Door closer adjustment is a skill that requires knowledge, patience, and an ability to climb up and down a ladder several times. But with these attributes and the appropriate wrench, hex key, or screwdriver, you can do it yourself. This article is primarily about commercial door closers, but the ideas here can be applied to other kinds of door closers as well.

• Touch'n Hold Storm Door Closer Troubleshooting
• Repair Door Closer

Ideally a non-delayed action door closer will close and latch the door in seven to eight seconds. Troubleshooting a Commercial Door Closer. If there is a hinge problem, a warped door, or the door must swing uphill to close, a door closer will only go so far to solve the problem. Replacing a broken or damaged door closer can restore function to your storm door. Follow our steps for updating your door with SWISCO’s smooth-closing and durable Premium Touch N’Hold Door Closer. This replacement is quick to install and features an easy-to-use touch release function. TOOLS: Philips head screwdriver, pliers and a drill. 1.) Open the storm door and use the hold-open washer or push-button on your closer to hold the panel in the open position. Note: Storm door with single or double standard closer kit use the hold-open washer while storm door with a single push-button closer or a double door closer kit (one push-button closer and one standard closer) do not use hold-open washer. If the door closer continues to not operate smoothly (or the door closer is unsightly), you may need to replace it. Close the door completely. Press up to remove the pin from the bracket and release the door closer barrel. If the pin is under too much tension, open the door an inch and slide the open clip against the barrel and try again.

Ideally a non-delayed action door closer will close and latch the door in seven to eight seconds. Troubleshooting a Commercial Door Closer. If there is a hinge problem, a warped door, or the door must swing uphill to close, a door closer will only go so far to solve the problem.

Most of the adjustments to the commercial door closer are implemented by opening and closing hydraulic valves. When it comes to turning the screws that operate these valves, a little goes a long way. A turn of just five degrees can significantly increase or decrease closing speed.

Making an Adjustment to a Commercial Door Closer

When you examine the closer, if you can’t see adjustment screws, chances are the closer has a cover. The cover is usually plastic, but it could also be metal. If you see no fasteners holding the cover on, that means the cover is held on by tension. Pull it off and if you do see fasteners, you can loosen, but not remove, the fasteners and the cover will slide off.

1. If you find that there is oil in the cover or oil on or leaking from the closer body – stop right there – you need a new door
   closer. (If, however, it is not leaking, you can proceed.)
2. Now that you have the cover off, you should be able to see the adjustment screws. They should be marked on the closer body as to what they are or there will be a diagram inside the cover. If not, you may have to experiment a little to see which is which.
3. Remember, when it comes to turning commercial door closer adjustment screws, a little goes a long way. Start with no more than 1/8 of a turn. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to slow the closer down, counter-clockwise to speed it up.
4. Open the door and watch it close. If it closes right the first time, check it 10 more times. If it closes correctly every time, you’re done. If not, go back up the ladder and make another adjustment.
5. When it closes the way you want 10 times in a row, it will probably continue to do so.
6. Ideally a non-delayed action door closer will close and latch the door in seven to eight seconds.

Troubleshooting a Commercial Door Closer

1. If there is a hinge problem, a warped door, or the door must swing uphill to close, a door closer will only go so far to solve the problem. Sometimes a door must be repaired before it will close and lock automatically.
2. If the closer stops closing the door before it’s closed all the way, or actually springs back when you try to manually shut the door, the arm is probably installed on the shaft incorrectly. Download the instructions from the door closer manufacturer’s website and see if it is installed correctly.
3. If the arm makes noise and bounces up and down while the door is in motion, tighten the fasteners that hold the arm to the closer, to the header, and at the knuckle that holds the two parts of the arm together.

When It’s Time To Replace Your Commercial Door Closer:

1. If oil is leaking from your door closer, it must be replaced.
2. If your door closer is slamming the door and cannot be adjusted to do otherwise, either the fluid has leaked out or the valve seals are worn out. In either case, your best option is to replace it.
3. If the door closer has no spring tension and the spring tension adjustment turns around with no effect, the spring is broken the
   door closer must be replaced.
4. If you’re having any of these problems with your commercial door closer and would like to see your replacement options, give us a
   call or visit us online and we’ll be happy to discuss your options!

