Fire rated six panel door to garage closes too quickly
#1
03-01-06, 05:31 PM
Fire rated six panel door to garage closes too quickly
I have a six panel fire rated door at the entrance to my garage from my house. The problem is that the builder used hinges that slow down the closing of the door, so it does not slam shut. Originally they worked fine but now the door closes with a slam and shakes the entire house.
I tried to adjust the little pins but they were already adjusted to the maximum closing capacity. Would it be better to just replace the spring loaded hinges with new ones of a similar style or would a regular door closer attached at the top of the door be a better option? I am leanig toward the second option since I had one in another house and the adjustments were rather easy. The only thing that bothers me is that I do not know if I can places screws in this door and have them be secure. The door is a six-panel white door, but not sure about solid core. The fire rated type may be required to be solid core.
Thank you in advance for your help. Seems like all my doors are giving me fits these days.
Brad
I tried to adjust the little pins but they were already adjusted to the maximum closing capacity. Would it be better to just replace the spring loaded hinges with new ones of a similar style or would a regular door closer attached at the top of the door be a better option? I am leanig toward the second option since I had one in another house and the adjustments were rather easy. The only thing that bothers me is that I do not know if I can places screws in this door and have them be secure. The door is a six-panel white door, but not sure about solid core. The fire rated type may be required to be solid core.
Thank you in advance for your help. Seems like all my doors are giving me fits these days.
Brad
#2
03-01-06, 06:29 PM
1. Rated door = rated hardware.
2. If a metal jamb it was specified with closer reinforcement or not. Doubtful in your case.
Replace with the same hinges. It's almost a sure bet that there are markings of some sort on the hinges. A locksmith of door shop can help source them. You can scan internet stores: self closing hinge fire
2. If a metal jamb it was specified with closer reinforcement or not. Doubtful in your case.
Replace with the same hinges. It's almost a sure bet that there are markings of some sort on the hinges. A locksmith of door shop can help source them. You can scan internet stores: self closing hinge fire
#3
03-02-06, 04:39 AM
If the hinge pins are adjusted to the max closing speed, relieve some of the tension for a slower closing door. You will most likely have to use an allen wrench to hyper extend the spring, drive out the drift pin and reset the tension a little at a time. We usually only use one closing hinge per door. Did they install more than one? That may be helping to close it with more gusto.
#4
03-02-06, 09:23 AM
"use an allen wrench"--therein lies my problem. There is no place for an allen wrench on these hinges. The pin is there, but I cannot understand how the pressure is released without something dangerous happening. I pried it back a little with a nail, but that in itself was a little scary when the nail slipped out of the hole while I was trying to move the pin to another slot. Any suggestions. This makes even removing the hinge from the door rather tricky--without getting some appendages injured.
Sorry for the confusion. They are adjusted for maximum relief from closure--slowing it down.
They are installed on all three hinges on the door. Guess I will be getting three of the closers.
I found them online, but will go to the local box store to see if they have anything while the weather is nice.
Thanks, Brad
Sorry for the confusion. They are adjusted for maximum relief from closure--slowing it down.
They are installed on all three hinges on the door. Guess I will be getting three of the closers.
I found them online, but will go to the local box store to see if they have anything while the weather is nice.
Thanks, Brad
Last edited by BSparks294; 03-02-06 at 10:17 AM.
#5
03-02-06, 04:36 PM
Brad: The allen wrench should fit into an allen socket head on top of the hinge, thereby giving you the method of releasing tension. Now, if you have the episode I had punching out a 64 room personal care home, all the spring hinges were installed upside down! It's ok, just a pita. Check the bottom side for the allen socket. Post back and let me know what you find.
I just realized something while I was posting this. On the rim where the pin is located, are there multiple holes around the crown? If so, then inserting a drift in one of the holes will relieve the tension so you can remove the pin and start your downward sprial. Keep the pin in hand because it will have to be partially reinserted to allow you to get another bite with the allen wrench or drift.
I just realized something while I was posting this. On the rim where the pin is located, are there multiple holes around the crown? If so, then inserting a drift in one of the holes will relieve the tension so you can remove the pin and start your downward sprial. Keep the pin in hand because it will have to be partially reinserted to allow you to get another bite with the allen wrench or drift.
#6
03-02-06, 04:56 PM
If there's a drift pin on the barrel of that self closing hinge, there's an opening either on the top or on the bottom for an allen wrench. Insert the allen, turn it a bit to relieve the pressure on the drift pin so you can remove it, then let the allen relax a bit and put the pin in the next hole. Test the door. If you have more than one self-closing hinge on the door, adjust them alternately, one hole at a time, checking the door after EVERY adjustment. There's no need to replace the hinges unless one or more is broken.
#7
03-02-06, 05:13 PM
Thanks for the assistance. There are holes around the top, but no place for an allen wrench on either the top or bottom. Here is a link:
http://www.chown.com/cgi-bin/lansawe...XCFCD(S0010):0
While perusing the internet in search of replacement hinges (HD and Lowes seem to carry all the same products--none of which were what I needed) I came across a pin (bommer tension pin) that is needed to keep the tension on the spring until I can re-insert the normal pin again in a different hole.
I will try to find a pin to use and will keep you posted.
Brad
http://www.chown.com/cgi-bin/lansawe...XCFCD(S0010):0
While perusing the internet in search of replacement hinges (HD and Lowes seem to carry all the same products--none of which were what I needed) I came across a pin (bommer tension pin) that is needed to keep the tension on the spring until I can re-insert the normal pin again in a different hole.
I will try to find a pin to use and will keep you posted.
Brad
#9
03-03-06, 03:58 PM
Got the hinges operating correctly by using the idea above, "flat punch." Thank you so much guys.
Had to grind it down to a little smaller diameter, but it worked great. I will be able to find that once again when I need it, because it is much larger than a regular "pin."
Crazy thing, I turned them as far as they would go and the door shut to quick. Backed them off one notch and the door shuts fine.
Thanks, Brad
Had to grind it down to a little smaller diameter, but it worked great. I will be able to find that once again when I need it, because it is much larger than a regular "pin."
Crazy thing, I turned them as far as they would go and the door shut to quick. Backed them off one notch and the door shuts fine.
Thanks, Brad
Last edited by BSparks294; 03-07-06 at 01:01 PM.
