How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold doors are sticking it's likely they need some attention. They could require cleaning, lubricated or adjusted. The problem may be caused by an unfastened screw on the top pivot or the top guide roller.
This kit contains all the necessary hardware to return your bi-fold closet door system to optimal performance.
Remove the Door
It may appear complicated and difficult to set up an internal set of bifold doors however for those who are DIYers with some experience, it is actually quite simple. The frame isn't the issue however, getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Since bifold doors are complicated machines, they could require some tuning to keep working properly. This could be as simple as tightening screws or as complex as taking out the door and replacing a pivot pin or roller.
Most times, you can solve these issues by making a few simple adjustments, without having to remove the doors. You might find that your doors are sagging or scraping the floor, or they are bouncing off of their tracks. In order to fix these issues, it isn't a big deal, and with three easy steps, your bifold doors should be back in no time.
One of the most common problems that bifold doors with internals face is that they are sliding out of alignment. This could be due loose screws, holes in the anchor/pivots, or a misaligned bifold door. In the majority of instances, you can fix this by making a few simple adjustments, but if the door isn't moving at all it could be necessary to have it removed and replaced.
You'll have to take off the door with a screwdriver, and possibly a pair pliers to loosen any pivot pins that are tight. The screwdriver can be used to loosen the locking levers located on the bottom bracket for pivots. The pliers are used to take off the pin.
After the top roller is free, you should be able to raise the door and swivel it down, allowing you to take it off of its track and pivot brackets. It is usually a simple process, but you must be careful to not let the door strike the frame of the door. You should then be able to cut off the edge of the door that's scratching the floor, and then sand it until it is smooth. You can then repaint or replace it with a new finish as needed.
Remove the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller guides mounts on top of the bifolding door to ensure smooth operation. It is designed to work with Kenna frames and can be fitted to a door panel 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is constructed of steel, nylon and plastic components and can replace a worn-out or damaged guide.
Take out any screws that are holding the roller guide in place using a screwdriver. Then, carefully use your hands to remove it of the frame. It may take some effort, so have a friend help you to keep the door in place as you take it off.
After removing the old guide, carefully cut off the remaining finishing on the foot of the guide by using a razor to cut it from blank rod. This will make it easier to remove and ensure that there is no damage to the new guide foot. The guide foot is extremely sharp, and it can cut or nick fingers.
It is possible to use some force to remove the guide, but take care not to chip or break the foot. After removing the guide that was previously attached, take out any threads or epoxy left in the area where it was attached. This will help prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the guide, test your replacement by placing it in its permanent position. Apply a few rotations with masking tape or guide tubing in order to hold it in position. This allows you to double check the guide alignment and spacing to make sure everything is set up correctly. This is essential to avoid any future issues regardless of whether you use the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System or eyeball it.
The last step is to replace the door. If the guide is in the proper position and functioning in the correct way, then you can proceed. Make sure that any screws or pins were removed or loosening must be replaced and tightened appropriately after you've finished.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors make a gorgeous addition to any home but sometimes they require some tweaking or adjustment to stay in good shape. Some issues can be resolved with the doors in place. bi fold door repairs will require the doors be removed. This guide will walk you through how to remove internal bifold pivots for doors, pins and rollers so that you can make your doors glide like new.
The first step is to gather your tools. You will save yourself some frustration if you gather all the tools you need in advance. You'll also require pliers and a screwdriver. You can buy a set of basic tools at your local hardware store for a reasonable price. It's recommended to have some wood glue in your kit. This can be useful if you have to fix any of the rollers back in place.
Once you've gathered the tools, begin by opening the bifold doors and then loosening the top track bracket with your screwdriver. Once it's loose, the door should be free to slide off the top track completely. It might take a bit of shaking, but it should pop off the track.
The next step is to remove the bottom pivot from the frame. This should be done from the outside of your home, so be sure to shut any interior doors that are open. This will be much easier than working from inside. If the track on the bottom appears good it is possible to lift the door and take off the track.
You will need to replace the track if it is damaged. Hardware stores offer replacement tracks for bifold doors as well as swinging closet doors. If the track is badly damaged then you may need to replace it completely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced it is time to test the doors for proper operation. Check that they're easily able to move in and out of position. Also, you should ensure that the edges of the door are parallel to the frame when closed. If they aren't, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket while tightening or loosening the bottom screwscrew.
Replace the Roller
If they are installed correctly the bifold doors can easily enclose pantries, laundry nooks and closets. Bifold doors are made up of two panels that are hinged and slide down an incline at the top of the frame. Over time the roller guides may wear out and cause the doors to slide. The roller guide can be replaced in a matter of minutes with the use of basic tools.
The first step is to remove the guide for the roller from the door panel. The pivot bolt at the bottom is to be removed, as well as the screw that holds the guide to the top of the door panel should be removed. After removing the guide, lift the panel off the track. Then, using a wrench, remove the top pivot bolt from the hole in the header of the frame by loosening the bolt.
Stanley, Cox and Acme offer a top nylon replacement roller with a 7/8-inch diameter wheel that rests on a steel base. It mounts at the top of bifold doors that are 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It comes spring-loaded and adjusts itself in the upper track to ensure smooth gliding.
Another issue that is common to bifold doors is that it scrapes against the floor when it is closed or opened. This can happen after adding carpet, or other flooring materials which require the doors be slightly raised to allow for clearance. Removal of the bottom pivot adjustment screw and loosening the top track's mounting screws, and moving the anchor/pivot pin is typically enough to resolve this issue.
A new set top roller guides is a cost-effective solution to your bifold doors becoming difficult to operate. They're usually available at your local hardware store in the door section but they're also available online from a number of sellers. In addition to a brand-new top roller guide, you will need a small container of Elmer's wood glue which is sold in large box stores as well as a squeeze clamp. The clamp is used to keep the repair area tightly after glue is inserted and allowed to dry.