How to Install a Retracting Door Closer

Hold the jamb bracket -- which the closer rod attaches to -- to the door jamb on the hinged side of the door. Ensure the angled side of the bracket is facing the door and the screw holes in the mounting flange of the bracket are flush against the jamb. Slide the bracket up or down on the jamb as required so that the closer will be perfectly level when mounted. Mark through the screw holes onto the jamb with a pencil. Remove the bracket.

Place a nail over the pencil marks and tap it with a hammer to make indentations. Replace the bracket and line up the screw holes with the indentations. Twist in the bracket retaining screws with a Phillips bit installed into a power drill.

Pull the rod out of the closer approximately ¼ inch. Slide the hold-open washer on the rod to the end of the closer to keep the rod in this position.

Close the door. Position the hole in the end of the closer rod with the hole in the jamb bracket. Insert the short bracket pin through the holes to secure the rod to the bracket. Align the front hole in the door closer bracket with the mounting hole on the end of the closer opposite the rod. Insert the long bracket pin through the holes to secure the bracket to the closer.

Hold the closer level. Ensure the door closer bracket is against the inside surface of the door without disturbing the position of the closer rod. Mark the position of the screw holes in the bracket onto the door with a pencil. Rotate the closer away from the door and let it hang from the jamb bracket.

Place a center punch over the pencil marks on the door and tap it with a hammer to make indentations. Drill through the inner panel of the door on the indentations with a 1/8-inch drill bit and power drill.

Rotate the closer to the door and line up the screw holes in the door closer bracket with the drilled holes. Twist the bracket retaining screws into the holes with a Phillips screwdriver, as a power drill may drive the screws in with too much force and damage the door.

Open the door and hold it open a few inches. Slide the hold-open washer on the closer rod toward the jamb bracket. Open the door fully and release it to test the operation of the closer. Adjust the speed the door closer by twisting the screw on the end of the closer with a Phillips screwdriver.