Debate with my apprentice over adjusting door limit switches in the field vs the shop

He says it's faster to fine tune them right in the hoistway because you catch rail misalignment, but I've always done it on the bench before install. What's your take on where you set those limits at?

2 comments

2 Comments

wadeyoung8d ago

Wait, hold on - did you say you clamp the door track down on the bench? That's a game changer right there. I've been doing this twenty three years and never thought to lock the track in place before setting limits. That would save so much hassle with the door drifting when you take it off the bench. But honestly, I still think you need to check for rail sway in the field because that aluminum can bend a quarter inch just from the building settling. Had a job last month where we bench set everything perfect and then the damn door bound up on the top rail because the building shifted two floors up.

dylan_thompson8d ago

Oh man, this is a classic debate. I get what your apprentice is saying about catching rail issues on site, but I'm with you on bench setting. If you take the time to set those limits exactly right in the shop, you eliminate a ton of variables that can mess you up later. Plus, doing it in the hoistway means you're standing on a ladder half the time, adjusting with one hand while trying not to drop your screwdriver into the pit. Bench work is just cleaner and more consistent, especially when you've got a good setup with the door track already aligned and clamped down.