Name: Sargent 281P Powerglide Cast Iron Surface Door Closer for Parallel Arm Applications
Brand: Sargent
SKU: 281 P10 EN
Price: 565.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Product Overview
Parts & Accessories
FAQs

Sargent 281P Powerglide Cast Iron Surface Door Closer with Parallel Arm Configuration

Heavy-Duty Grade 1 Commercial Door Closer Solution

The Sargent 281P Powerglide Cast Iron Surface Door Closer delivers professional-grade performance with one-piece cast iron body construction and all-weather fluid operation for parallel arm applications. This Grade 1 closer exceeds 25 million cycles and features field-adjustable spring power (sizes 1-6) for versatile commercial applications. UL 10C listed for positive pressure fire test and certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Grade 1 standards for demanding institutional openings.

Professional Features & Benefits

Heavy-Duty Durability: Exceeds 25 million cycles with one-piece cast iron body and heat-treated full rack and pinion for long service life in high-traffic applications.
Grade 1 Construction: Cast iron body with forged steel components provides superior strength and wear resistance for commercial-grade reliability.
Field-Adjustable Spring Power: Non-sized closer allows field adjustment for sizes 1-6 to accommodate various door sizes and weights without replacement.
All-Weather Performance: All-weather fluid supports operation in extreme temperatures without readjustment for interior or exterior use.
Fire Safety Compliance: UL 10C listed for positive pressure fire test and UL/cUL listed for use on fire-rated doors with ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Grade 1 certification.
Parallel Arm Compatibility: Multiple arm options including P9 Standard, PD10 Heavy Duty Drop (lowers closer 1-1/4"), PS Positive Stop (85°-110°), and hold-open configurations.
Storm Shelter Capability: UL certified to ICC 500 for storm shelters and meets FEMA 361 guidelines for applicable assemblies when properly installed.
Manufacturer Warranty: 30-year limited warranty for added confidence and protection.

Technical Specifications

ADA Compliant: Yes
ANSI/BHMA: ANSI/BHMA A156.19
Commercial/Residential: Commercial
Department: Door Hardware
Door Hand Direction: Handed
Duty Level: Heavy Duty
Product Category: Door Controls
Product Group: Door Controls
Product Subgroup: Power Operators
Product Type: Low Energy Operators
Series: 6000 Series
Subcategory: Surface Closers

Installation & Operation

Review manufacturer specifications and verify door preparation requirements including door thickness, stile width, and handing as applicable to this product.
Use manufacturer-provided templates to mark mounting hole locations accurately on door and/or frame surfaces.
Prepare door and frame by drilling required holes and routing as specified in manufacturer instructions.
Install all mounting hardware and secure the device to door and frame per manufacturer torque specifications.
Adjust operational components for proper alignment, latching, and smooth operation throughout the full range of motion.
Test device operation to verify proper function and make final adjustments as needed. Refer to manufacturer documentation for complete installation details and troubleshooting.

Professional Applications

Commercial Office Buildings
Educational Facilities
Healthcare Institutions
Retail Establishments
Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
Multi-Tenant Residential Properties
Government and Municipal Buildings

Why Choose Sargent Quality?

Sargent 281P door closers deliver professional-grade reliability with one-piece cast iron construction rated for over 25 million cycles and certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Grade 1 standards. Backed by a 30-year limited warranty and UL fire safety listings, this closer is engineered for demanding commercial applications where dependable performance and long-term durability are essential.

Manufacturer Resources

SARGENT Full Line Catalog

Product Specs

Series:: 281 Series
Grade:: Grade 1
Product Type:: Surface Mounted Door Closers
Duty Level:: Heavy Duty
Product Group:: Door Controls
Product Subgroup:: Door Closers - Surface Mounted
Subcategory:: Door Closers
ADA Compliant:: Yes
Commercial/Residential:: Commercial
Arm Specification:: Interchangeable
Delay Function:: Yes
Mounting Method:: Surface
Product Category:: Door Controls
Department:: Door Hardware

Sargent 281 P10 EN – Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will the Sargent 281P work on a door that swings out into a corridor?

