How to Install a Hydraulic Door Closer

Lead Image for How to Install a Hydraulic Door Closer
  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 8-25
What You'll Need
Hydraulic door closer
Screwdriver
Something heavy
Measuring tape
Electric drill
Drill bit
Marker
What You'll Need
Hydraulic door closer
Screwdriver
Something heavy
Measuring tape
Electric drill
Drill bit
Marker

The hydraulic door closer is most often found on storm doors and is arguably the most important part of the door. A hydraulic door closer prevents you from opening the door too fast and also prevents the door from closing too fast. If the hydraulic door closer is broken the door can close too fast which can break the glass. This will mean having to replace the entire door instead of one part. If you presently have a door but no door closer you can easily add one. Replacing or installing a hydraulic door closer is not hard to do and the following article will show you how to do it.

Step 1 - Purchase a Hydraulic Door Closer

There are several types of hydraulic door closers you can buy when you visit the hardware store. It is helpful if you know the size of your door. Measure the width of the door with the tape measure. If your door already has a door closer attached to it you can extend it completely and then measure the length of it. This measurement will help you to pick out the correct hydraulic door closer. One of the clerks inside the store will also be able to help in this situation.

Step 2 - Remove the Door Closer

If you currently have a closer that does not work you'll need to remove it. Locate the screws located on both ends of the closer. If you keep the door propped open it could slip and crash into you or the door jamb. Use the screwdriver and remove all of the screws connecting the door closer to the door and to the jamb. Once all of the screws are removed the hydraulic door closer will simply fall away from the door.

Step 3 - Replace the Old Door Closer

It is a lot easier to replace a door closer than it is to install a new door. Place the new hydraulic door closer on the jamb and line up the screw holes. Insert the screws and tighten them slightly. Align the other end of the closer to the screw holes on the door and insert the screws. Tighten one screw on each side and then alternate between sides until all the screws are tight.

Step 4 - Install a New Hydraulic Door Closer

If you are installing a hydraulic door closer to a door that didn't previously have one you'll need to drill pilot holes. Use a drill bit smaller than the diameter of the screws. Consult the instructions in case there is something you need to adjust on the closer. Not every closer is made the same so this is important. Hold the closer to where it needs to be and make a mark through each screw hole with the marker. Do this with both sides. Use the drill and create a pilot hole through each mark you made. Install the new hydraulic door closer by following the directions in Step 3.