Is your Norton door swinging shut with a resounding bang or stubbornly refusing to close all the way? If so, you’re likely grappling with a misaligned or improperly adjusted Norton door closer.
But fear not!
With a little know-how, you can easily tweak your Norton closer to restore peace and functionality to your doorways.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Issue
Norton door closers are indeed popular among homeowners for their reliability and durability. However, like any mechanical device, they can sometimes fall out of alignment or lose their intended settings over time.
This can lead to doors that slam shut with unnecessary force or fail to close completely, creating inconvenience and potential safety hazards.
The primary culprits behind these issues are typically misadjustments in the closer’s speed, latch, and backcheck settings. Speed controls regulate the door’s closing and opening speeds, while latch controls dictate the door’s final closing force.
Backcheck settings, on the other hand, prevent the door from swinging too forcefully open and hitting adjacent walls or objects.
Also Read: 7 Effective Ways To Lubricate Storm Door Closer
Identifying Your Norton Door Closer
Before diving into adjustments, it’s crucial to identify the specific type of Norton door closer you’re dealing with. Norton offers a range of models, each with its unique design and adjustment mechanisms. The most common types include:
- Norton 1601: This is a versatile closer suitable for a variety of door applications.
- Norton 7500: Known for its heavy-duty performance, ideal for commercial and high-traffic environments.
- Norton 78 b-f: A compact closer often used in residential settings.
- Norton 8501: Designed for medium to heavy-duty applications, featuring adjustable spring power and backneck.
Adjusting Your Norton Door Closer
Once you’ve identified your Norton closer, you can proceed with the adjustment process. While specific adjustment methods may vary slightly between models, the general principles remain consistent.
Speed Control Adjustment
- Locate the speed adjustment valves on your Norton closer. These are typically labeled as “sweep” and “latch” valves.
- Using a flathead screwdriver, turn the sweep valve clockwise to decrease the door’s closing seed or counterclockwise to increase it.
- Similarly, adjust the latch valve to control the speed at which the door closes during the final few inches of its swing.
Latch Control Adjustment
- To adjust the latch control, locate the valve typically labeled as “latch” or “closing force.”
- Using a screwdriver, turn the valve clockwise to increase the closing force or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Test the door after each adjustment to ensure it closes smoothly without slamming shut or leaving gaps.
Backcheck Adjustment
- If your Norton closer features backcheck adjustment, locate the backcheck valve, often labeled as “BC” or “backcheck.”
- Use a screwdriver to turn the valve clockwise to increase the resistance and counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Adjust the backcheck setting as needed to prevent the door from swinging open too forcefully.
How to Adjust Norton Hydraulic Door Closer
Adjusting a Norton hydraulic door closer involves understanding the hydraulic mechanism responsible for controlling the door’s movement. While specific adjustment procedures may vary, you can typically follow these steps:
- First, you need to remove the cover of your Norton door closer, to expose the spring, and all the adjustment valves and screws.
- Now take a screwdriver, and adjust the tension of the spring, responsible for making the door close faster and slower. Clockwise rotation of the tension screw will increase the hydraulic resistance and counterclockwise rotation will decrease it.
- Test the door to ensure smooth operation without excessive resistance or force.
My Norton door closer is leaking fluid. What should I do?
A leaking Norton door closer indicates a potential seal or hydraulic issue. In this case, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a professional for inspection and repair. Continuing to use a leaking closer can lead to further damage and compromise its functionality.
Conclusion
By following these adjustment techniques tailored to your Norton door closer model, you can effectively troubleshoot common issues and restore optimal functionality of your doorways.
Remember to approach adjustment with patience and caution, making gradual changes and testing the door’s operation after each tweak. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can bid farewell to slamming doors and enjoy the smooth, reliable operation of your Norton closer.
FAQ’s
Q.1 How do I know if my Norton door closer needs adjustment?
Ans: If your door slams shut with excessive force, fails to close completely, or exhibits erratic behavior, it likely requires adjustment. Inspect the closer for any visible signs of misalignment or damage, and consider adjusting its speed, latch, or backcheck settings.
Q.2 Can I adjust my Norton door closer to myself, or do I need professional assistance?
Ans: While adjusting a Norton door closer can be done by homeowners with basic tools and mechanical aptitude if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified professional. They can ensure adjustments are made correctly and safely.
Q.3 What if I don’t know the model of my Norton door closer?
Ans: Start by examining the closer for any identifying markings or labels. You can also consult Norton’s website or contact their customer support for assistance in identifying the model. Once identified, you can follow specific adjustment instructions tailored to that model.
Q.4 I’ve adjusted my Norton door closer, but the problem persists. What should I do next?
Ans: If adjustments don’t resolve the issue, there may be underlying mechanical problems or damage to the closer. In such cases, consider consulting a professional for a thorough inspection and potential replacement or repair of the closer. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action for restoring functionality to your door closer.
