How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold doors are sticking it's likely they require some maintenance. They could require cleaning, lubricated or adjusted. The issue could be caused by a loose bolt on the top pivot, or by the top guide roller.
This kit includes everything you need to restore your bi-fold wardrobe door system to its best performance.
Remove the Door
Installing a set of internal bifold doors may seem like an involved and challenging project however, it's actually straightforward for a DIYer with a little experience. Getting the frame into position isn't a problem but the trick is getting the doors to fold and close easily and accurately. Bifold doors are complex pieces of machinery and, as such they could require some 'tuning up' to ensure that they function properly. It could be as easy as tightening the screw, or as intricate as taking off and replacing the pivot pin or roller.
It is usually possible to fix these issues by making a few simple adjustments, without having to remove the doors. You might notice that your bifold doors are sagging or scraping the floor, or jumping out of track. Getting these issues under control isn't difficult. With three easy steps the bifold doors will be back on track in no time.
The most common problem that bifolding doors with internal hinges face is the sliding out of alignment. This can be caused by loose screws or holes in the anchor/pivot pins, or simply a door that is not aligned. In most cases, you can correct this issue with a few simple adjustments, however if the door isn't moving at all it could be necessary to have it removed and replaced.
You'll need to remove the door with a screwdriver, and possibly a pair pliers to loosen any pivot pins that are too tight. The screwdriver can be used to break any locking levers on the bottom pivot bracket and the pliers allow you to pull the pin and take it off.
When the top roller is free and the top roller is loose, you should be able to raise the door and swivel it downwards and allow you to pull it off of its track and pivot brackets. It's usually a simple procedure, but you need to be cautious not to let the door hit the frame of the door. You'll then be able cut off the edge of the door that's scraping the floor and sand it down until it's smooth. Then, you can repaint or replace it with a new finish as needed.
Remove the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller is mounted on the top of bifolding doors to ensure smooth operation. It is designed to be used with Kenna frames and can fit doors that are 1 to 3/8 inches thick. It is constructed of nylon, steel and plastic components and can replace a worn-out or damaged guide.
To begin to remove the roller guide, remove any screws that are holding it in place. Do this using an screwdriver as well as a bit to loosen it. Then, use your hands to remove it of the frame. It may take some effort, so let a friend help you to keep the door in place as you remove it.
After removing the old guide, carefully cut the remaining finish off the guide's foot by using a razor to cut it from blank rod. This will make it easier to remove and will protect the new guide foot. The foot is very sharp, and it can cut or snag fingers.
Repair My Windows And Doors may have to use some force to remove the guide, but be careful not to break or chip the foot. After you have removed the old guide, remove any threads or epoxy left in the area where it was attached. This will help prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the old guide, test out your replacement by placing it in its place and then applying a few rotations of masking tape or another kind of guide tubing to secure it in the correct position. This allows you to check the alignment of your guide and spacing to ensure everything is in place. Whether you're eye-balling it or using the always accurate CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System it is essential to avoid any problems in the future.
If the guide is positioned correctly and functioning in the way it should the next step will be to reinstall the door in place. Make sure that any screws or pins you loosened or removed should be replaced and tightened properly after you've finished.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors can be an attractive addition to a home, but they sometimes require to be tweaked or adjusted to ensure they are in good working order. While some of the more straightforward issues can be resolved with the doors still in place, others will require removal. This guide will demonstrate how to remove the internal bifold door pins, rollers and pivots.
The first step is to gather your tools. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration if you gather all the tools you need in advance. You'll also need an plier and a screwdriver. A basic set of tools is available at a reasonable cost at your local hardware store. It's recommended to have some wood glue on hand. This will be useful if you need to put the rollers 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 the bracket is in place, you should be able slide the door off the top track. It may take a bit of jiggling but it should be able to pop right off the track.
Next, you'll need to remove the pivot at the bottom from the frame. This should be done from the outside of the house, so be sure to shut any interior doors that are open. This will be much simpler than trying to work from the inside. If the track at the bottom is in good shape, you'll be able to simply lift the door and take off the track.
You will need to replace the track if it's damaged. You can purchase tracks that are suitable for swinging and bifold closet doors from a local hardware store. If the track is seriously damaged then you may need to replace it entirely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced it is time to test the doors for the proper operation. Make sure that they are easily able to move between positions. You'll need to ensure that the edges of your door are parallel with the frame when closed. If they're not, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket while tightening or loosening the bottom set screw.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors can be used to neatly cover closets as well as laundry nooks and pantries, but only if they function properly. They are made up of two panels that hinge together and open using the track that is located at the frame's top. Over time, the roller guide bearings could wear out and cause the doors to slide and rub against the floor. Replacing the roller guide takes just a few minutes and the most basic tools.
The first step is to remove the guide roller from the door panel. The bottom pivot bolt is to be removed, as well as the screw holding the guide to the top of the door panel should be loosen. After the guide is removed and the door panel is lifted up and out of its track. Then, using a wrench, remove the top pivot bolt from the hole in the header of the frame by loosening the nut.
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 can be mounted on the top edge of a bifold door that is 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches in thickness and is spring-loaded to adjust in the upper track to ensure smooth gliding.
Another common problem with a bifold door is that it scrapes against the floor when it is closed or opened. This is often the result of adding carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised to allow for adequate clearance. Removing the pivot adjustment screw on the bottom, loosening the top track's mounting screws and moving the anchor pin usually enough to clear this issue.
A set top roller with new guides could be a low-cost solution to the problem of your bifold doors becoming difficult to operate. They are typically found at your local hardware shop in the door section. However, they can be bought on the internet from a variety of suppliers. In addition to a new top roller guide, you will require a small amount of Elmer's wood glue which is sold in the big box stores as well as a squeeze clamp. The clamp is used to keep the area being repaired shut after the glue has been installed and dried.