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Home > Help Center > Door Closer Information > How Does A Hold Open Door Closer Work?

How Does A Hold Open Door Closer Work?

How Does A Hold Open Door Closer Work?

A hold open door closer is a hydraulic spring closing device with an adjustable arm that allows the door to be fixed in place when the door is in the full open position. The only main difference between a hold open door closer and a non hold open door closer is the type of arm. There are different hold open arm styles available depending on the door closer type. In this article we explain each type of hold open arm design and how they work.

Types Of Hold Open Door Closers

There are two main types of hold open door closer arms: friction style hold open arms and tee handle screw in hold open arms. Each hold open arm has their own benefits and disadvantages. Let's explore both of these door arms.

Friction Hold Open Arms

If you have been in the market for a hold open arm solution for a commercial door, you may have heard the term "friction style hold open arm". This is because friction style hold open arms are by far the most commonly used arm design to allow a door closer to keep the door in the full open position. A friction style hold open arm is very similar to a regular door arm, except that it has a special adjustable nut and compression washer assembly located at the pivot point of the door shoe and door fore arm.

How A Friction Hold Open Arm Works

As you can probably guess from the name, a friction hold open arm works using friction. The hold open door shoe is comprised of an adjustable nut and compressible washer or spacer. As the door approaches the full open position, the door arm pivots on the door shoe creating friction between the nut and the washer. When the door reaches the full open position, the nut compresses the washer with so much friction or force, that it keeps the door held open.


Pros Of Friction Hold Open Arms

One positive aspect of friction hold open arms is that they are relatively inexpensive. The simple hold open design makes friction hold open arms inexpensive. Another positive point is that friction hold open arms can be purchased separately from the door closer. Since all of the hold open technology is in the arm and not internally inside of the door closer body, the hold open arm can be offered as an upgrade at any time. Meaning, if the building owner wants to upgrade to the hold open arm feature, he can purchase and install the new hold open arm, without having to purchase an entirely new door closer.

Another positive aspect is the friction hold open arm can be applied to any door closer mounting methods such as standard mount, top jamb mount, or parallel arm mount, whereas tee handle hold open arms can only be installed on door closers that are parallel arm mounted.


Cons Of Friction Hold Open Arms

One major concern of the hold open friction arm is adjustment. Friction hold open arms do not function properly if installed incorrectly. Since they work on a friction design, they can be difficult to set into place. The installer has to tighten the hold open arm nut just right in order for the door closer to properly hold open. If the nut is over tightened, and the door is pushed and forced open into the hold open position, then the door can get stuck in the hold open position. Another concern is since the hold open arm relies on the tension of the hold open nut, overtime the nut may need to be retightened, as it can loosen over time from all of the use.

How To Install A Hold Open Friction Arm Door Closer

1. First make sure that the hold open friction arm is removed from the door closer body. Then mount the door closer body to the door.

2. Next, remove the hold open forearm with shoe from the main arm assembly. Install the hold open forearm with shoe to the door frame. Install the door closer main arm to the door closer body.

3. Preload the door closer spring and connect the friction hold open forearm to the main arm assembly by tightening the set screw.


4. Open the door to the desired hold open position. Tighten the hold open arm nut located on the door shoe.


T Handle Parallel Hold Open Arms

A t hold open arm is a type of parallel arm that can hold the door in the full open position by using an adjustable tee handle that acts as a ball catch to hold the door open. It is worth noting that t handle hold open arms can only be used on parallel arm mounted door closers.

How A T Handle Hold Open Arm Works

A t handle is inserted into the forearm. The t handle can be rotated 1/4 turn clockwise or counterclockwise plunging the t handle in or out of the forearm. In the bottom of the t handle is a concave indent which essentially acts as a ball catch receiver or detent. On the parallel arm bracket is an exposed ball. When the door is open to the full open position, the ball lines up perfectly with the bottom of the t handle where the detent is. To engage hold open, the t handle is screwed in 1/4 turn, causing the t handle to plunge out with the bottom of the t handle detent/receiver catching the ball of the parallel arm bracket. This is what holds the door open. To disengage hold open, the t handle is unscrewed 1/4 turn, causing the t handle to retract back, releasing the parallel bracket ball from the t handle detent, allowing the door closer to close.