That is exactly what a parallel arm closer is for. The 281P mounts on the push side of the door with the arm running parallel to the face, so the whole closer sits inside the door opening instead of projecting into the traffic path. It is a surface mounted closer, so no mortising of the door or frame is needed. If your door pulls toward you rather than swinging away, you want a regular arm closer instead, not this parallel arm configuration.

2) Do I have to order a Sargent 281P separately for left hand and right hand doors?

Yes, handing has to be specified. The 281P is a handed closer and is ordered as either RH (right hand) or LH (left hand). Stand outside the door on the side it swings away from: if the hinges are on your right it is right hand. Get it wrong and the closer will not mount correctly, so confirm the hand before the order goes in.

3) Does the Sargent 281P need a different closer for a heavy exterior door versus a light interior one?

No. The 281P is a non-sized closer with field-adjustable spring power across sizes 1 through 6, so one part number covers a light interior office door up through a heavy exterior entrance. You set the power at install by adjusting the spring rather than swapping the body. It also uses all-weather fluid, so an exterior opening will not need seasonal readjustment as temperatures swing.

4) Which parallel arm do I pick for a Sargent 281P if I need the door to stop before it hits the wall?

Two families handle that. The PS and CPS arms build the stop into the arm itself: PS is a heavy duty positive stop arm, CPS a heavy duty arm with compression stop. If you also want the door to stay open at that point, order the hold open versions, PSH or CPSH. For friction hold open without a hard stop, the PH9 and PH10 arms do that. If your stop is a separate wall or floor device, the P3 (1 inch offset bracket), P3A (1-3/4 inch offset bracket) and P4A arms are the ones built to work with an auxiliary holder or stop.

5) My frame has no reveal for the closer arm bracket. What Sargent 281P arm should I order?

Order the flush frame arm. The P4 is the parallel flush frame arm, P4A adds a 1-3/4 inch offset bracket for use with an auxiliary holder or stop, and PH4 is the flush frame version with friction hold open. Those are the arms made for openings where the frame face gives the shoe nothing to land on. Where the head has a deep soffit instead, the PD10 drop arm lowers the closer 1-1/4 inches to clear it.

6) Can the Sargent 281P go on a fire rated door?

Yes. The 281P is UL 10C listed for the positive pressure fire test and UL/cUL listed for use on fire rated doors. One thing to watch: on a labeled opening the closer has to be non-hold-open, so specify a standard or positive stop arm rather than one of the hold open arms (PH9, PH10, PSH, CPSH) unless the hold open is tied into the fire alarm.

7) Does the Sargent 281P meet ADA opening force requirements?

The 281P is ADA compliant and certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Grade 1. Because spring power is field adjustable through sizes 1 to 6, you can dial the power down to hit the reduced opening force an accessible interior opening calls for and still keep the same closer on the heavier exterior doors in the same building.

8) I do not know yet whether the closer will go regular arm or parallel arm. Is the Sargent 281P the right order?

No, not if the mounting is still open. The 281P is configured for parallel arm applications specifically. When the mounting is undecided or you are buying stock for a mixed job, a tri-pack closer ships regular, parallel and top jamb hardware in one box. The Arrow DCN325 is a Grade 1 tri-pack with adjustable spring size 1 to 6, the Norton Rixson 8501A is a Grade 1 tri-mount with adjustable size 1 to 6 spring, and the Dexter DCH4000 is a Grade 1 tri-mount closer. Come back to the 281P once you know the opening is push side.

9) Which door closer has delayed action besides the Sargent 281P?

The Sargent 281P offers delayed action as a device option, ordered as DA. Among peers, the Orca Hardware BHDC1958DA/PA is a delayed action closer with a regular arm and parallel bracket, as is the BHDC2011DA/PA in the BHDC2011 series. Both Orca models are tri-packed non-hold open arm configurations. Delayed action holds the door open longer through the initial part of the swing, which matters on openings used by carts, gurneys or slower traffic.

10) What Falcon door closer compares to the Sargent 281P?

