Screen Door Closer Adjustment

A screen door closer uses a spring inside to automatically close the door. This feature is a benefit that is meant to save you energy costs and convenience. If you have a screen door that closes automatically it is probably a pneumatic closer. Pneumatic closers have a cylinder and piston installed on the bracket that use air to control the screen door closer. If the door is not closing properly, the problem is likely located here or in the placement of the bracket.

Identify the Problem

The screen door is probably closing too fast, too slow, or not at all. If it is winter time you will want the door to close faster behind you to keep the cold air out. If it is springtime, you will want the door to close slower since the temperature is not as great of a concern. Also, in the springtime you probably have the screens installed rather than the window to allow air in the house. Summer door closing preference can go either way, depending on the region you live in and if you use air conditioning. Also, note if the door is latching properly when it does close all the way. Determine whether your door is moving too slow or fast to make the proper screen door close adjustment.

Locate the Adjustment Screw

If you have a pneumatic closer you will see a tube attached to a bracket, usually on the lower half of the door. You want to look at the end of the tube that meets the bracket installed on the door. There is a screw that is called the closing rate adjusting screw at the end of the tube. The adjustment you need to make will be at this screw or the bracket.

Closing too Fast or Slow

If the door is closing too fast, try turning the closing rate adjustment screw clockwise. You will need to try turning it in different amounts and testing the door. Turn the screw a little bit and test the door. If it is still closing too fast, turn the screw a little further and try again.

If the door is closing too slow, turn the closing rate adjustment screw counterclockwise. Again you will need to make adjustments in small increments and test the door each time. If the door does not close faster after a turn of the screw, try again.

Door Not Latching

Another problem that may affect how fast or slow the door closes is the placement of the door mounting bracket. If adjusting the closing rate adjustment screw did not work or if you are still having problems with the closing rate or door latching, try changing the position of the bracket. Most brackets have several holes in them so you can easily change the position. Changing the position is easy, just remove the cylinder part that is attached to the bracket and put it in another hole. Try different holes until the door is closing properly. When adjusting the bracket also note that the bracket position will change how far the door opens.