How to Choose a Door Closer

Offset Pivot vs. Center Pivot  

Determine the location of the pivot required.  

3/4" Offset Hung: Pivot point is located 3/4" from heel edge of the door and 3/4" from face of door. 

• Pivot point is located on the front of the door with the pivot knuckle visible. 

• Can be extended with special add on product. 

• Used on rabbeted frames 

• Single acting only 

• Specific closers / pivots can accomodate 180° opening. 

• Door edge should be beveled 1/8" in 2" 

1-1/2" Offset Hung: Pivot point is located 3/4" from heel edge of the door and 1-1/2" from face of door. 

• Pivot point is located on the front of the door with the pivot knuckle visible. 

• Can be extended with special add on product. 

• Used on rabbeted frames 

• Single acting only 

• Specific closers / pivots can accomodate 180° opening. 

• Door edge should be beveled 1/8" in 2" 

Center Hung: Pivot point centered in thickness of door. Distance from heel edge can vary 1-3/4" and up. 

• Pivot point can be moved closer towards the lock edge of the door. 

• Used on Cased Opening Frames 

• Singe or double acting 

• Single acting closer must be accompanied by a frame or angle stop at lock edge 

• Degree of opening can rarely exceed 130° 

• Cannot be used on fire rated doors 

• Not recommended on residences 

Weight of Your Door  

Use the formula (Square Footage of Door ) x (LB per Square Foot) to determine the weight of your door.
 Use the chart below to estimate the weight per square foot of your door. 

Example- For a 3.0" W x 7.0" H, 1-3/4" Thick Solid Core Door: 

(21 sq ft) x (7 LB sq ft) = 147 LB 

Expected Frequency of Door Opening  

Use chart below to determine the expected frequency of use. 

Determine the Handing  

Use the diagram below to help determine the handing of your door. 

Face a door swinging open away from you. If it opens to the right, it is right handed. If it opens to the left, it is left handed. 

For more information, see  How to Determine the Handing of a Door  . 

Making Your Selection 

Use the above criteria; Pivot Point, Weight of Door, Frequency and Handing to help make your selection. Please review product details to determine which product will work for your door. 

Use the filter on the left side of the Rixson Door Closer page to narrow down your search.