Continuing with my posts on “unidentified hardware objects,” I saw this closer arm at a high school a couple of weeks ago. The hub on the closer shoe is much thicker than on a typical arm, AND…the arm has an extra bend in it. But why?
This is a special template for LCN closers – there are thousands of special templates available for different applications. Sometimes they only involve a different mounting location but in other cases the special template is a modification to the hardware, as with the one in the photos (LCN 4110 x ST-2730 or 4040XP x ST-2731).
The purpose of this special closer arm is to move the closer down slightly on the door to make space for the overhead stop – a GJ90 series. With the door closer installed in the standard location, there would be a conflict between the closer and the stop.
Although a stop can be specified as part of the closer arm, in some high use/high abuse applications I would specify a separate overhead stop even though this requires a little extra coordination. If you’re not sure how an overhead stop works, there is a video here. And if you’ve seen any unidentified hardware items lately, send me some photos!
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Lori,
I was reading your article in “Life Safety Digest” entitled Health Care Corridor Doors and Smoke Barrier Doors – What’s the Difference? I was wondering if I could get a document that I could re-print in our newsletter of this article. It is chock full of very useful info.
Hi Billy –
I’m going to forward your request to the editors of Life Safety Digest…I’m sure they can help you out with this.
– Lori
What I think is interesting is that the frame appears to have a ratchet release assembly installed at the head, and the door is prepped for it, but this is a SURFACE vertical rod device. Makes one curious.
It is nice to see a correct closer application. These special templates are too often missed, even in specs.
Hi Raymond –
I didn’t take a wider photo of these doors, but I’m pretty sure I see a surface strike, not a rachet release assembly.
– Lori