Updated on Jun 30, 2024 12:25 PM EDT
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › glass shower panel hinges
A screen door keeps flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs outside while allowing airflow to cool down the home and clearing out stagnant air. However, screen doors can be easily thrown around in the wind, creating unwanted noise and potentially catching fingers in the process.
Screen door closers inhibit these issues by controlling the swing of the door, slowing it to a smooth close. They resist heavy gusts of wind and prevent violent impact against you or the frame. Some types, like a hydraulic door closer or a pneumatic door closer, can even control the swing to the point of near silence.
Our pick for the best overall is the Greenstar Touch ‘n Hold Standard-Duty Door Closer. The corrosion-resistant plastic withstands frequent use and exposure to the elements, and it can be adjusted to prevent slamming. It even has a hold-open button, which is handy if you’re going in and out with your hands full.
Read on for helpful shopping tips and product recommendations to find the best screen door closer for your entryway.
The recommended screen door closers were selected after extensive product research, offering a variety of user-friendly features like virtually noiseless operation and adjustable closing speed. The list encompasses door closers suitable for residential and commercial use with options for each product type.
Our list of top-performers focuses primarily on products compatible with the front, side, and back doors of a home, most of which are easy to install. Most products designed for residential use are surface-mount closers, though some standard closers could be used for heavy front doors, security doors, and other varieties mentioned above.
This guide features some of the best screen door closers for residential and commercial uses. Each of our selected top picks features pros and cons to help potential buyers narrow down their ideal model.
This screen door closer is made of corrosion-resistant plastic that won’t be damaged by rain, snow, or sleet. The standard-use screen door closer is a good option for a home’s front or back door, and it even comes with a door-holding feature that can be controlled with a simple touch button. This allows the door to be held in the open position so that users can carry objects through the doorway or make multiple trips back and forth without repeatedly opening the door.
The surface-mount screen door closer can be installed at the top, center, or bottom of the door and has a smooth closing function on which users can rely. It also comes with the necessary fasteners to secure the closer to the back of the door and the door frame.
Get the Greenstar screen door closer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
The Wright Products pneumatic screen door closer has a fully lubricated spring that stretches to allow the door to open a full 90 degrees before it delicately pulls the door closed using air within the pneumatic tube to cushion the force of the door, preventing it from slamming. This heavy-duty-use screen door closer from Wright Products is a good option for busy entrances to the home, such as the front door, which is frequently left to slam closed behind people rushing into and out of the house.
The Wright Products surface-mount screen door closer attaches to the push side of the doorframe and the door at the top, middle, or bottom. This Wright Products option can also have the closing speed adjusted so that the pneumatic tube doesn’t close too quickly and catch the user’s ankle or fingers.
Get the Wright Products screen door closer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Anyone interested in a screen door closer without breaking the bank will want to take a look at the Prime-Line pneumatic screen and storm door closer. This complete kit comes with all the brackets and hardware required for mounting, and the fast screen door latch feature makes any standard or storm door installation process a breeze.
This aluminum medium-duty storm door closer is 9 inches long and accommodates wood or aluminum outswing doors of light or medium capacity. Users can also adjust the closing speed, which is perfect for homes with children and pets running in and out of the house. The black finish on this self-lubricating aluminum closer also provides a sleek look.
Get the Prime-Line screen door closer at Amazon.
The Ideal Security screen door closer is a surface-mount closer that uses a durable 1.5-inch-thick pneumatic tube and an internal spring mechanism to control the door’s closing speed and force. It comes with the brackets and fasteners necessary to install it to a heavy aluminum, steel, or wood storm door of up to 60 pounds, where it can be mounted at the top, middle, or bottom, depending on the door’s construction.
The heavy-duty storm door closer is a good choice for busy entrances to the home. It has a high level of durability that can resist repeated opening and closing throughout the day. The heavy-duty-use door closer can be adjusted with a screw at the end of the pneumatic tube to increase or decrease the closing speed and force.
Get the Ideal Security screen door closer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Some garages, sheds, and workshops are equipped with heavy-duty commercial doors that lightweight, surface-mount door closers cannot properly support. The Fortstrong commercial door closer is an excellent option for security doors, fire doors, and standard commercial doors that weigh up to 330 pounds, with a closing force that can be adjusted to avoid slamming the door closed. Note that this heavy-duty-use door closer cannot be used with lightweight doors because the closing mechanism is too powerful.
While this is a standard door closer, it can be installed as a top-jamb closer or even in the parallel-arm orientation, depending on the user’s preference and the available space. Simply follow the manufacturer’s direction for use to drill holes in the door and wall, if necessary, then mount the commercial door closer with the included screws and brackets.
Get the Fortstrong screen door closer at Amazon.
The National Hardware screen door closer has a white painted finish that blends in with white screened doors and stands out on a silver or black finish. It can be installed at the top, center, or bottom of a screen door to control the closing motion, and it’s designed with an adjustable closing speed so the user can determine how fast or slow the door should close once it is released.
The surface-mount screen door closer from National Hardware is a light- to standard-use option that’s a good choice for back doors and side doors of up to 30 pounds that see semi-regular use. It has a touch-button system that prevents the door from closing, much like door stoppers. When the door is opened up further, the hold releases and the door can be closed normally again.
