In this guide
Quick answer: find the sweep and latch valves, then make small quarter-turn changes. Clockwise usually slows the door. Set the sweep first, then the latch, and test after every change. Never unscrew a valve too far.
Before you replace a closer, spend five minutes adjusting it. Most slamming doors simply need a small valve adjustment. The valves are usually on the closer's end or under its cover, and each one has a label or a mark.
What each adjustment does
| Adjustment | Controls | Typical zone |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep | Closing speed | Most of the swing |
| Latch | Final closing speed | Last 10 to 15 degrees |
| Backcheck | Cushioning when opening | Beyond about 70 degrees |
| Delayed action | Time before closing starts | Start of closing |
| Spring power | Overall strength | Whole swing |
Step by step
- Look at the door. Check the hinges, the frame and the arm screws. Fix anything loose.
- Find the valves. Check the instructions for your closer, because their position and direction vary.
- Set the spring power if the door will not latch or is too hard to open. It may take several full turns.
- Set the sweep. Make quarter-turn adjustments and time the door. Public doors should take at least 5 seconds from 90 to 12 degrees.
- Set the latch. Make a small change until the door pulls in firmly with no slam.
- Set backcheck and delay, if your closer has them.
- Retest after an hour of use, because the oil warms and the door may change slightly.
Warning: do not unscrew a valve too far. If it comes out, oil will escape under pressure and the closer will be ruined. Small turns are all you need.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| Door slams | Slow the latch, then the sweep |
| Door will not latch | Speed up the latch or add spring power |
| Door closes too slowly | Open the sweep valve slightly |
| Door is hard to open | Reduce spring power |
| Door flies open in wind | Increase backcheck, add a stop |
| Oil on the closer | Replace the closer |
Seasonal changes
Oil gets thicker in the cold and thinner in the heat, so doors change speed through the year. Exterior doors, in particular, may need a touch in spring and fall. Read exterior door closers for more.
Need a replacement? See the DN-8220 on Amazon →
When to stop adjusting
If a door still slams with the valves almost closed, or if you see oil, the closer has reached the end of its life. See our guide to hydraulic closers or our advice on arm styles for your replacement.
When the door still will not latch
If a door will not latch even with a good closer setting, the closer may not be the problem. Look at these next:
- Strike plate: if the latch hits high or low, adjust or file the strike.
- Hinges: a sagging door rubs in the frame near the top of the latch side.
- Weatherstripping: new seals may push the door back. Allow them to settle, or move the stop slightly.
- Air pressure: try the door with the HVAC off. If it latches, you have an air balance issue.
- Arm preload: an arm that was connected wrongly gives no force at the closed position.
Recommended starting points
| Door | Sweep time (90° to 12°) | Latch feel |
|---|---|---|
| Public interior door | 5 to 7 seconds | Gentle, firm |
| Exterior entrance | 5 to 7 seconds | Firm, through the seal |
| Fire door | 5 to 7 seconds | Must latch every time |
| Staff-only shop door | 4 to 6 seconds | Firm |
These are practical starting points rather than code requirements, except for the 5-second minimum on accessible doors.
Tips for making adjustments
- Change one valve at a time, and test after every change.
- Use the correct tool so that you do not round off the valve head.
- Note the starting position, so that you can return to it.
- Give a cold door a few cycles to warm the oil before you judge it.
- Replace the cover afterward, to keep out dust.
Learn your closer's valves
The labels vary. S and L are common for sweep and latch. BC often stands for backcheck, and DA for delayed action. Some closers have a power indicator that shows the size setting. The instructions in the box are always the best guide, and keeping them in a maintenance folder helps later on. The DRIWON DN-8220 lists separate adjustments for closing speed, latch speed, delayed action and backcheck.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my commercial door slam shut?
Which way do I turn a door closer valve to slow it down?
How do I make a door closer stronger?
← Back to Door Closer Installation and Setup