10 Myths Your Boss Has Concerning Repair Bifold Door Top Roller
How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold doors are sticking and squeaking, they may require some maintenance. It is possible that you need to clean, lubricate or adjust them. The issue could be caused by an unfastened screw on the top pivot or by the top roller guide.
This kit includes all the hardware you need to restore your bi-fold wardrobe door to its best performance.
Remove the Door
It may seem complicated and challenging to put in an internal set of bifold doors, but for DIYers with some experience it's actually quite easy. The frame is not the issue however getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Bifold doors are a complex piece of machinery, and as such they could require some tuning up to ensure that they function properly. It could be as easy as tightening a screw, or as complex as removing and replacing the pivot pin or roller.
It is usually possible to fix these issues with a few simple adjustments, without having to take out the doors. You may notice that your doors are sagging, scraping the floor, or that they are bouncing off of their track. It's not difficult to fix these issues. Follow three easy steps and your bifold door will be back in line in short time.
The most common problem that internal bifolding doors encounter 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. Most times, this can be corrected by making a few minor adjustments. However, if your door doesn't move at all, you may require replacing it.
To open the door you'll need an appropriate screwdriver, and possibly two pliers (to assist in loosening any pins that are tight to pivot). The screwdriver can be used to release any locking levers that are on the bottom bracket of the pivot and the pliers allow you to pull the pin to release it and then take it off.
Once the top roller has been removed After that, you can lift the door, turn it down and then remove it from its track and pivot brackets. This is typically quite easy however be careful not to let the door slam against the door frame. Then you can sand the edge of the door to smooth it. You can then repaint or finish it according to the requirements.
Remove the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded guide roller is mounted on the top of a bifold door to help in smooth operation. It is designed to work with Kenna frames and can be fitted to the door's panel from 1 to 1/8 inch thick. It is made of nylon, steel and plastic components and can replace a damaged or worn-out guide.
Remove any screws that hold the roller guide in place using the screwdriver. Make use of your hands to gently lift it off the frame. It may take some effort to remove the door, so ask an assistant to help.
After removing the old guide, carefully cut off the remaining finish on the guide's foot with a razor to separate it from blank rod. This will make the guide foot much easier to remove and also prevent any damage. Be cautious while doing this as the foot is extremely sharp and could potentially cut or snag your fingers.
It is likely that you will need to use a bit of force to get the guide off, but be cautious not to break or chip the foot. After you've removed the old guide, remove any epoxy or threads left in the place where it was anchored. This will help avoid future problems with the guide.
After removing the guide, you can test the replacement by putting it in its permanent location. Make a few turns using masking tape or guide tubing in order to secure it in its place. This will allow you to check the guide alignment and spacing to ensure that everything is in place. If you're eyeballing it or using the dependable CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System, this step is important to avoid any problems in the future.
If the guide is placed properly and is functioning as it should the next step will be to put the door back in place. Make sure that any screws or pins that you loosened or removed must be replaced and tightened appropriately when you're done.
Remove the Bottom Pivot
Bifold doors are a stunning addition to any home but sometimes they need a little tweaking or adjustment to remain in great shape. While some of the less critical issues can be resolved with the doors in place, others will require them to be removed. This guide will demonstrate how to remove the bifold internal door pins, rollers, and pivots.
Gathering your tools is the first step. You will save yourself some frustration by assembling all your tools in advance. You'll also need an plier and a screwdriver. A set of basic tools can be bought at a reasonable price at your local hardware store. Keep some wood glue in your kit. This can be useful in the event that you need to glue one of the rollers back into their original position.
Once you've collected the tools, begin by opening the bifold doors. Then, you'll need to loosening the top track bracket with your screwdriver. Once it's loose, the door should be capable of sliding off the top track completely. It may take some shaking but it should eventually pop off the track.
The bottom pivot of the frame will need to be removed. bifold door repair is best to do this from the outside of your home, so be sure to close any internal doors that are open. This will make it easier to do rather than working from the inside. If the bottom track still looks good it is possible to lift the door up and remove the track.
You'll need to replace the track if it is damaged. You can buy tracks that are suitable for bifold doors and swinging closet doors at your local hardware store. If the track is badly damaged, then you might need to replace it entirely.
After your track has been repaired or replaced, you'll need to check the doors for their proper operation. Make sure they're easily able to move between positions. You'll need to ensure that the edges of your door are in line with the frame when it's closed. If they're not, you'll need to adjust the top pivot bracket while tightening or loosening the bottom setscrew.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors neatly enclose closets, laundry nooks and pantries, but only if they function correctly. Bifold doors comprise two panels that are hinged and slide down a track at the top of the frame. Over time the roller guide bearings could wear out, causing the doors to sag and rub against the floor. The roller guide can be replaced in a matter of minutes using a few tools.
The first step is removing the guide roller from your door panel. This involves removing the bottom pivot bolt and loosening the screw that holds the guide to its top. After the guide has been removed then lift the door frame up and off its track. Next, loosen the nut that holds the top pivot bolt, and employ an abrasive to remove it from the hole in the top header of the door frame.
A replacement top nylon roller guide with a 7/8 inch diameter wheel and a steel base is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It mounts on the top edge of the bifold door, which is 1 to 1-3/8 inches in thickness and is spring loaded to self-adjust the upper track for smooth glide.
A bifold door may also scrape against the floor as it closes and opens. This is often the result of adding carpet, or other flooring materials that require the doors be elevated to allow for clearance. This issue can be solved by removing the screws that adjust the bottom pivot by loosening the top track mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot.
A new set of top roller guides is a cheap solution to a problem that may make bifold doors difficult to operate. They are usually available at the local hardware store in the door section. However they can also be purchased on the internet from a variety of vendors. You will also need an elongated squeeze-clamp as well as a small container of Elmer's wood adhesive that is sold in large box stores. The clamp helps to hold the repair area tightly closed after the glue has been inserted and allowed to dry.
