Kason Door Closer Removal: When Should It Be Replaced
You shouldn’t have to look over your shoulder every time you need to restock or grab an ingredient just to ensure your walk-in door is closed all the way. Missing that even once for any period of time can result in drastic temperature fluctuations, causing your products to spoil before their expiration dates. And if it slips your attention at the end of the workday, it could spell misfortune for your bottom line.
To help you avoid the worst-case scenario, we’ll describe a few signs that it may be time for a Kason door closer removal. Then, we’ll walk you through how to do a replacement yourself. All you need is a long-nose screwdriver and about 10 minutes. Let’s get to it!
When Should I Replace My Door Closer?
Door closers typically last anywhere from 5-15 years, depending on several factors, like attention to maintenance, ie. lubricating and making necessary adjustments, and the operating conditions.
With that said, you might still be wondering, do I really have to replace it, or can I still squeeze some life out of it? Here are signs that your door closer might be on its way out:
Walk-In Cooler Door Not Closing all the Way
One of the first signs that your door is on its last legs is the door not latching or closing all the way. You may notice that it’s still cracked open when coming back around to grab another ingredient and that this has been happening with growing frequency. Or that the door is becoming harder to open and close. These are all signs the problem lies with the closer.
Door Is Making Squeaking or Grinding Noise
Another door closer problem that arises when parts wear out is the dreadful squeaking or grinding noise. In the name of being budget conscious, you can try lubricating the moving parts or realigning the closer before busting out your wallet.
Hydraulic Fluid Is Leaking
If you see an oily substance leaking from your Kason door closer, this could be hydraulic fluid. This fluid is responsible for controlling how fast the door closes. For this reason, you might notice a leak presenting as another symptom, like the door slamming shut or closing faster than usual.
- Note: This bullet point only pertains to 1092, 1093 or 1094 SureClose™ hydraulic door closers.
- Warning: Never touch hydraulic fluid with your bare skin, as it could cause severe irritation, burns and other serious bodily harm.
Visible Damage
Commonly, physical damage happens when the door closer has been operating out of alignment, causing uneven wear and tear. If you observe a broken wheel, scratches or other damaged components, you can try realigning it first. But if that doesn’t fix the problem, Parts Town can help with its replacement.
Door Slams Shut
A Kason door closer’s primary function is to ensure the door shuts all the way to prevent the escape of cold air and preserve the contents within. Its secondary purpose is to ensure it does so seamlessly and silently.
So if you're jumping or almost dropping an armful of ingredients every time you exit your walk-in because the door is “catching a draft,” it may be time for a door closer replacement.
Kason Door Closer Removal & Installation
Removing and replacing your Kason 1094 door closer is quick, easy, and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes of your time. Just be sure to grab your long-nose screwdriver and follow these instructions:
- Step 1. Identify the mounting system – First, determine if your Kason door closer sits on a concealed or exposed mount. An exposed mount will have the mounting flanges on the outside or have a winged appearance. A concealed mount hides this additional hardware inside, resulting in a more streamlined appearance.
- Step 2. Unscrew your Kason door closer –Locate the screws on your Kason door closer. If you have the exposed mount, they’ll be located on the wings. For the concealed mount, you’ll have to pry it open by inserting a long-nose screwdriver into the bottom before lifting.
- Step 3. Install the replacement door closer – Now that you’ve completed the “out with the old'' part, it’s time to figure out how to go in with the new. Angling the top section away from the door, line it up with the base plate and press down the same way you would close a latch on a treasure box. You should hear it click into place. For an exposed mount, you’ll have to reinstall the screws.
- Step 4. Ensure the guide wheel is lying flat – Press the guide wheel down so it lays flat before closing the door. Test it a few times to ensure it’s working, and that’s how you do a Kason door closer removal.
Need some more guides for your Kason unit? Check out our large selection of Kason manuals and diagrams for tips specific to your model.