more savvy about the industry and what the consumer needs/wants are.

[@ghodgeco]

@HyperionBadger I tend to agree, but you're going to have to talk to a lot of architects because the spec's call for "All exposed fasteners to be philips head". Now, on nonpublic funded jobs where the customer doesn't care you can use whatever you want, but don't expect the manufacturers to provide more than the standard fasteners, which will, for the foreseeable future, be philips.

[@swagglifee]

Your using the wrong Phillips head size that's why there a pain.

[@hausplans]

I was using a number three

[@user-ny5be4lm8z]

i like...i want

[@michaelthompson4571]

Who has problems with Philip head screws? Odd

[@hausplans]

Deck screws went away from Phillips heads years ago, then went to a square head. Now they’ve moved onto torque head..

[@yodaddy82daddy70]

Should use the sex bolts on HM doors

[@robertfalke3348]

Complains about Philips, used Philips on hex head.....

[@mayurkulkarni1990]

Plastic cover makes it look so big.

[@hausplans]

Yeah, almost like the way it looks without the cover

[@fellzer]

Imagine not being able to use an impact driver because some BOOMER included Philips heads screws. OMG the monster!!! Don't make me learn how to drive with a drill!!

[@hausplans]

😂😂😂😂 that’s really funny I don’t even care that you’re making fun of me!

[@jeremythomas6247]

Sex bolts are much stronger and will never get loose or pull through the thin sheet metal

[@danielrosh]

You’re a gun