Overhead Door Stops and Holders: Types, Applications, and Selection
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
Can I use a hold-open device on a fire-rated door?
Only electromagnetic holders connected to the building's fire alarm system. When the fire alarm activates, the electromagnet releases and the door closes automatically. Mechanical hold-open devices (friction or cam-based) are prohibited on fire-rated doors because they require manual release, which may not happen during an emergency.
What is the difference between an overhead stop and a kick-down holder?
An overhead stop mounts on the frame header and door top, controlling the maximum opening angle. A kick-down holder is a small device mounted at the bottom of the door with a manual lever operated by foot. Kick-down holders are simpler and cheaper but do not limit opening angle and are not suitable for high-traffic or fire-rated applications.
How do I size an overhead stop for a heavy door?
Match the stop's weight rating to the door weight. Standard-duty overhead stops are rated for doors up to 100 pounds. Heavy-duty models handle doors up to 200+ pounds. For very heavy doors (fire-rated hollow metal), specify extra-heavy-duty or use a combination floor stop with an overhead holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Configure Your Door Assembly
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
• Door weight — Heavy doors (fire-rated, hollow metal) require heavy-duty overhead stops rated for the door weight. Standard-duty units may fail under repeated stress from heavy doors.
• Traffic volume — High-traffic doors need devices with higher cycle ratings and more robust cushioning.
• Fire-rated assemblies — Overhead holders with hold-open functions on fire-rated doors MUST release automatically upon fire alarm activation. Magnetic holders connected to the building's fire alarm system are the standard solution. Mechanical hold-open devices that require manual release are NOT permitted on fire-rated doors.
• ADA compliance — Doors on accessible routes must not require more than 5 pounds of force to open. The friction in an overhead stop or holder adds to the opening force, so select devices with low-friction options for accessible doors.
Selecting the Right Device
• Surface-mounted — Visible arm and track installed on the push side of the door. Easiest to install and maintain. Most common in utilitarian applications.
• Concealed — Hidden within the door and frame. Used in architecturally sensitive applications where visible hardware is undesirable.
• Flush-mount — Recessed into the frame header. A compromise between visibility and installation complexity.
Overhead Stops (Without Hold-Open)
An overhead stop limits the door's opening angle (typically 90 or 110 degrees) and absorbs the impact when someone pushes the door open forcefully. The stop arm mounts to the frame header and the track mounts to the top of the door. When the door reaches its maximum opening angle, the arm engages a cushioned stop that absorbs energy and prevents wall damage.
Overhead Holders (Without Stop)
An overhead holder keeps the door open at a set angle using a friction mechanism or a magnetic hold-open. The door can be held at any angle within the holder's range by simply leaving it at the desired position. Holders are commonly used on corridor doors that need to stay open during business hours but close for fire separation at night or during emergencies.
Combination Stop/Holders
The most common specification for commercial doors. These devices combine both functions — they limit maximum opening angle and hold the door open at a set point. They are available in surface-mounted and concealed configurations.
Types of Overhead Stops and Holders
Overhead door stops and holders control how far a door can swing open and, in the case of holders, keep the door in the open position. They protect walls, adjacent doors, and furniture from damage caused by doors swinging open too far. They also control traffic flow by holding doors open during peak periods.
What Overhead Stops and Holders Do
A hardware reference guide from CDF Distributors
This guide answers: What is an overhead door stop and when do you need one?
Overhead Door Stops and Holders: Types, Applications, and Selection
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
Can I use a hold-open device on a fire-rated door?
Only electromagnetic holders connected to the building's fire alarm system. When the fire alarm activates, the electromagnet releases and the door closes automatically. Mechanical hold-open devices (friction or cam-based) are prohibited on fire-rated doors because they require manual release, which may not happen during an emergency.
What is the difference between an overhead stop and a kick-down holder?
An overhead stop mounts on the frame header and door top, controlling the maximum opening angle. A kick-down holder is a small device mounted at the bottom of the door with a manual lever operated by foot. Kick-down holders are simpler and cheaper but do not limit opening angle and are not suitable for high-traffic or fire-rated applications.
How do I size an overhead stop for a heavy door?
Match the stop's weight rating to the door weight. Standard-duty overhead stops are rated for doors up to 100 pounds. Heavy-duty models handle doors up to 200+ pounds. For very heavy doors (fire-rated hollow metal), specify extra-heavy-duty or use a combination floor stop with an overhead holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Configure Your Door Assembly
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
• Door weight — Heavy doors (fire-rated, hollow metal) require heavy-duty overhead stops rated for the door weight. Standard-duty units may fail under repeated stress from heavy doors.
• Traffic volume — High-traffic doors need devices with higher cycle ratings and more robust cushioning.
• Fire-rated assemblies — Overhead holders with hold-open functions on fire-rated doors MUST release automatically upon fire alarm activation. Magnetic holders connected to the building's fire alarm system are the standard solution. Mechanical hold-open devices that require manual release are NOT permitted on fire-rated doors.
• ADA compliance — Doors on accessible routes must not require more than 5 pounds of force to open. The friction in an overhead stop or holder adds to the opening force, so select devices with low-friction options for accessible doors.
Selecting the Right Device
• Surface-mounted — Visible arm and track installed on the push side of the door. Easiest to install and maintain. Most common in utilitarian applications.
• Concealed — Hidden within the door and frame. Used in architecturally sensitive applications where visible hardware is undesirable.
• Flush-mount — Recessed into the frame header. A compromise between visibility and installation complexity.
Overhead Stops (Without Hold-Open)
An overhead stop limits the door's opening angle (typically 90 or 110 degrees) and absorbs the impact when someone pushes the door open forcefully. The stop arm mounts to the frame header and the track mounts to the top of the door. When the door reaches its maximum opening angle, the arm engages a cushioned stop that absorbs energy and prevents wall damage.
Overhead Holders (Without Stop)
An overhead holder keeps the door open at a set angle using a friction mechanism or a magnetic hold-open. The door can be held at any angle within the holder's range by simply leaving it at the desired position. Holders are commonly used on corridor doors that need to stay open during business hours but close for fire separation at night or during emergencies.
Combination Stop/Holders
The most common specification for commercial doors. These devices combine both functions — they limit maximum opening angle and hold the door open at a set point. They are available in surface-mounted and concealed configurations.
Types of Overhead Stops and Holders
Overhead door stops and holders control how far a door can swing open and, in the case of holders, keep the door in the open position. They protect walls, adjacent doors, and furniture from damage caused by doors swinging open too far. They also control traffic flow by holding doors open during peak periods.
What Overhead Stops and Holders Do
A hardware reference guide from CDF Distributors
This guide answers: What is an overhead door stop and when do you need one?
Overhead Door Stops and Holders: Types, Applications, and Selection
Jason Searcy
Technical Advisor for Sales & Support
Jason Searcy brings over a decade of expertise in commercial door hardware, fire-rated assemblies, and life-safety code compliance. He specializes in hardware coordination, exit devices, and ensuring doors, frames, and components function as complete, code-compliant systems. Jason’s detail-driven approach helps prevent specification conflicts and supports technically accurate commercial door assemblies across a wide range of applications.
