Easy Fix for a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Easy Fix for a Screen/Storm Door Closer

Easy Fix for a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

How annoying is it to have your ankle bitten by a screen or storm door that closes too fast? Not only is it annoying, but it can really hurt! Why put up with a screen door hydraulic closer that no longer works well when you can fix or replace it in a few minutes.

Today I’ve partnered with National Hardware to show you an Easy Fix for a Screen/Storm Door Closer and save the skin on your heels.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl
Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

It is possible that your screen/storm door closer just needs to have the tension adjusted. Locate the tension adjustment screw on the end of the door closer. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten and make the door close slower. Turn the screw counter-clockwise to loosen and make the door close faster.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

If the door closer continues to not operate smoothly (or the door closer is unsightly), you may need to replace it.

Close the door completely. Press up to remove the pin from the bracket and release the door closer barrel. If the pin is under too much tension, open the door an inch and slide the open clip against the barrel and try again.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the pin from the door side bracket. The barrel can now be completely removed.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl
Loosen the screws from the bracket on the screen door to remove the bracket.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl
Loosen the screws from the door jamb bracket and remove.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the new bracket to the door jamb with provided screws.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Slide hold open clip up against the closer barrel.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl
Insert the pin into the closer barrel and the jamb bracket.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl
Install new bracket onto screen door. Keep screws slightly loose.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Slip the other pin into the barrel and the bracket.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Slide the bracket away from the barrel until there is no slack. Tighten screws on the bracket.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl
Your new screen door closer is installed. Time to test the door.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Make any adjustments necessary to the tension screw.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

That was an easy fix, wasn’t it?! Now, what else can you improve around your home. Check out all my Home & Auto Maintenance tutorials.

How to Replace a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Be sure to check out all the Drill has to help your home look and function beautifully.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for National Hardware. I was provided complimentary hardware and was compensated for my time and efforts to promote National Hardware. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. I am particular about the brands I represent and will always let you know when you are reading a sponsored post.

16 replies
  1. Abe Goldberg
    Abe Goldberg says:

    What if I have a better design/invention so that the door closure closes slow enough to be effective but also completely latches.

    Reply
    • Fabrizio
      Fabrizio says:

      Rube, patent that invention!! 😀

      All the different closers I’ve had need some form of dampener to prevent the door from springing back when the cylinder starts compressing air. They all behave the same: if the screw is loose enough that the screen will close completely, then it WILL catch your ankle in the process. Or, if the screw is tightened a bit, it *nearly* catches your ankle, then bounces back open to try it again!

      Reply
  2. dcurDavid C
    dcurDavid C says:

    I want the door to slow down when it is 3/4’s open. The slowing down process does not start until it is 3/4’s shut. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  3. Terry
    Terry says:

    This was awesome! Just finished replacing the closer and I’m so glad it’s not a total door problem! Thank you!!

    Reply
  4. Rob
    Rob says:

    I noticed that the closure is only halfway mounted on the actual 2×4 door frame. Will this hold long term?
    I need to mount a storm door on my front entrance but the jamb is only 2 3/8 width. I would have to add another piece of wood to the jamb so that the closure has enough surface to attach to. I dont think I can attach a 2×4 section such as you have in the picture. I might be able to do a 1×4.

    Reply
  5. noorjahan mohani
    noorjahan mohani says:

    Hi thanks for the instructions. Our door wasn’t fixed even after changing the pneumatic opener I’m thinking the spring on the top has to do something with it do you have any idea how the spring needs to be fixed?

    Reply
  6. Lana Floyd
    Lana Floyd says:

    Oh my goodness! That is so much easier than I ever would have thought. I thought we were going to have to replace the whole door and didn’t think I could just replace that part. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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