The Larson SmoothGlide closer system utilizes two closers—one at the top of the door and one at the bottom—to provide a smooth and uniform closing motion. This document details the installation process for both the top and bottom closers, including required tools, component identification, and specific fastening procedures, based on the provided installation instructions. The system incorporates jamb brackets and door brackets, secured with specific screw types and pins for proper operation.
Closer System Components
The Larson SmoothGlide closer package includes the following components:
- 8 - #10 x 1-1/2" screws
- 4 - #10 x 5/8" screws
- 2 - short pins
- Long Yellow Clip
Proper installation requires a power drill equipped with a 1/8" drill bit and a No.2 Phillips screwdriver. The system is designed with a patent-pending mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
Jamb Bracket Installation
The installation process begins with securing the jamb brackets to the door frame. Two separate procedures exist for the top and bottom closers.
Top Closer Jamb Bracket Installation
- Locate the jamb bracket approximately 1" down from the top of the door.
- Position the bracket with the positioning tab against the back leg of the hinge rail.
- Drill 1/8" pilot holes through the bracket and into the door jamb.
- Fasten the bracket to the jamb using four #10 x 1-1/2" screws.
- After fastening, break off the positioning tabs.
Bottom Closer Jamb Bracket Installation
- Locate the jamb bracket approximately 1" above the door expander.
- Position the bracket with the positioning tab up against the back leg of the hinge rail. Note that, in some cases, the bottom closer may need to be located over the door expander.
- Drill 1/8" pilot holes through the bracket and into the door jamb.
- Fasten the bracket to the jamb using four #10 x 1-1/2" screws.
Door Bracket Installation
Following the installation of the jamb brackets, the door brackets are attached to the door itself. Again, separate procedures apply to the top and bottom closers.
Top Closer Door Bracket Installation
- Close and latch the door.
- Assemble the closer (the one without the Touch'n Hold button, which has the door bracket pre-attached) to the top jamb bracket using the short pin and long yellow plastic spacer clip.
- Ensure the assembly is level and mark the front mounting hole location of the door bracket.
- Drill a 1/8" starter hole. Caution is advised against drilling through the outside of the door.
- Attach the door bracket using a #10 x 5/8" screw.
- Remove the long pin, short pin, closer, and yellow plastic clip. Discard the yellow clip.
- Drill another 1/8" starter hole through the exposed hole in the door bracket.
- Fasten using a #10 x 5/8" screw.
- Reattach the closer using the long pin (with o-ring to hold it in place) and the short pin.
Bottom Closer Door Bracket Installation
The documentation does not provide specific, separate instructions for the bottom closer door bracket installation beyond the general jamb bracket installation instructions. It is implied that a similar process involving screws and pins is used, but details are not provided.
Important Considerations
The documentation emphasizes the importance of using the long yellow plastic spacer clip during the assembly of the top closer to the jamb bracket. This clip is crucial for ensuring proper operation and function of the closer mechanism. The documentation also cautions against drilling through the outside of the door during bracket attachment.
SmoothGlide Functionality
The Larson SmoothGlide system, as indicated by the documentation, is designed to provide a smooth and uniform closing motion from start to finish. The system utilizes two closers—one at the top and one at the bottom—to achieve this functionality. The inclusion of the Touch'n Hold feature on the bottom closer is noted, differentiating it from the top closer.
Screw and Pin Usage
The installation process relies on two specific screw sizes: #10 x 1-1/2" screws and #10 x 5/8" screws. The #10 x 1-1/2" screws are used for securing the jamb brackets to the door frame, while the #10 x 5/8" screws are used for attaching the door brackets to the door. Short pins and a long pin (with an o-ring) are also essential components for connecting the closer assemblies to the brackets.
Conclusion
The Larson SmoothGlide closer system offers a two-point closing mechanism designed for smooth and consistent door operation. Successful installation requires careful adherence to the provided instructions, including proper component identification, correct screw usage, and attention to the critical role of the long yellow plastic spacer clip. The documentation highlights the importance of precision during drilling and cautions against damaging the door surface.