Get the National Hardware screen door closer at Amazon.
Though standard door closers are not typically used in residential settings, this Marie automatic door closer is an excellent option for individuals with thick, heavy front doors. The door closer supports doors that weigh between 55 to 100 pounds, so it’s also a suitable choice for a security door or a fire door. This heavy-duty door closer comes with the necessary fasteners for installation, though users have to follow the manufacturer’s directions before drilling holes into the wall or door for the screws.
The standard door closer is intended for frequent, heavy-duty use, with a durable build that should hold up to over 500,000 door openings and closings. It can also be used outdoors or indoors and can withstand temperatures of -40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It has an adjustable closing and latching speed, though this closer is not a good option for lightweight doors because the auto door closing feature will cause the door to slam.
Get the Marie screen door closer at Amazon.
When shopping for a screen door closer, it’s important to find a product that’s suitable for the door weight, size, and type. There are standard, top-jamb, parallel-arm, and surface-mount varieties to consider, as well as other essential factors discussed below.
Screen door closers come in four main types based on where they connect to the door and the frame, as well as the position of the spring box:
Before deciding on a screen door closer, it’s important to consider the door type, including orientation, size, and weight. Depending on the specific doorway and the building layout, doors can open to the left or right. A screen door closer needs to match the door’s orientation so that the pull of the door closer isn’t fighting the natural swing of the door.
The door closer should also fit comfortably on the door and doorframe while holding the weight of the door. Otherwise, the swing of the door will simply break the springs in the spring box. For commercial and industrial applications, look for standard or top-jamb door closers capable of supporting the door’s weight.
Frame distance refers to the space between the doorframe and the screen door. This is an important measurement because the screen door closer needs to be attached to both the door and the doorframe. If the distance is too great, then the screen door closer won’t fit securely. The screws may pull through the frame if they don’t have enough wood or metal to hold the force of the door closer, typically because the screws do not adequately line up.
Surface-mount screen door closers have just one arm that can extend out to bridge the gap between the door and the frame, so this measurement isn’t as important for this type. On the other hand, standard, top-jamb, and parallel-arm closers need to consider the spring box and box arms to find the proper placement.
The main point of door closers is to control the door’s closing swing, so aim to invest in a product that can keep up with the frequency that household members use the door. To help differentiate between products, manufacturers label screen door closers with one of three levels: light, standard, and heavy-duty.
A spring box or the hydraulic tube typically determines the screen door’s closing force. With a larger spring box or hydraulic tube, the resistance of the screen door closer increases, allowing for use with heavier metal doors. However, this can also greatly increase the closing force with lightweight doors.
Keep an eye out for adjustable products that allow you to change the closing speed and force of the door closer. This adjustment is generally easy to do with a screwdriver, preventing the door from swinging closed too quickly and potentially hitting the back of the leg or catching your fingers.
Consider these frequently asked questions about screen door closers if you aren’t certain about what product would be suitable for your screen door or if you are concerned about how to install and maintain screen door closers.
Screen door closers come in different lengths, so it’s important to measure the width and height of the doorframe and doorway. Then, compare the measurement to the size of the door closer to find the proper fit.
To ensure that a door closer is the right size for your door, you must consider the door’s size and weight, location, and the amount of traffic it may encounter. Many screen door closers are made to accommodate wood or metal doors of up to 330 pounds. Always read the weight limit of a given door closer before installing it.
Oiling the screen door closer is a good idea to keep it working properly. Once every 6 months, it should be lubricated with a few drops of oil. Users will also want to avoid any excessive moisture or abrasive cleaners to ensure that the door closer continues to function properly.
Screen door closers can be installed at the top of the door, the bottom of the door, and the center of the door. You can also have more than one door closer installed for better support in stormy weather.
The best storm doors are among the heaviest and need the toughest door closers on the market; they can require a single or double closer to hold their weight. Heavy-duty single pneumatic door closers like the Ideal Security door closer can control heavy wood, aluminum, or steel doors of up to 60 pounds.
When installing a screen door, it is important to keep a ¼-inch to ⅛-inch space on the bottom and a ⅛-inch space on each side between the door and the frame to allow for proper operation and fit.
To replace a door closer, unscrew the brackets and remove the old closer from the wall and door, then fasten the new one to doorframe and door with the included screws. It’s a simple upgrade that can usually be done with a screwdriver. If the screw holes from the old door closer do not align with the screws for the new one, you will have to follow the manufacturer’s directions to drill holes in the door. Once installed, push the door open to check its movement and range with the closer.
Timothy Dale is a home improvement writer who has been in the industry for several years. In his work for BobVila.com, he has written a number of how-to articles related to yard maintenance, vehicle repair, and home renovation, not to mention a wide variety of buying guides and articles on DIY projects. He always ensures readers get the information they need to tackle their next project.
Learn more about BobVila.com Editorial Standards
We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.
By Glenda Taylor, Mark Wolfe, Jodi Webb
By Stacey L. Nash , Additional research provided by Andreana Lefton
By Glenda Taylor , Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi
Subscribe to our newsletters for the best tips, tricks, and ideas to transform your home and yard.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
brass glass hinges Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.