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How to Adjust a Pneumatic Door Closer on a Storm Door

By: Danny Lipford

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We recently installed a storm door and are having problems closing it. When we open the door and let go, it flies shut but then doesn’t close all of the way?
-Wanda

Hi Wanda,

There are two ways to control a pneumatic door closer:

  1. Adjusting the bracket that attaches the closer to the door.
  2. Turning the screw on the end of the closer that regulates the rate at which the air is released from the cylinder.

If the door doesn’t close all the way, adjust the bracket:

  • Open the door and slide the stop out to hold the cylinder open.
  • Loosen the screws that attach the bracket to the door and move the bracket further out (toward the door handle).
  • Or remove the pin that secures the cylinder to the bracket and move it out to a hole further away.

If the door slams shut or closes too slowly, adjust the pneumatic cylinder:

  • To slow the closing, turn the screw on the end of the pneumatic cylinder clockwise.
  • To speed up the closing, turn the screw counterclockwise.

If adjusting doesn’t help, the closer may need to be replaced. Take your old door closer with you to the home improvement center to be sure the replacement will fit the hardware on your door. Some pneumatic door closers work better than others, so buy a quality one.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

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6 Comments on “How to Adjust a Pneumatic Door Closer on a Storm Door”

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  1. Charles Says:
    November 13th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    Hello Danny, I have a door with a concealed door closer “Regent Hardware”. The problem I’m having is that I started hearing a crick noise when the door is pushed open near the top. Presently the door refuses to stay shut if not without the assistance of the magnetic catch for the alarm i.e. in the middle of the frame. The door is 10 degrees off, meaning it swings close, then swings open again about 10 degrees. Can please you assist me? Thanks.

  2. Ricarda Thier Says:
    March 8th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    Hi,

    I am looking for a pneumatic device that keeps a cabinet door opening upwards open. This wpuld be for a kitchen door and I would need two of those.

    Thank you for your help in this matter.
    Kind regards
    Ricarda Thier

  3. J. GRIMM Says:
    June 21st, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Two questions:

    1. How do you determine whether a light , medium, or heavy duty pneumatic screen door closer is needed.

    2. What brand and model or part number is considered the best on the market today for an aluminum 36″ screen door? A closer that closes smoothly without slamming shut!

  4. Sandie Says:
    July 29th, 2010 at 10:45 am

    Danny,
    Thank You, for the easy to follow instructions for adjusting pneumatic door closer. This has been on my husbands to do list for a year now. He has been working a lot, so their never seems to be enough time for him to get all his house chores done. So with your help I was able to do this for him.
    So let me see what is next? I`m sure I will be emailing you again,

    Thank You Again,
    Sandie

  5. lem Says:
    October 25th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Thanks lots, the instruction was simple and helpful.

  6. Carlos Says:
    April 4th, 2011 at 2:35 am

    I just installed a storm door and as soon as I opened the door the stopper wouldn’t close anymore. Any ideas?

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