How to Fit and Adjust a Door Closer

Choose, fit and adjust a surface-mounted door closer on a UK internal or external door, covering sizes, positions, closing speed, latching speed and fire door rules.

A door closer makes a door shut quietly and reliably every time, which is useful for flats, garages, fire doors and any entrance where people forget. The hardware is simple, but the fitting needs a template, level marks and careful adjustment. A badly set closer slams, hangs ajar or fights the person trying to open it.

When a closer is the right answer

Communal doors in flats and shared entrances
Garage and utility doors that need to close behind you
Gate or porch doors in the wind
Doors that must close for security or heat retention
Fire doors, which must self-close fully and have specific closers

For fire doors, use a product suited to fire door applications and fit according to the manufacturer's instructions. In flats and HMOs, check the rules, and do not remove or adapt closers on fire doors.

Choose the right size

Closers are rated by size, which relates to door width and weight. A typical guide:

Size 2: lighter internal doors up to about 750 mm wide
Size 3: doors up to about 850 mm
Size 4: doors up to about 950 mm
Size 5 or adjustable: heavier or wider doors, external doors and those exposed to wind

Many are adjustable across sizes. Pick one that suits the door's weight and exposure, and follow the manufacturer's table. Too small a closer will not shut the door; too large will make it difficult to open.

Choose the position

Common mounting positions are:

Pull side. Closer fixed on the same side as the hinges, with the arm reaching across the door. Often used internally.
Push side, top jamb. Closer fixed to the frame, with the arm on the door. Common on external doors where you want the closer on the inside.

Check the instructions for your product and use the supplied template.

What you will need

The closer with arm, brackets and screws
Fixing template
Pencil, tape measure, spirit level
Drill with appropriate bits
Screwdriver and Allen key
A helper or wedges to hold the door

Step by step

Hold the template against the door or frame at the correct position and mark the screw holes. Check that it is level and clear of hinges.
Drill pilot holes into the marked positions. Use the right bit for the material, and avoid over-drilling.
Fix the closer body to the door or frame, ensuring it is level.
Fix the arm bracket to the opposite part, following the template.
Attach the arm to the closer body and the bracket, adjusting the angle as instructed. The arm should form a gentle angle when the door is closed.
Open and close the door a few times to check movement.
Adjust speed. Most closers have two or three valves controlling sweep speed, latch speed and sometimes back check. Make small adjustments, a quarter turn at a time.

Adjustments explained

Sweep speed. The main closing speed from fully open to near-closed.
Latch speed. The final few degrees, where the door engages the latch. Set so that the door closes firmly but not violently.
Back check. Slows the door if it is flung open, protecting the wall and the door.
Delayed action. Holds the door open briefly, useful for trolleys and people with mobility needs.

Make sure that people with limited strength can open the door. If the force is too high, reduce the closer power setting or choose an adjustable closer.

Common mistakes

Fitting the wrong size for the door
Fixing into weak or hollow door material without reinforcement
Setting the latch speed so slow the door does not latch
Ignoring accessibility needs
Making large valve adjustments at once, which can cause oil leaks or loss of control

Maintenance

Check fixings occasionally, because daily use loosens screws. Clean the arm, and watch for oil leaks, which indicate the unit needs replacement. Door closers wear out and often last many years, but poor setup shortens life.

Sticking or dropped doors need fixing first; see how to fix a sticking door and how to hang a door. If you are adding a closer to a draughty door, combine it with draught-proofing.

Getting help

On Compito, you can send a request with your postcode, door type and a photo of the door and frame, compare offers from ID-verified local providers, ask questions by message and pay online when you accept. If it is a fire door or communal door, say so in the request.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit a closer to any door?

Many doors can take one, but thin or hollow doors may need reinforcement, and fire doors need approved products and methods.

Why does my closer slam?

The latch speed or sweep speed is probably set too fast. Adjust the valves by small amounts.

Does a closer need regular servicing?

Not much, but check fixings and adjustment from time to time, and replace the unit if it leaks.

Find handyman providers near you

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