Pros Of T Handle Hold Open Arms

One of the positive features of the t handle hold open door closer is the easy to use design. The simplicity of the t handle makes setting the hold open arm extremely easy since it can be set by reaching up to the t handle and tightening the handle 1/4 turn to engage the door to hold open. It is a much more straightforward design for installation and use compared to that of the friction style hold open arm.

Cons Of T Handle Hold Open Arms

A major con of the tee handle hold open arm is that it can only be installed on parallel mounted door closers. If the door closer is mounted standard mount or top jamb, a tee handle hold open arm cannot be used. Unlike friction hold open arms which can be installed on standard mount, top jamb, or parallel arm mount door closers.

Another con of the tee handle hold open arm is the price. T handle arms are more expensive than friction style hold open arms. T handle hold open arms are also only available on heavy duty door closers, whereas friction style hold open door closer arms are available for both standard duty and hold open door closers.

Another disadvantage of a t handle hold open door closer arm is that it is handed, whereas most friction hold open arms are not handed.

Finally, one other disadvantage is that you have to be able to reach the t handle in order to engage or disengage hold open. Since parallel mounted door closers are on the door with the parallel bracket mounted to the bottom of the door frame, it can be too high for most people to reach and a stool or ladder will have to be used.

How To Install A T Handle Hold Open Door Closer

1. Install the t handle hold open arm to the door closer body at the appropriate angle so that the door closer is preloaded.
2. Next, mount the door closer to the door. Then mount the parallel arm bracket to the door frame.

3. To engage the hold open function, simply swing the door open to the full open position. The detent at the bottom of the T handle plunger should line up with the ball in the parallel bracket. Tighten the t handle 14 turn and it will plunge and catch the ball in the parallel arm bracket, causing the door to hold open. To disengage the hold open function, simple loosen the tee handle 1/4 turn and the tee handle plunger will retract from the ball of the parallel arm bracket, and the door will close. Please note that the illustration below shows a knob style hold open parallel door arm instead of a t handle parallel hold open door arm, but the functionality is identical.


Alternative To Automatic Door Openers

One of the biggest benefits of automatic power door openers, is that if a pedestrian's hands are full, he or she can activate the door to open using a sensor or activation button. Power automatic door openers very expensive compared to door closers. By installing a hold open door closer, the door can be held open, so that pedestrians with boxes, bags, or other items can pass through. Another interesting point, is that power door openers all come with a "hold open" switch; when flipped on, electricity is applied to the dc motor to hold the door open. Power door opener hold open functions are designed for short term use, since it heats up the dc motor. It is not designed for long periods of time. Alternatively, a hold open door closer can hold the door in the full open position indefinitely. If heavy foot traffic is expected into a store for a long period of time, such as a weekend sales event, the hold open door closer can keep the door held open for as long as needed.

Not To Be Used On Fire Doors

According to the NFPA 80, fire doors must be self closing. For this reason mechanical hold open devices like friction hold open arms or t handle hold open arms cannot be used. Electronic hold open devices are available which allow the door to close during a fire. International Building Code (IBC) requires electronic hold open mechanisms on most doors to be smoke activated and not fire activated.

Hold Open Door Closer Applications
  • Front Entry Doors (Non Fire Rated)
  • Bathroom Doors (Non Fire Rated)
  • Warehouse Doors (Non Fire Rated)
  • Office Doors (Non Fire Rated)

Conclusion

Hold open door closers either use friction or ball catch technology in order to keep the door held open. Depending on your door application will determine which hold open door closer type is best. We recommend Liberty door closers. All Liberty door closers are available with a heavy duty hold open arm option.



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