Can’t find the answer to what you’re looking for?

Please reach out: info@touchnhold.com
If possible, please include video and/or photos so we can get our technical team to help!

Touch ‘n Hold Comparision

My door/door closer is stuck open. What’s the deal?

If you are installing your closer for the first time (or you have just pressed the button for the first time) don’t worry – Your closer is not broken! The important thing to remember is that you only want to press the button when you want the door to stay open. To get the door to close, simply nudge the door farther open (without touching the button). The door should close gently, like a feather on a calm summer breeze.

If the wind caught your door and the closer seems to be locked open, try this: take the door closer off your door. Now grab the cylinder with one hand and the rod with the other hand (it may help to put a thin screw driver in the hole at the end of the metal rod to use as a handle). Now pull the two apart and (while pulling) rotate the rod 180 degrees. The rod should release and retract like the head of a groggy tortoise.

What is the difference between Standard Duty and Heavy Duty?

The Standard Duty is meant for almost all screen and storm doors, whereas the Heavy Duty is meant for heavier security doors (60lbs and up).

What is the Touch ‘n Hold standard warranty?

2 years for all

What are your shipping methods?

We ship using USPS Priority Mail and USPS First Class Mail only.

I am a contractor, can I purchase your Touch ‘n Hold products at wholesale?

Yes, just email us at info@touchnholddoorclosers.com and we will get you set up.

My plastic brackets broke. Why are your brackets made of plastic? Can I order a replacement part?

If you have a Pella door and your bracket broke, chances are it did exactly what it was supposed to do. It is designed to break in order to prevent damage to your door and door frame from heavy winds.

Where can I buy spare parts for my Touch ‘n Hold?

We happily provide spare parts on our webstore. You will not be able to find spare parts at our retail locations.

Can I use a Touch ‘n Hold with my existing metal brackets?

Yes! Touch ‘n Hold is designed to be easily interchangeable with your old closer. It is made to fit with the brackets of most other brands, so there is no need to replace your old brackets. This means that you can easily replace your old closer in just a few minutes. Find out how in our How To section.

What is the difference between a single kit & dual kit?

Many doors are full view (all glass) doors & have 2 closers (one at the top and one at the bottom of the door) to prevent torsion. The dual kit was designed so that you do not have buy 2 singles to replace both closers.
Note: For the Touch ‘n Hold Smooth, the dual pack is needed to maximize Smooth closing feature on doors requiring two closers.

Why do I need to buy a dual kit to maximize the smooth close?

The advanced technology of the Touch ‘n Hold Smooth is unique to our brand and will not work properly in conjunction with another closer. The closing action of a non-smooth closer does not match the closing action of a Smooth closer, meaning the two may work against each other. We recommend the Dual pack for doors that have two closers.

How do I adjust closing speed?

Our closers have an easily adjustable screw knob that can be tightened or loosened to adjust the closing speed. Turn clockwise to tighten and slow the close, or counter-clockwise to loosen and speed up the close. For more detail, refer to the Instructions.

How do I adjust slamming?

Please find the answer to this within the Instructions.

Touch'n Hold Storm Door Closer Troubleshooting

Will my plastic closer last as long as my metal closer?

Absolutely. Our plastic closers are built & tested to withstand extreme weather conditions including both extreme heat & cold. They are less susceptible to rusting in humid/coastal conditions, and are also UV protected so they will hold their color in intense sunlight.

Repair Door Closer

My door closer has a touch feature, but is not called Touch ‘n Hold Classic or Smooth, are you the manufacturer of this product?

If your closer has a Touch button then most likely you own a Touch ‘n Hold. To maximize our goal of making everyone’s life easier, we have allowed distributors such as Ultra & Stanley, as well as door manufacturers like Pella & Larson to provide our products.

Why is this product so awesome?

Well for one, it’s sexy. Just look at those sleek curves and vibrant colors. More importantly however, is its unbelievable convenience. Built with you and your door in mind, we worked hard to make sure this is the most convenient closer you’ve ever used… because life is hard enough. But all you have to do is try it to be convinced. Or check out some testimonials.