How to Change the Swing on a Storm Door

The swinging action on a storm door is dual purposed. The storm door spring is attached at the top of the door to permit the door to reach a certain degree of pivot. It then stops the door from extending beyond a safe position. This saves the storm door from opening beyond the hinge restraints, causing the hinges to hyper extend and the door to potentially strike a railing. The other purpose of the storm door swing-action is to close the door.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver

1. Remove the old storm door spring and closer by removing the screws to the flanges and spring of the assemblies. Close and latch the door so it will not open in the event of a strong breeze.

2. Bring the old storm door spring and closer assemblies to a hardware, building material or retail store to match up the correct lengths for replacements.

3. Install the new storm door spring assembly. If necessary, remove and replace the retaining pin and flange for the chain adjuster.

4. Adjust the chain to the proper position and insert the chain's retaining pin before the storm door strikes any object or extends beyond its hinge capacity.

5. Open the storm door to install the front of the door closer flange. Screw the two retaining screws for the front flange of the closer into the storm door's frame.

6. Close the storm door securely.

7. Screw the four screws in the rear of the closer flange to the storm door's frame.

8. Test the opening and closing of the storm door to determine if adjustments are required.

References

• Storm Door Installation, Repair and Adjustment