The Falcon SC71A is the heavy-duty Grade 1 surface-mount closer in the Falcon line, matching the Sargent 281P on duty level and grade. Below it, the Falcon SC81A is a medium duty Grade 1 cast aluminum surface closer and the SC61A is light to medium duty Grade 1. The 281P differs in body material: it uses a one-piece cast iron body, where the SC81A and SC61A are cast aluminum.

11) Is there a lighter duty closer to use instead of the Sargent 281P on an interior office door?

For lighter interior openings, the BEST SL6000 is a light duty Grade 1 surface mounted closer with adjustable spring sizes, and the Arrow DC314 is a light duty Grade 1 surface mounted closer. The LCN 1250 is light duty with sizes 1-5 and all-weather fluid. The Sargent 281P is the heavy duty choice, with a cast iron body rated past 25 million cycles and field-adjustable spring sizes 1-6, which is what you want on a high-traffic or exterior opening rather than a low-traffic interior one.

12) What should I use instead of the Sargent 281P if the closer has to mount on the pull side with a regular arm?

The Sargent 281P is configured for parallel arm applications, with arm choices such as the P9 standard parallel arm, P10 heavy duty parallel arm and P4 parallel flush frame arm. If the opening calls for regular arm pull side mounting instead, the Corbin Russwin DC8200 is a Grade 1 surface closer with a double lever regular arm for pull side mounting, and the DC6200 is the same regular arm pull side arrangement in the DC6000 series. The Corbin Russwin DC3200 is a Grade 1 regular arm surface closer as well.

13) I need a closer with a concealed slide track arm rather than an exposed parallel arm. What is the alternative to the Sargent 281P?

The Corbin Russwin DC5230 is a Grade 1 surface closer supplied with a slide track arm as standard for pull side mounting, and the Dorma 8916-JT is a Grade 1 heavy duty jamb track closer for frame face pull side mounting with adjustable size 1-6 spring. The Sargent 281P uses exposed parallel arms only, in configurations such as the PS positive stop and PSH positive stop hold open arms.

14) What is a hold open door closer comparable to the Sargent 281P hold open arms?

The Sargent 281P covers hold open through the arm choice: PH9 friction hold open, PH10 heavy duty friction hold open, PH4 flush frame friction hold open, CPSH hold open with compression stop, and PSH positive stop hold open. Comparable peers built as hold open products include the Accentra 51 Series, which is a tri-packed hold open arm closer with size 1-6 spring, the Orca BHDC1958HO/PA hold open closer with parallel bracket, and the Stanley Security A45-501HL long hold open arm for top jamb mounting.

15) Is a Grade 2 door closer acceptable in place of the Sargent 281P?

Not where the spec calls Grade 1. The Sargent 281P is certified Grade 1 and heavy duty. The Cal-Royal 400 Series is a Grade 2 commercial hydraulic closer, so it does not answer a Grade 1 line item. If you want a Cal-Royal that does, the 500S is a Grade 1 barrier free closer with adjustable back-check and the 700S is a Grade 1 dual valve sized closer with adjustable tube arm.

16) I need a closer that adjusts to spring size 6. Which options cover that besides the Sargent 281P?

The Sargent 281P is a non-sized closer field-adjustable across sizes 1 through 6. Peers that reach size 6 include the BEST EHD9000 with adjustable spring sizes 1-6, the Accentra 2701 Series with adjustable spring sizes 1-6, the Arrow DCN325 at spring size 1-6, the Norton Rixson 8501A at size 1-6, and the Imperial USA TC4300, a Grade 1 heavy duty size 1-6 closer. Note the Arrow DCN325 is light duty and ships less cover.

17) What is a barrier free ADA door closer alternative to the Sargent 281P?

The Sargent 281P is ADA compliant. If the spec is written around a barrier free product, the Cal-Royal 500S is a Grade 1 barrier free closer with adjustable back-check and the Cal-Royal N900PBF is a Grade 1 barrier free hydraulic surface closer in the 900 Series. The Calibre CA4001 is a Grade 1 ADA closer with adjustable spring tension, and the Calibre CA9901 is a Grade 1 tri-pack arm ADA closer at size 2-5.

18) Is the Sargent 281P heavy duty enough for a school or hospital entrance that gets constant use?

