Stanley Security A45-501 - Standard Arm Set for D3550 Series, Top Jamb

The D3550 closer platform covers three surface positions: hinge (pull side), top jamb (push side), and parallel arm (push side). This A45-501 arm set is the standard arm supplied for the top jamb condition, where the closer body sits on the frame face above the door and the arm reaches back to the door. For a parallel arm installation you need the parallel arm shoe and bracket instead, not this standard arm.

The A45-501 is a standard arm set, which is a non hold open linkage. For an opening that has to stand open, choose a closer supplied with a hold open arm: the Accentra 51 Series is furnished with a tri-packed hold open arm and adjustable spring sizes 1 through 6, and the Orca Hardware BHDC1958HO/PA is a hold open closer with a parallel bracket for doors 1-3/4 inch thick.

The D3550 platform is listed ADA compliant and uses all-weather hydraulic fluid, so opening force can be set to a barrier free range and the sweep stays consistent through temperature swings on an exterior door. Replacing a damaged arm with the correct A45-501 standard arm is what keeps that adjusted closing cycle working as intended.

A leaking body is not repairable with an arm set. Plan on a new surface closer. Grade 1 tri-mount replacements that cover regular, parallel, and top jamb positions from the same carton include the Norton Rixson 8501A with adjustable spring size 1-6, the Dexter DCH4000 Series, and the Arrow DCN325 with adjustable spring size 1-6. Any of those let you reuse the same mounting position you already have on the frame.

The A45-501 arm set is configured for top jamb mounting on the push side, although the D3550 platform also supports hinge (pull side) and parallel arm mounting. If the opening calls for a dedicated pull side closer, the Corbin Russwin DC6200 is a Grade 1 surface closer with a double lever regular arm specified for pull side mounting on 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Corbin Russwin DC5230 is a Grade 1 pull side closer that uses a slide track arm instead of a linkage arm.

The A45-501 is a standard arm set for the D3550 series and is rated for commercial use with all-weather fluid, but the arm does not change the duty level of the closer body it attaches to. For heavy traffic openings, heavy duty complete closers include the BEST EHD9000 Series, an extra heavy duty Grade 1 surface closer with adjustable spring sizes 1 through 6, the Sargent 1431 Powerglide heavy duty Grade 1 surface closer with adjustable spring power, and the Falcon SC71A, a Grade 1 heavy duty surface mount closer.

The A45-501 arm set is listed as ADA compliant for the D3550 series it serves. If you are replacing the whole unit on an accessible opening, barrier free complete closers include the Cal-Royal 500S, a Grade 1 barrier free closer with adjustable back-check, the Cal-Royal N900PBF barrier free Grade 1 hydraulic surface closer, and the Calibre CA4001, a Grade 1 hydraulic closer with adjustable spring tension for ADA openings.

The A45-501 is a standard linkage arm mounted at the top jamb on the push side, which needs frame face room for the shoe. Where that space is tight, a track arm closer keeps the hardware tighter to the frame: the Dorma 8916-JT is a Grade 1 jamb track closer for frame face mounting on the pull side with adjustable size 1 to 6, and the Corbin Russwin DC5230 is a Grade 1 surface closer with a slide track arm as standard for pull side mounting.

Two painted finishes: 689 aluminum and 695 dark bronze. Pick the one that matches the closer body already on the door, since arms and bodies are finished to the same codes and a 689 arm on a 695 closer will read as a mismatch on the opening.

Commercial. The D3550 Series is a commercial surface mounted closer line, and the A45-501 arm is a commercial service part. For light residential use a smaller closer such as the Deltana DC40 or DC50 is the more common choice.