How to Replace the Pneumatic Cylinder on a Screen Door

Easy Screen Door Closer Replacement

8/10/2022

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You know, sometimes we live with something broken because we don't know how to fix it or even if a fix is available.

That was the situation with Steph's screen door. It wasn't broken, but the black part did not match the white door.

We had one of those "Duh" moments when we realized that replacement parts were readily available and that changing out the screen closer was a really easy fix.

Product:

Wright Products Standard Duty White Pneumatic Door Closer (Amazon)
Wright Products Pneumatic White Heavy-Duty Door Closer (Amazon)

Find a replacement closer for your screen or storm door at The Home Depot.

Replacement parts can be found at the Home Depot or online.

Inside the packaging is everything you'll need to change out the closer.

This is the original closing mechanism on Steph's screen door.

This is the original condition of the screen door when Steph moved into her house. It didn't match the white door and the hardware was starting to rust.

Remove the two pins to release the old screen door closer.

There are two "pins" holding the closer in place. Remove the one nearest the door frame and then the other.

Once this "pin" is remove, the closer tube lifts out of the brackets.

Next, remove the hinge on the door frame by removing the four screws holding it in place.

Next, remove the bracket on the door frame by removing the four screws holding it in place.

Screwing the new door frame hardware into place for the new screen door or storm door closer.

The new bracket fits exactly so there is no need to drill new holes.

Using a Dremel power screwdriver to unscrew the door hardware. The Dremel is rechargeable.

Remove the door hardware. Take the time to clean the door underneath the bracket before adding the new hardware.

Adding the matching screen door hardware to the door.

Again, the new part fits exactly so no new screw holes are needed.

Add the hold open washer to the cylinder before putting thee closer into place.

Before attaching the closer, be sure the hold open washer is in place. Note the orientation so it is correctly placed.

The last step in replacing the pneumatic screen door closer is to secure it to the hinges with pins.

The last step is to replace the two pins and done!

If needed, you can adjust the speed of closure by adjusting this screw. Just use a Phillips head screwdriver to make the needed adjustments.

The greyhounds approve of the new screen door closer because they can go in and out at will.

Much better!

There are two types of pneumatic screen or storm door closer available, the standard model and a heavy-duty model.

Earlier this year, we had to replace the closer again as it got damaged in heavy winds. We keep the door open for the greyhounds to go in and out so it was open when a heavy wind caught it. The mechanism inside bent rendering it useless. We accidentally bought the heavy-duty cylinder, but it fit perfectly and works even better and doesn't bend in strong wind.

The new door closer in place on the screen door.

The white on white is a much better design choice!

This was a super easy fix and looks so much better now.

The adjustment screw was a new discovery. If you have a finicky screen or storm door, perhaps it just needs an adjustment rather than replacement.

Anyone else living with something that could be a quick fix?

Please note: This is not a sponsored post.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

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