When the design of a building calls for clean lines and invisible hardware, standard surface-mounted closers won't cut it. Rixson is the industry leader in "concealed" door control. The biggest challenge for installers isn't just the aesthetic; it's the physics of a 1,000lb door. While most closers struggle with heavy-duty glass or lead-lined doors, Rixson floor closers like the 27 and 28 Series use the floor itself to support the door's weight. This takes the stress off the frame and prevents the "hinge bind" that eventually kills standard commercial openings. If you've ever seen a massive, frameless glass door in a corporate lobby that closes with perfect silence, you're almost certainly looking at a Rixson mechanism hidden beneath the threshold.
What separates Rixson from competitors like Ives or Dorma is their specialization in Pivot Sets. A Rixson 7215 Offset Pivot or a 370 Center Hung set provides the best possible means of hanging a door because the weight is concentrated on a single floor-mounted pivot point. Unlike butt hinges, which pull on the screws of the frame every time the door swings, Rixson pivots allow the door to rotate on a fixed axis. For the maintenance pro, this means fewer callbacks for sagging doors. Rixson's 900 Series electromagnetic holders also set the bar for life safety—designed to hold doors open for convenience but release them instantly the second a fire alarm is triggered. It's the perfect marriage of high-end design and "tank-like" durability.
For the pro on the job, here is the cheat sheet: Use the 27 Series for 3/4" offset-hung doors that need heavy-duty control up to 450 lbs. Switch to the 28 Series for center-hung doors where you want the hardware completely invisible from both sides. If you're dealing with a hollow metal door retrofit, the HM51 Series is your go-to shallow-depth solution that fits into standard 2" slabs. At Lock Depot, we don't just sell the bodies; we stock the spindles, arms, and cement cases to ensure your installation is complete. Lock Depot sells brand new Rixson products with the full manufacturer warranty.
| Series | Application | Weight Capacity | Key Differentiator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Series | Offset Floor Closer | 450 lbs | Independent latch/sweep/backcheck valves | $$$ |
| 28 Series | Center Hung Floor Closer | 350 lbs | Completely concealed; single acting | $$$ |
| 7215 Series | Offset Pivot Set | 500 lbs | Jamb-attached; ideal for heavy traffic | $$ |
| HM51 Series | Shallow Depth Closer | 250 lbs | Fits in 2" floor; ideal for upper floors | $$ |
| 900 Series | Magnetic Holder | N/A | Tri-volt; fail-safe fire release | $ |
The most common mistake with Rixson floor closers is improper leveling of the cement case. If that case is even a fraction of an inch out of plumb, your door will never hang straight, and the internal seals will fail prematurely due to uneven pressure. When you're pouring the floor or setting the case in grout, use a precision level and ensure the spindle is perfectly vertical. Also, don't forget to pack the case with the provided Rixson grease after installation—it's not just for lubrication; it's a moisture barrier that prevents the case from rusting out in high-traffic or exterior vestibules.
The 27 Series is an offset-hung closer, meaning the pivot point is 3/4" away from the face of the door. The 28 Series is center-hung, meaning the pivot point is located directly in the center of the door's thickness. You cannot swap one for the other without changing the door and frame prep.
Yes. Rixson floor closers are designed so the internal mechanism (the "body") can be replaced while the cement case remains embedded in the floor. This is a massive labor saver for retrofits, as you don't have to chip out any concrete to restore a door to perfect operation.
Series like the HM51 are "shallow depth," meaning the cement case is only about 2 inches deep. This is critical for installations on the upper floors of a building where you cannot cut deep into the concrete slab without hitting structural rebar or post-tension cables.
Rixson offers many fire-rated pivot sets (look for the "F" prefix, like the F117). However, standard pivot sets are not fire-rated unless they are part of a specific fire-door assembly. Always check your local fire codes before installing pivots on a stairwell or corridor door.
Rixson closers feature independent valves for Sweep (the main closing speed), Latch (the final few inches of closing), and Backcheck (resistance to being thrown open). These are adjusted via small screws located under the floor plate. Small turns (1/8th of a rotation) make a big difference—never back the screws out all the way or you will leak hydraulic fluid.