Abstract: A braking apparatus has a main body for connection to one of a frame and a closure member mounted on the frame to undergo linear reciprocating movement between open and closed positions of the closure member. A tubular shaft is mounted in a main body for undergoing rotation. A resistance member is rotatably mounted on the tubular shaft and is disposed in an interior space of the main body containing a braking fluid. A spiral rod for connection to the other of the frame and the closure member is screw-threadably engaged with the tubular shaft so that the tubular shaft undergoes rotation when the spiral rod and the tubular shaft are relatively moved in an axial direction of the spiral rod.