It is built for exactly that traffic. The 281P has a one-piece cast iron body with a heat-treated full rack and pinion and exceeds 25 million cycles, and it is rated heavy duty at Grade 1. Cast iron over cast aluminum is the difference that matters on an abused opening: it takes the hit when someone throws the door open. If you are covering a lower-traffic interior door in the same building, a lighter body closer is the cheaper fit.

19) What are the heavy duty cast iron alternatives to a Sargent 281P door closer?

For the same class of opening, the BEST EHD9000 Series is an extra heavy-duty surface closer with adjustable spring sizes 1 to 6 and Grade 1 certification, and the BEST HD8000 Series is a heavy duty Grade 1 surface closer. LCN's 1460T is a heavy duty Grade 1 surface closer, and the LCN 1261 is a cast iron body closer with adjustable spring sizes 1 to 5 in a light to medium duty rating. Falcon's SC71A is the heavy duty Grade 1 option in that line. The Sargent stays the pick where you are standardizing on Sargent hardware across a facility and want the arm to match the 25-series parallel arms already on your other openings.

20) Can I change the arm on a Sargent 281P later without replacing the whole closer?

Yes. The arm on the 281P is interchangeable, and the 25-series parallel arms are sold separately and listed as compatible with 351, 281 and 1431 series closers. So if the wall stop situation changes or you decide you want friction hold open on an opening, you buy the 25-PH9 or 25-PS arm and swap it rather than buying a new closer body. That also means a stock of one closer body plus a few arm types covers a building.

21) Is the Sargent 281P approved for a storm shelter or safe room door?

Yes. The 281P is UL certified to ICC 500 for storm shelters and meets FEMA 361 guidelines for applicable assemblies when properly installed. That matters on school and municipal safe room projects where the whole opening assembly, not just the door, has to carry the certification.

22) What is the difference between a tri-pack door closer and the Sargent 281P?

A tri-pack closer ships with the brackets to mount regular arm, top jamb or parallel arm from one carton. The Dexter DCH1000 is a Grade 1 surface closer with tri mount for regular, parallel or top jamb mounting, and the Norton Rixson 8501A is a Grade 1 tri-mount closer with adjustable size 1-6 spring. The Sargent 281P is ordered for the parallel arm application specifically, and the arm is chosen as part of the order from the fourteen parallel arm types, including the CPSH heavy duty parallel hold open arm with compression stop. Pick the tri-pack when one part number has to cover mixed mounting conditions across a job; pick the 281P when the parallel arm application is known and a specific stop or hold open arm is wanted.

23) Which LCN closer matches the cast iron body of the Sargent 281P?

The LCN 1261 is the cast iron peer, with adjustable spring sizes 1-5 and a light to medium duty rating. The LCN 1460T is heavy duty Grade 1 commercial in a powder coat finish, and the LCN 1450 is medium duty cast aluminum with spring sizes 1-6. The Sargent 281P is a one-piece cast iron body rated heavy duty with field-adjustable spring sizes 1-6, so on duty level it lines up with the 1460T and on body material with the 1261.

24) What is the closest Dormakaba closer to the Sargent 281P?

The Dormakaba 8616 in the 8600 Series is heavy duty Grade 1 and the nearest match on both counts to the Sargent 281P, though it is supplied with a flat non-hold open arm in a tri-pack rather than a dedicated parallel arm. Lighter in the Dormakaba line, the 7303 and the 7414 are both medium duty Grade 1, with the 7414 covering size 1-4.

25) What closer should I look at for an aluminum storefront door instead of the Sargent 281P?

The Norton Rixson 1600 Series aluminum storefront closer is built for that opening, heavy duty Grade 1 with tri-style mounting. The Norton Rixson 1601P is a Grade 1 medium duty tri-mount surface closer with 180 degree swing. The Sargent 281P is a heavy duty Grade 1 commercial closer, and its PD10 drop arm lowers the closer 1-1/4 inches, which is the usual answer for narrow top rails, so check the rail height before ruling it out.

26) Does the Arrow DCN500DP parallel drop plate work with the Sargent 281P?

