Installing a door closer with an articulated arm (without a complicated manual)

Installing a doorcloser with an articulated arm often seems complicated due to the included installation manuals. In practice, however, it is much simpler.

In this guide, we explain step by step how to install a doorcloser based on logic and practical experience – without a mounting template.

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🔁 Important: brief explanation before the 2 options

A doorcloser with an articulated arm can be mounted in two ways:

  1. On the door (most common)
  2. On the frame (alternative mounting)

In this manual, we explain step by step how to mount a doorcloser with an articulated arm on both the door and the frame. This method works for most situations and door types.
Below, we explain both methods step by step.

Installing a doorcloser with an articulated arm doesn't have to be difficult.

🔧 Step 1 – Requirements

  • Door closer (scissor arm)
  • Drill screwdriver
  • Screws
  • Pencil / tape measure / ruler
  • Level

👉 View all door closers with a scissor arm

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Installation 1: Door closer on the door, arm on the frame

-Hinges are on the left
-Doorcloser is mounted on the door
-Arm is mounted on the frame

📐 Step 1 – Determine the correct position of the doorcloser

The position of the doorcloser is determined by the distance between the door hinge and the axis of the doorcloser.

✔️ Guideline:

-Maintain 15 to 18 cm between hinge and axis
-Ideal: ±17 cm

Click here to enlarge this drawing

Installation 2: Door closer on the frame, arm on the door

In this installation, the doorcloser is mounted on the frame and the arm on the door. The operation remains the same, but the positioning is mirrored.

-Hinges are on the left
-Doorcloser is mounted on the frame
-Arm is mounted on the door

✔️ Guideline:

-Maintain 15 to 18 cm between hinge and spindle
-Ideal: ±17 cm

Click here to enlarge this drawing

In this situation, the lever action reverses. Therefore, make sure the arm is still mounted under tension and at the correct angle.

✔️ What changes?

-Distance from hinge to spindle remains important
-Direction of the arm changes
-Mounting position is mirrored

📐 Step 1 – Determine the correct position of the doorcloser

The distance to the hinge determines the strength of the doorcloser:

  • Closer to hinge → less force
  • Farther from hinge → more force

👉 (this is the “moment” / leverage)

✔️ Practical:

  • ±15 cm → lighter closing
  • ±25 cm → stronger closing (max)

📏 Step 2 – Determine height

The shaft of the doorcloser must protrude above the door so that the arm can properly reach the frame.

Procedure:

  1. Hold the doorcloser against the door
  2. Ensure the shaft extends above the door
  3. Check with a level

🔩 Step 3 – Secure the door closer

Procedure:

  • Mark the holes
  • Use an awl if necessary
  • Screw the doorcloser in place

👉 Tip:

With wooden doors, you can often screw directly without pre-drilling

🔗 Step 4 – Attach arm to the doorcloser

Now mount the arm on the shaft of the doorcloser.

Important:

  • First loosen the sliding arm (adjustable part)
  • This makes installation easier

📍 Step 5 – Position the arm on the frame

Now you decide where the arm will be placed on the frame.

Guideline:

  • Position the mounting point that will be screwed onto the frame 5 to 8 cm to the right of the axis

    👉 This ensures proper operation

⚙️ Step 6 – Apply tension to the arm (crucial!)

At this moment, there is no tension on the doorcloser.

Procedure:

  1. Take a wrench (usually size 10)
  2. Push the arm slightly to the right (away from you)
  3. This puts tension on the spring

📐 Correct position of the arm

For proper operation, the arm must be at the correct angle:

  • Part on the frame → as straight as possible
  • Part on the shaft → angle of approximately 25–30 degrees

👉 This is essential for proper closing and the lifespan of the doorcloser.

Step 7 – Secure the arm

If the position is correct:

  • Secure the sliding arm
  • Check everything

👉 The doorcloser is now correctly installed

⚠️ Common mistakes

Mount too close to the hinge
Do not put tension on the arm
Arm not at the correct angle
Too far from the hinge → too much force

💬 Closing

As you can see, installing a doorcloser is not complicated at all.

With a logical approach and a few simple guidelines, you often achieve a good result faster than with a complex installation manual.

Frequently asked questions about installing door closers

Can I install a doorcloser without a mounting template?

Yes, in practice a mounting template is often not necessary. By logically looking at the position of the hinges and the axis of the doorcloser, you can easily install it correctly yourself.

What is the correct distance from the doorcloser to the hinge?

Maintain approximately 15 to 18 cm between the hinge and the axis of the doorcloser. This ensures a good balance between force and smooth closing.

When do you install a doorcloser on the door or on the frame?

This depends on the direction the door swings. In many situations, the doorcloser is mounted on the door, but in other applications, mounting on the frame makes more sense.

Why does my doorcloser have too little force?

This often happens because the doorcloser is placed too close to the hinge or because there is insufficient tension on the arm.

Why doesn't my doorcloser fully close the door?

In most cases, this is because no tension has been applied to the arm of the doorcloser. This often happens when step 6 (applying tension to the arm) is skipped during installation.

Solution:

Loosen the bolt of the sliding arm. Then, gently push the arm slightly further towards the door so that tension is applied to the spring. After that, tighten the sliding arm again.

You will notice that the door then closes completely.

Which doorcloser do you need for your situation?

After installing a doorcloser, it is important to choose the right type and closing force.

Not every doorcloser is suitable for every door or application. Consider the weight of the door, the mounting situation, and the usage (indoor or outdoor).

In our range, you will find a wide selection of doorclosers with a folding arm, suitable for both light and heavier doors.

Suitable for interior and exterior doors
Various closing forces (EN2 to EN6)
Easily adjustable
Available directly from stock

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