Five Killer Quora Answers On Repair Bifold Door Top Roller

How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide

If your bifold doors repair door is squeaking it's likely they need some maintenance. They might need to be cleaned, lubricated or adjusted. The issue could be caused by a loose bolt on the top pivot, or by the top guide roller.

This kit contains everything you need to restore your bi fold door repair-fold wardrobe door to its best performance.

Remove the Door

Installing a set of internal bifold doors could seem like a complex and challenging project however, it's actually simple for anyone with a little experience. The frame is not the issue however, getting the doors to fold and close smoothly is. Bifold doors are intricate pieces of machinery and, as such they may require some 'tuning up' to ensure that they function properly. This could be as simple as tightening a screw or as complex as taking out the door and replacing a pivot pin or roller.

It is usually possible to fix these issues with just a few minor adjustments, without having to take out the doors. You might notice that your bifold doors are sagging or scraping the floor, or bouncing off the track. It's not difficult to fix these problems. Just follow three simple steps and your bifold door should be back on line in short time.

The most common problem that internal bifolding doors encounter is that they are sliding out of alignment. This could be due to loose screws, holes on the anchor/pivots, or a misaligned bifold door. In the majority of cases, you can correct this with a few easy adjustments, however if the door isn't moving at all, it might need to be removed and replaced.

To remove the door to open it, you'll require a screwdriver and possibly pliers (to aid in loosening any pins that are tight to pivot). The screwdriver can be used to break any locking levers on the bottom pivot bracket and the pliers will let you wiggle the pin to release it and then take it off.

After the top roller has become loose, you should be able to raise the door and swivel it downward, allowing you to take it off of its track and pivot brackets. It is usually a simple process, but you must be cautious not to let the door strike the frame of the door. Then, you'll be able to cut off the edge of the door that is scratching the floor, and sand it down until it's smooth. Then, you can repaint or refinish it as required.

Remove the Roller Guide

This spring-loaded roller guides the mount on the top of a bifolding door to ensure smooth operation. It is made to work with Kenna frames and will fit door panels that range from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is constructed of steel, nylon and plastic components and will replace a worn or damaged guide.

To begin removing the guide roller, take out any screws that are holding it in place using the screwdriver and a little to loosen it. Then, use your hands to remove it of the frame. It may require some effort to take off the door, so make sure you ask an assistant to help.

After removing the old guide, carefully cut off the remaining finishing on the guide's foot by using a razor to cut it from blank rod. This will make the guide's foot easier to remove and also prevent any damage. The guide foot is extremely sharp and could cut or snag fingers.

You may have to use some force to get the guide off, but be careful not to break or chip the foot. After you have separated the guide from the rod blank, be sure to take out all of the epoxy and threads remaining in the area where it was affixed. This will help avoid any future issues with the guide.

After removing the guide, you can test the replacement by placing it in its permanent position. Apply a few rotations using masking tape or guide tubing to secure it in its place. This will allow you to double check the guide spacing and alignment to ensure that everything is properly set up. If you're eyeballing it or using the always accurate CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System it is essential to prevent any issues in the future.

If the guide is positioned properly and is functioning according to its intended function the next step will be to reinstall the door in place. Make sure to tighten and replace any screws or pins you removed or loosen.

Take the Bottom Pivot off.

Bifold doors make a gorgeous addition to any home but sometimes they require some tweaking or adjustment to stay in top shape. Certain issues can be solved with the doors in place. Others will require the doors be removed. This guide will teach you how to take off the internal bifold door pins, rollers and pivots.

Gathering your tools is the first step. You'll avoid frustration if you collect all of your tools beforehand. You'll also need an plier and a screwdriver. You can pick up a basic set of tools at your local hardware store at a reasonable cost. Keep some wood glue in your kit. This is helpful when you need to glue the rollers into place.

Once you've got your tools, begin by opening the bifold doors and then loosening the top track bracket using your screwdriver. Once the bracket is in place, you should be able to slide the door off the top track. It might take a bit of dancing to get it there, but it should come off the track.

The pivot on the bottom of the frame will have to be removed. It is best to do this from the outside of the house, so be sure to close any interior doors you have open. This will be a lot easier than trying to work from the inside. If the bottom track still looks good it is possible to lift the door and remove the track.

If the track is damaged, you'll have to replace it. You can purchase new tracks for bifold doors and swinging closet doors from a local hardware store. If the track is badly damaged, you may have to replace it entirely.

It is now time to test your doors to ensure their proper operation. Verify that the doors move in and out of their positions easily. You'll need to ensure that the edges of your door are parallel with the frame when it's closed. If they're not, you'll need to readjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom setscrew until the edge of the door is perfectly aligned with the frame.

Replace the Roller

Bifold doors neatly enclose closets as well as laundry nooks and pantries, but only when they function properly. They comprise two door panels that are hinged and open using the track that is located at the frame's top. Over time the roller guides may wear out and cause the doors to bow. Replacing the roller guide takes only a few minutes and a few basic tools.

The first step is to remove the guide for the roller from the door panel. The bottom pivot bolt must be removed and the screw that connects the guide to the top of the door panel should be loosen. After the guide is removed, lift the door panel up and out of its track. Then, loosen the nut that holds the top pivot bolt, and use a wrench to remove it from the hole in the top header of the door frame.

A top nylon replacement guide with a 7/8 " diameter wheel and a base made of steel is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It mounts at the top of bifold doors which are 1 to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is spring-loaded and adjusts itself in the upper track to ensure smooth sliding.

Another issue with a bifold door is that it scrapes against the floor when it closes or opens. This can happen after adding carpet or other flooring materials which require the doors be elevated to allow for clearance. Removal of the screw that adjusts the bottom pivot and loosening the top track's mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot pin is typically enough to eliminate this issue.

A new set of top roller guides is an inexpensive solution to a problem that could make bifold door glass replacement doors difficult to operate. They're usually available at the hardware store near you in the door section, however, they are also available online from a number of sellers. Along with a brand new top roller guide, you will require a small amount 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 area being repaired sealed after the glue has been placed in and dried.