Dormakaba 8916 PH Door Closer w/ Plunger Hold Open Arm

The Dormakaba 8916 PH uses a different approach: a plunger hold-open arm with a mechanical detent. Push the door open to any angle between approximately 30° and 150°, and the plunger engages at that point and holds the door there. No adjusting friction, no tools needed. When you're ready to close, push the door slightly past the hold-open point and the plunger releases, allowing the closer to take over and close the door normally.

The "PH" in 8916 PH stands for Plunger Hold Open. The base closer is the 8916, which is the 8900 Series heavy-duty closer with full adjustable spring size 1-6, backcheck, and all 8900 Series features. The PH arm is the difference between this model and the standard 8916 ARP. For all Dormakaba door closers, browse our Dormakaba door closers catalog. For all commercial door closers across every brand, view our full door closers catalog.

How the Plunger Hold Open Works

The plunger hold-open arm has a spring-loaded pin inside the arm body. As the door swings open, the pin tracks along the closer arm. When the door reaches a position where the pin aligns with a detent in the arm mechanism, the plunger drops and locks the arm at that angle. The door stays open at that position until someone applies enough force to push it slightly further, which lifts the plunger out of the detent and returns the arm to normal closer operation. The hold-open point is not adjustable by the user at the arm; it's inherent in the arm geometry across the 30° to 150° operating range.

This is ideal for doors that get frequently held open for short periods: loading dock entries, janitorial closets, corridors during equipment movement, and any opening where temporary hold-open is part of daily operations.

Dormakaba 8916 PH Technical Specifications

Series: Dormakaba 8900. Model: 8916 PH. Arm: PH, Plunger Hold Open. Hold-open range: Approximately 30° to 150° (conditions and installation permitting). Arm handing: Non-handed; regular, top jamb, and parallel arm applications. Reveal: 0" to 1-1/2" (0mm to 38mm) for regular or top jamb mount. Spring size: Adjustable size 1-6, full range (non-stepped). Backcheck: Adjustable intensity hydraulic cushioning; backcheck positioning valve standard. Backcheck positioning valve: Maintains effective back check range on parallel arm applications. Optional delayed action: Adjustable independent valve extends closing cycle for unobstructed passage. Temperature performance: Minimizes closing speed variation in severe temperature changes. Valve adjustments: Tamper-resistant; accessible with closer installed without removal. Cover: Impact-resistant full plastic cover standard. Door hardware: SNB1 sex nuts and machine screws for 1-3/4" doors included. ANSI: A156.4 Grade 1. UL/CUL: Listed. Cycle rating: 10 million cycles. Warranty: 25-year limited. Finishes: 689 Silver Aluminum Painted, 695 Dark Bronze.

8916 PH vs. 8916 FHP: Plunger vs. Friction Hold Open

Two hold-open arm options are available for the 8916 closer. The PH (Plunger Hold Open) uses a mechanical plunger detent. The plunger holds its position the same way every time. You don't need to tighten anything after a year of use or wonder why the door is creeping closed when it used to stay put. A friction hold-open arm works by clamping two surfaces together, and that clamping force loosens with wear. After enough cycles, the door starts drifting. You end up tightening a screw, it works for a while, and the cycle repeats. The plunger doesn't have that problem because it's mechanical engagement, not surface friction. Friction hold-open can weaken with repeated use and may need periodic adjustment. For doors that are held open frequently, the PH arm is the more durable long-term specification. For doors where the hold-open is occasional and light use, the FHP is a cost-effective alternative.

8900 Series 25-Year Warranty

The Dormakaba 8900 Series backs every closer with a 25-year warranty, one of the longest in the commercial door closer market. The 10 million cycle rating at Grade 1 means each closure is tested to exceed the ANSI/BHMA requirement before it ships. For a commercial building expecting to be in service for 20-plus years, the 8916 PH warrants full lifecycle performance without replacement for the building's useful life under standard commercial use.