How to Install a Double Acting Storefront Door With a Concealed Closer (Side Load Arm)

Hey guys, Gary here with Door Closers USA. In today’s video, I’m going to walk you through how tohang and install a double acting (center-hung) storefront door using aconcealed overhead closer with a side load arm.

This is the type of higher-end storefront door system commonly used in historical buildings, upgraded commercial spaces,and other applications where you want a clean look without a bulky surface-mounted door closer.

Step 1: Install the Bottom Pivot Door Portion

We start at the bottom rail of the door (typically a 10 in bottom rail). These holes are usually pre-tapped and prepped.The door portion is slotted, so I like to start the screws loose first, slide into position, and then tighten once aligned.

A key measurement here is:2-5/8 in from the edge of the door to the center line of the pivot.

Once aligned, tighten the fasteners. Many doors also include a split point that allows height adjustment using a flathead screwdriver,which we’ll use later when setting final door height.

Step 2: Prep the Side Load Arm (Top Rail)

Next is the side load arm on the top rail. It’s called a side load arm because the door is loaded onto the concealed closer spindle from the side.The arm clamps onto the spindle using a bracket and three Allen bolts.

Before hanging the door, install and prep the hardware:

• Install the centering bolts (used to adjust the door in/out within the frame)
• Start the main bolt and locking fastener
• Keep everything snug but adjustable until the door is hung

Just like the bottom pivot, the top arm should also be positioned at:2-5/8 in from the edge of the door to the pivot center line.

Step 3: Hang the Door and Set Height

To hang the door, set it onto the bottom pivot first. If the door is too high to align at the top spindle, lower the bottom pivot door portion.On this setup, loosening the adjustment lowers the door until the top spindle can seat fully into the side load arm.

Once the spindle seats properly, it should sit fully flush inside the side load arm.

Step 4: Clamp the Side Load Arm to the Spindle

With the spindle fully seated, install the clamp bracket and start all three Allen bolts.Then torque them down firmly.

This is important: if the arm is loose over time, it can create play and wear the spindle/arm connection.Keeping it tight prevents long-term damage.

Most systems include a cover plate to conceal the arm hardware. It’s a good idea to install it once all final adjustments are complete.

Step 5: Center the Door in the Frame (Critical for Lock Alignment)

After hanging, test the door swing in both directions. Since this is a double acting door, it should latch from either side.

If your deadbolt doesn’t align properly when the door is at rest, use the top centering bolts on the side load arm to bring the door into alignment.The goal is for the door to rest centered so the deadbolt throw lines up cleanly.

Once centered correctly, confirm:

• Door rests centered in the opening
• Deadbolt aligns and throws smoothly
• Door swings both directions without binding

Finishing Steps (After Door Is Hung)

Once the door is installed and aligned, the remaining finishing steps typically include:

• Install back-to-back push bars (common on double acting doors)
• Glaze the door (if not already glazed)
• Snap in filler plates to close exposed channels
• Install the side load arm cover plate

We’ll cover push bar installation, glazing, and concealed closer speed adjustments in separate videos.

Watch the Installation Video

Watch the full step-by-step video below:

If you need help identifying the correct concealed closer, side load arm, pivot hardware, or any storefront door parts,contact Door Closers USA. We can help you match parts by door make/model, measurements, or photos.