Storm Door Closer Bracket Repair

 Tony,

I have a storm door closer bracket that the screws attaching the bracket to the head of the metal door frame have worked  their way out and the holes are enlarged.

I have the original #14 metal screw but am not finding a size larger.

Do you have some recommended approaches to remounting a storm door closer bracket?

B.

Hi B.,

Once the holes are enlarged it is difficult to reattach a  door closer bracket securely, even with larger screws.  If you do get it mounted solidly again the metal in that area is likely already stressed enough that the repair will not last.

There are two methods I have used that will provide a solid mount for a storm door closer bracket:

The easiest way is to use the existing mounting holes as a guide to drill the holes completely through the storm door frame.  Then using machine screws, washers and nuts, bolt the closer bracket back in place.  Use fender washers on the outside of the door to distribute the stress over a larger area. Use a nylon insert lock nut or liquid thread lock and a standard nut on the inside to prevent the nuts form loosening over time.

If you don’t want to drill through the storm door you can fabricate an over-sized plate that can be fastened over the affected area using multiple self taping screws or rivets positioned uniformly around the perimeter of the plate. The storm door mounting bracket can then be positioned and mounted to the plate in the same manner as it was originally.

Regardless of which method you use, the new nuts, bolts,washers, etc. can be spray painted to match the door color before installation if desired and a Q-tip dipped in the same paint can be used to touch up any scuffs that occur during installation.

I hope I have been of some help in this matter.
Tony