How to Install and Adjust a Pneumatic Storm Door Closer

Storm doors are hung on the frame of an exterior door. A storm door typically has a screen and glass insert that are interchangeable based on the weather needs. A pneumatic door closer can be used to automatically pull the storm door closed, to control how far the door can open and to brace the door open. A pneumatic store door closer may come with the storm door or may be purchased separately. Installing a pneumatic storm door closer should take less than one hour.

Step 1

Make sure the storm door opens and closes properly before installing the door closer. If installing a replacement storm door closer, then remove the old closer.

Step 2

Choose a location on the top or middle of the storm where you want to install the door closer. Top mounted can insure that a young child will not get their hands pinched in the closer. If replacing an old door closer, you may want to install the new closer at the same location. If the closer package came with a paper template, secure the template using the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3

Hold the assembled, compressed storm door closer to position it with the screw mount bracket on the door and the square door jamb (frame of the door) bracket in about the center of the jamb. There should be at least enough space above a top-mounted closer for you to fit a finger between the closer and the top door frame. At the point, the unit does not have to be perfectly level; just eye-ball it for level. The objective is to determine where the door mount bracket should be.

Step 4

Mark the holes in the screw mounts of the door portion only. For ease of installation, pull the pin that holds the bracket to the closer. Pre-drill the holes on the door mount, taking care to not go completely through door. Attach the bracket to the door with the included screws. Re-attach the pump to the bracket.

Step 5

Position the door closer end to the door jamb while the storm door is closed. Place a level on top of the closer to ensure it is level and then use the pen to mark the holes for the screws. Pull the pin that holds the bracket to the closer.

Step 6

Drill the holes in the door frame and secure the closer with the screws. Re-attach the pin connecting the closer to the door jamb bracket.

Step 7

Adjust the speed at which the pneumatic door closes by twisting by hand or with a screwdriver (depending on the unit purchased) the knob/screw located on the door end of the closer. A clockwise turn slows the closer; counterclockwise speeds up the rate of closing.