How to Identify Storefront Overhead Concealed Door Closer Arms

Hey guys, this is Gary with Door Closers USA. In today’s video, I’m going to walk you through how toidentify storefront overhead concealed door closer arms, explain where each type is used,and help you determine which arm you need to order.

Overhead concealed closers use different arm styles depending on how the door is hung and how it swings.Once the arms are removed from the door, they’re easy to tell apart — but when installed, identificationcan be confusing. This guide will simplify that process.

What Is an Overhead Concealed Door Closer?

An overhead concealed closer is mounted inside the top rail of the door or frame,making it far less visible than a surface-mounted door closer.These systems are often used on higher-end storefront and architectural aluminum doorsfor a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance.

Different concealed closers use different arm styles depending on door swing and hinge type.

Side Load Arm (Most Common Double-Acting Application)

The most common overhead concealed arm is the side load arm.This arm is used on center-hung, double-acting doors that swing in both directions.

• Door swings both inward and outward
• Door is center hung
• Arm block is secured with three Allen bolts
• Arm is loaded from the side of the door

In most installations, this arm is hidden behind a cover plate on the top of the door.If you see three Allen bolts when inspecting the top of the door,you likely have a side load arm.

End Load Arm (Older Double-Acting Doors)

The end load arm is also used on double-acting center-hung doors,but it is less common on newer storefront systems.

• Door swings both directions
• Arm block has two mounting bolts
• Arm is loaded from the end of the door

If you do not see a side load plate, open the door and inspect the top rail.Many end load doors have a removable section or cutaway that reveals the two mounting bolts.If you see two bolts instead of three, you most likely have an end load arm.

These are commonly found on older storefront doors.

Offset Track Arms (Single-Acting Doors)

Offset track arms are used on doors that swing in only one direction.These doors are typically hung with:

• Offset pivot hinges
• Butt hinges

If your storefront door has a concealed closer and pivot hinges or butt hinges,it will use an offset track arm.

You can identify a track arm easily by opening the door and looking up —you will see the arm sliding inside a track mounted in the top rail of the door.

How to Identify Which Track Arm You Have

There are two common offset track arm sizes.The easiest way to determine which one you need is to measure the track length.

• 15-5/16 in track
• 12-7/8 in track

Use a ladder and measure the track mounted inside the top rail of the door.Once you know the track length, we can match the correct arm or slide block.

If your arm is still in good condition and only the slide block is worn,measuring the track alone is enough to identify the correct replacement part.

Compatible Brands

While this video shows specific examples, the same identification principles apply across brands.We carry overhead concealed arms for all major concealed closer brands and models.

If you’re unsure of your brand or model, identifying the arm type and measuring the trackis often all that’s needed.

Final Notes

To recap:

• Side load arms = center-hung, double-acting doors (3 bolts)
• End load arms = older center-hung, double-acting doors (2 bolts)
• Offset track arms = single-acting doors with pivot or butt hinges
• Measure track length to identify offset track arm size

All overhead concealed arms, slide blocks, and replacement parts are available atDoorClosersUSA.com.If you have questions, send us photos or measurements and we’ll help you identify the correct arm.

Watch the Video

Watch the full video below for a visual walkthrough of how to identify each overhead concealed arm type.