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Anonymous
 
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 06:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I am hoping someone can help with this problem ...
We have several fire rated detention grade doors in sizes up to 3'-10' x 7'-10" that swing 180 degrees and are held open with magnetic HO's. Doors were spec'd with 3 prison quality weld-on full surface hinges and HD concealed closers. Upon initial installation, doors wouldn't close from 180 degrees. After twiddling with the hinges a number of times (a very technical term we are all familiar with), and having closer rep out to review installation, it was recommended to add another closer, PA type, to provide better leverage thru the arm. Sample PA closers were installed on a couple of doors, and that seemed to help. However, now that all secondary closers were added, there is still an issue with being able to close all of the doors from 180 degrees. Once doors get to 90 or so, then doors will self-close. Any advice on getting doors to close from 180?
David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 247
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 07:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

What closer are you using? Sounds like you need to crank up the spring tension in the closer. Also the arm may not be located in the correct position. Sometimes a closer needs to be properly "pretensioned".

If worse comes to worse, I think that they make a prison cam hinge.

Hope this helps.
David E. Wiemer AHC, CSI (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 09:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

This is an interesting problem that I think is mostly related to installation. If a door is properly hung, it should take no more than 1/4 pound to swing the door. If the hinges are mis-aligned, are not ball bearing or are damaged, the door will require additional force. You don't mention the type of closer mounting. If it is a track closer with a one piece arm, the power curve will make closing this door difficult from 180 degrees. If a two piece arm (either push or pull side mount) is used, the control of the door would be much better. You might also consider using a floor closer such as the Rixson 327 with security package. This floor closer uses a track assembly with a slide to allow using standard butt hinges to be used with a floor closer. Since the floor closer spring delivers it's power to the door continuously, this closer would provide equal power at full open as well as half open and closed.
I question the use of "heady duty" when referring to the closer. Is this just a manufacturer's catalog description or does the closer have at least 1-1/2" piston, full size range spring tension, three valve adjustment, etc.? Sometimes you just can't believe catalog information for each application, especially when the application is unusual.

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