No. The Arrow DCN500DP is a parallel drop plate made for the Arrow DCN500 closer, not a Sargent component. The Sargent 281P handles the same condition through its own arm option: the PD10 heavy duty parallel drop arm, which lowers the closer 1-1/4 inches for narrow top rails. Sargent 25 series parallel arms such as the 25-P9 standard arm and 25-P10 heavy duty arm are the parts that fit the 281 body.

27) Are the Stanley 327 and 341 substitutes for the Sargent 281P?

No. Both Stanley parts are wardrobe pivots, not closers. The Stanley 327 is a heavy wardrobe pivot for doors 1-3/8 inch or 1-3/4 inch up to 150 pounds and the Stanley 341 is a wardrobe pivot for flush recessed or overlay doors 1-1/8 inch to 1-3/8 inch. A pivot carries and swings the door; it does not control the closing cycle. The Sargent 281P is a surface mounted hydraulic closer with all-weather fluid that controls the swing and returns the door to latch.

28) What Design Hardware closer lines up with the Sargent 281P on duty level?

The Design Hardware 116 and 416 Series are both heavy duty closers, matching the Sargent 281P duty level, and the 316 Series is rated medium to heavy duty and comes with a cover. All three Design Hardware series are tri-packed non-hold open arm products. The Sargent 281P differs in that hold open is available through the arm itself, in the PH9 friction hold open and PSH positive stop hold open configurations.

29) Which Calibre closer is set up for parallel arm mounting like the Sargent 281P?

The Calibre CA8001P is a Grade 1 parallel arm ADA surface mount closer at size 1. The Calibre CA5501 is a Grade 1 standard arm surface mount closer, so it is the regular arm arrangement rather than parallel. The Sargent 281P is the parallel arm product across a wider arm range, including the P3 one inch offset bracket and P3A 1-3/4 inch offset bracket for use with an auxiliary holder or stop.

30) If I am standardizing a facility on one closer, how does the Sargent 281P compare to the Grade 1 Dexter series?

The Dexter DCH4000, DCL2000 and DCM1000 are all Grade 1 tri mount surface closers covering regular, parallel or top jamb mounting from a single part number, which is the usual argument for standardizing. The Sargent 281P standardizes differently: one heavy duty Grade 1 cast iron body, with the opening-specific behavior chosen at the arm, from the P9 standard arm to the SP10 security arm, plus DA delayed action and TB through bolt device options for 1-3/4 inch doors. That keeps one body and one spare parts list across a facility while still fitting different openings.

31) Does the Sargent 281P come in a finish that will match painted hollow metal frames?

Eight finishes are offered: BSP black suede powder coat, WSP white suede powder coat, 10BE dark oxidized satin bronze, and five sprayed enamels, EN aluminum, EAB brass, EP bronze to match satin bronze, EB bronze to match dark satin bronze, and ED bronze to match dark statuary bronze. For a painted frame the suede powder coats hold up better than enamel on a high-touch opening; for matching existing bronze door hardware, pick the enamel that names the bronze you already have.

32) What is the difference between the P9 and P10 parallel arms on a Sargent closer?

P9 is the standard parallel arm and P10 is the heavy duty version of it. Take P10 on openings that get abused, exterior doors, and anywhere wind loading or a hard push is routine, since the heavier arm is the part that fails first on those doors. P9 is fine on a normal interior commercial opening. Both have friction hold open counterparts, PH9 and PH10, if you want the door to stay put when it is propped.

How fast can I get the Sargent 281 P10 EN delivered?

Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the continental U.S. Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.

Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?

Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit, reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.

Does the Sargent 281 P10 EN come with a warranty?

Absolutely. The Sargent 281 P10 EN is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.

How do I get technical support or installation help for the Sargent 281 P10 EN?

You can call, text, or email our expert support team for fast answers. We’re here to help with product selection, installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us

Why buy the Sargent 281 P10 EN from ZenSupply?

ZenSupply makes it easy to get the commercial door hardware you need—fast shipping, expert support, and rewards on every order. Our team is always ready to help you choose the right product for your project.

Sargent 281P Powerglide Cast Iron Surface Door Closer for Parallel Arm Applications

Write a Review

Sargent