Buying guide
Commercial door closers: how to choose the right one
A commercial door closer is chosen by three things: the ANSI grade, the size the door needs, and the arm type the opening allows.
The short answer
Commercial door closers
A commercial door closer is chosen by three things: the ANSI grade, the size the door needs, and the arm type the opening allows. Get those three right and almost everything else is finish and preference.
How to choose
What actually decides the part number
GradeANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the heavy duty standard and belongs on main entrances, stairwells and any high traffic opening. Grade 2 is lighter commercial duty for lower traffic interior doors. Grade 3 is residential and we do not sell it.
SizeCloser size is set by door width and weight, not by preference. Adjustable size 1 to 6 closers cover most openings, which is why a single part number can replace many older fixed size units.
Arm typeA regular arm mounts on the pull side and projects furthest. A parallel arm mounts on the push side and tucks in, which is what most exterior doors want. A top jamb arm mounts on the frame face. The arm decides whether a closer physically fits.
Fire ratingA fire rated opening needs a closer listed for it, and must never have mechanical dogging or hold open unless that hold open is fusible or electrically released.
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Send a photo instead
You do not need a part number. Send a photo of the hardware and the door it sits on, plus the ship-to zip code, and we will identify it and quote it the same business day.