Floor Closers Specific Terms

General Closer Terms

The following terms generally apply to all closers.

Backcheck: An optional hydraulic control that prevents the door from being opened (either by wind gust or person) too fast and damaging the closer and/or anything in the door's path. Backcheck usually takes place about 15° before maximum degree of opening is reached.

Closer Size: A term used to describe the strength of a door closer. Generally, the greater the door width, the larger the closer size should be.

Closing Cycle: This is a term used to describe the door swing from its fully open position to the fully closed position.

Delayed Action: An option that will delay the start of the closing cycles as determined by a valve adjustment used on doors that are required to be accessible to the handicapped.  Note: In order for the delay feature to engage, the door must reach its maximum degree of opening.

Drop Plates: Where narrow top rails or narrow frame face prevents standard closer mounting.

Handicap Code: Also called barrier code or accessibility code, is a term used to describe a standard that is intended for use in making buildings and facilities accessible to the handicapped.

Hold Open: Optional mechanical feature that is incorporated into the door closer arm assembly. Hold open arms cannot be used on "UL" or fire rated door assemblies.

Holder / Stop: An exceptionally sturdy arm assembly that provides a positive stop and is available with a hold-open feautre as an option.

Latch Speed: The cycle of closing from about 10° to door closed. This cycle is controlled by a valve to either speed up (to overcome a latch bolt) or slow down the closing of the door. (keep the door quiet)

Multi-Size: Door Closers with adjustable spring power, to permit the adjustment of closing power to meet the needs of most doors. They are available with normal power range adjustments (Sizes 2-6) or with barrier code and power range adjusments (Sizes 1-4).

Non-Handed: Door closers which are non-handed permit installation on doors of either hand without modification to the door closer.

Rigid Parallel Arm: An execeptionally sturdy arm assembly, for parallel arm application only.

Sex Nut & Bolts: Bolts commonly used to secure door closer to "UL" rated wood fire doors.

Slide Track: For installations where an aesthetic appearance is desirable. There is no arm or bracket projecting from the face of the door.

Spring Power Adjustment: On sized closers, power can be increased by 50% over the minimum closing force for each closer size.

Sweep Speed: Standard hydraulic feature that permits adjustment of the doors closing from the fully open position down to approximately 10° from the closed position. Also referred to as closing speed.

Floor Closer Specific

Floor Closer: A door closer that is mounted in the floor. A floor closer not only closes the door but also hands it. Standard floor closers come complete with top pivot. Side jamb pivots need to be ordered seperately.

Cement Case: Plastic or cast iron case that is set into the finish floor. The closer is then fastened to the case. This allows the closer to be removed from the floor easily.

Center Hung: Center hung closers locate the pivot point in the center of the door opening and require a frame applied stop at 0° in single acting applications.

Coldweather Fluid: Special cold weather fluid is used in areas of extreme cold to prevent the closer fluid from freezing.

Dead Stop: A positive stop built in the closer prevents the door from going beyond the desired degree of door opening.

Degree of Opening: Maximum that the door will be allowed to open. Floor closers usually have 85°, 90°, 95°, or 105° of opening.

Double Acting: Double acting doors swing in both directions. Double acting closers are self centering and center hung.

Extended Spindle: Certain floor conditions may require that the spindle of the closer be longer than standard. Spindles may be increased in size by 1/2" increments up to 2" max.

Lead Lined: "L" series closers have an arm and top pivot with a special screw pattern to span the lead lining on a door with lead mounted in middle. If lead is mounted elsewhere in door, consult with us before ordering. Lead lined closers also can handle extremely heavy doors.

Offset Hung: 3/4": 3/4" offset closers locate the pivot point 3/4" from the heel edge of the door and 3/4" from the face of the door. 1-1/2": 1-1/2" offset closers locate the pivot point 3/4" from the heel of the edge of the door and 1-1/2" from the face of the door. This permits an applied panel of up to 3/4" to be added to the door.

Sealed Closer: Closer is sealed into cement case to prevent water and dirt from getting between the closer body and cement case.

Single Acting: Doors that swing in one direction. All offset hung closers are single acting. Center hung closers may be single acting or double acting.