1. How to Build a Storm-Door Pneumatic Cylinder
By Benjamin Kidd
Credit to
for the idea
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

2. ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd
Tool List
Phillips Screwdriver
Epoxy Dispenser
Round File
Hack Saw
Clamp
Drill Bits
Drill
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

3. ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd
Materials
Pneumatic Door Closer - Available at Lowe’s for $8
(Note that these type of closers typically require about
30 to 35 PSI to extend the piston fully. Be sure to obtain
epoxy and pneumatic components rated above this
pressure.)
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

4. Step 1: Remove End-screw
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

5. ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd
Step 2: Extend Piston
Use “propping-clip” to hold piston extended by 2” to 3”.
Keeps piston head out of harms way during drilling, gluing, etc.
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

6. ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd
Step 3: Secure Cylinder
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

7. Step 4: Cut Off 2nd Hinge Point
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

8. Step 5: Drill Out Air Inlet
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

9. Step 6: Prepare Air Connector
¼” NPT Male-to-hose-barb
Modified Connector
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

10. Step 7: Prepare Air Connector
Secure Connector
Cut 3 Barb sections off the connector.
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

11. ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd
Step 7: Continued
(C) File any burs or sharp edges off.
Finished connector
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd

12. Step 8: Epoxy in NPT connector
Evenly coat the connector barbs in epoxy
Push connector into air inlet and turn to spread epoxy evenly
Hold in place for 5 minutes
ENGR-162/12 – Benjamin W. Kidd