Sargent 281 Series: Powerglide® Heavy-Duty Grade 1 Cast Iron Door Closers & Parts
Combining high-efficiency operation with rugged construction, the Sargent 281 Series utilizes a heat-treated full rack and pinion design to ensure smooth, reliable door control. This series is fully ADA compliant, meeting the 5 lb. opening force requirements for interior doors while maintaining enough power for heavy exterior applications (up to 250 lbs). With its unique spline arm indexing, all-weather fluid, and a 30-year limited warranty, the 281 Series offers unparalleled flexibility for architects and facility managers who require a single, dependable closer body for every mounting condition on their project.
Sargent 281 Series
The Sargent 281 Series Powerglide® is an elite Grade 1 surface-mounted door closer, specifically engineered for high-abuse institutional and industrial environments. Featuring a heavy-duty one-piece cast iron body, the 281 Series provides superior wear resistance and is tested to exceed 25 million cycles, making it the most durable closer in the Sargent lineup. Designed as a direct retrofit for discontinued Sargent 1250 and 1251 models, the 281 uses a standard 1" x 10-3/8" hole pattern, allowing for seamless upgrades without re-drilling doors.
Access the Sargent 281 Series Catalog to view complete technical specifications, architectural finishes (including 689 Aluminum and 695 Dark Bronze), and arm configurations. This resource details the "One Model" concept, showing how a single closer body can accommodate standard, top jamb, parallel, or track arm installations to simplify inventory and project planning.
The Sargent 281 Parts Manual provides essential exploded views and genuine SKU lists for internal and external components. Use this guide to find factory-original replacement parts such as the 1-1/2" diameter piston, specialized valve screws, or the heavy-duty forged steel arms that are interchangeable between the 281, 351, and 1431 Series.
Sargent 281 Series
Shop our full inventory of Sargent 281 Powerglide® units, the industry leader for heavy-duty door control. These closers feature adjustable spring power (sizes 1-6) and are available in versatile packages like the Sargent 281-UO Universal Arm or the Sargent 281-P9 Parallel Arm. Every unit includes standard pressure relief valves to protect the door and frame from abuse and high-wind damage.
281 Series Parts
Extend the service life of your high-traffic openings with genuine Sargent 281 replacement parts. We stock a comprehensive range of accessories, including high-impact plastic covers, thru-bolt mounting packs, and drop plates (281D) for narrow rail conditions. Using authentic Sargent parts ensures your hardware remains UL fire-rated and compliant with its 30-year factory warranty.
Quick Comparison: Sargent 281 vs. 1431
While both are Grade 1 Powerglide closers, the 281 is built for facilities maintaining "Cast Iron" specs, whereas the 1431 is the aluminum-body alternative.
| Sargent 281 Series | Sargent 1431 Series | |
| Body Material | Body Material Heavy-Duty Cast Iron | Body Material High Silicon Aluminum Alloy |
| Cycle Rating | Cycle Rating 25 Million+ Cycles | Cycle Rating 15 Million+ Cycles |
| Hole Pattern | Hole Pattern 1" x 10-3/8" | Hole Pattern 1" x 11-1/8" |
| Retrofit For | Retrofit For Sargent 1250 / 1251 | Retrofit For Sargent 1230 / 1231 |
| Best For | Best For Maximum Durability / Institutions | Best For Commercial Offices / Healthcare |