How to Fix a Storm Door Closer in 20 Minutes or Less

Make Sure the Closer Is Actually Broken

Before buying a new storm door closer, make sure the one you already have is actually broken. Sounds obvious, right? But this simple trick could save you a little time, money, and a trip to the hardware store.

To find out if your storm door closer is broken, see if you can successfully adjust the tension in the barrel—the cylindrical piece that connects the brackets on the door and jamb. Find the screw on the end of the barrel that’s furthest from the jamb. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to tighten it and slow the door down. Or, if your door is closing too slowly, loosen the screw by turning it counterclockwise. This should allow your door to close with more force. 

If your adjustments don’t make any difference in how your door closes, that means your closer is broken, and it’s time to replace it. You can DIY the replacement or reach out to a local storm door installer for help.

Buy a Replacement Storm Door Closer

Photo: Jason / Adobe Stock

If your closer is broken, you’ll need to buy a replacement for this storm door part. Most storm door closers are sold with all parts included. These parts include the closer barrel, jamb bracket, door bracket, screws, and pins. However, you may be able to buy just the barrel separately. If your hardware is still in good shape and is compatible with a new barrel, you can always go that route. 

If you buy only a barrel replacement part, you can skip any steps below that involve removing or attaching door or jamb brackets. All you’ll need to do is remove your old barrel and attach the new one to the old brackets using the steps below.

You don’t have to worry about measuring for a specific size when buying a new storm door closer. But if you have a particularly heavy door or live in an area with high winds, you can always buy and install two closers for more security.

Remove the Old Closer Barrel

Close your storm door. Then lift up the pins that attach the closer barrel to the jamb bracket and the door bracket. Remove these pins to release the barrel from both the jamb and the door.

Remove the Brackets

Using your screwdriver, remove the screws from the door bracket and the jamb bracket, then remove the old brackets from the door and jamb.

Attach New Brackets

Grab the hardware from your new door closer kit. Using the old holes, if possible, screw the new jamb bracket and door brackets into place using your screwdriver. Don’t fully tighten the screws on the door bracket.

Attach New Closer Barrel

Make sure the doorstop—the small metal piece that slides up and down the closer’s rod—is pressed up against the barrel, and line up the barrel with the new door jamb bracket. Insert one of the pins through both the jamb bracket’s and the barrel’s holes. Do the same thing with the door bracket using another pin and the other end of the barrel. If the door bracket is loose, slide it away from the barrel before tightening the screws.

Test the Door and Adjust Tension as Needed

Test your door by letting it close. If it slams shut or closes too slowly, adjust the tension in the closer barrel using your Phillips-head screwdriver. Remember, turning the screw clockwise will add tension and make the door close more slowly, and turning it counterclockwise will do the opposite.