Before adjustment
Confirm that adjustment is the right action
Observe the door from several opening positions. Check for hinge wear, binding, floor contact, seals, latch resistance, air pressure, loose arms, oil leakage and damage. If another defect prevents movement, adjusting the closer may hide rather than solve it.
Identify the exact closer model and obtain its current instructions. Mark the starting position only where the instructions permit and prevent unauthorised use while work is carried out.
- Door and frame are not damaged or distorted
- Hinges and fixings are secure
- Nothing obstructs the leaf or threshold
- Closer model and instructions are known
- Person carrying out work understands the device
Understand the controls
Closing speed, latch action and power are not the same
Many hydraulic closers provide separate controls for the main sweep and final latch stage; some provide backcheck or delayed action. Spring power may be fixed or adjustable. The location and direction of adjustment vary, and over-adjusting a hydraulic valve can damage the device or release fluid.
Change only the relevant control in small increments as instructed, then test repeatedly from full, medium and small opening angles. Confirm the door latches without dangerous slamming.
Stop conditions
When should adjustment stop?
Stop and isolate the defect for competent attention if the closer leaks, the body or arm is damaged, fixings are loose in damaged material, the door cannot be made to close without excessive force, or the device and doorset evidence cannot be identified.
Record what was found, any temporary risk controls, the final test and who completed the work. A fire-risk action should not be closed until the doorset operates reliably.
- Oil leakage or mechanical damage
- Door remains hard to open or fails to latch
- Uncertain fire-door or closer compatibility
- Powered, hold-open or access-control interface involved
- Repeated failure after previous adjustment