(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg)How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpg)If your bifold doors are sticking it's likely they need some maintenance. You may have to clean or lubricate them, or even adjust them. The issue could be caused by an unfastened screw on the top pivot or the top roller guide.
This kit comes with all the necessary hardware to bring your bi-fold closet door to its best performance.
Remove the Door
Installing an interior set of bifold doors could seem like an involved and difficult project however, it's actually simple for anyone with a bit of experience. The frame is not the problem, but getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Bifold doors are complex pieces of machinery and, as such they may require some tuning up to function correctly. It could be as easy as tightening the screw, or as complex 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 take out the doors. You might notice that your bifold doors are sagging, scraping the floor or jumping out of track. It's easy to fix these issues. Just follow three simple steps and your bifold door should be back in line in the shortest amount of time.
One of the most common problems that bifold doors with internals have to face is the tendency to slide out of alignment. This could be due to loose screws, holes on the anchor/pivots or a misaligned bifold door. In the majority of instances, you can fix this by making a few simple adjustments, however if the door isn't moving, it might need to be removed and replaced.
To take the door off you'll need an screwdriver and perhaps two pliers (to help loosen any tight pivot pins). The screwdriver is used to break any locking levers that are on the bottom pivot bracket and the pliers will let you wiggle the pin out and off.
Once the top roller is loose and the top roller is loose, you should be able to lift the door and swivel it down in order to lift it off its track and pivot brackets. It is usually a simple procedure, but be cautious not to let the door hit the frame of the door. You should then be able to cut off the edge of the door that is scraping the floor, and then sand it until smooth. Then paint or refinish the door as necessary.
Take off the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller guides mounts on top of the bifolding door to ensure smooth operation. It is designed for Kenna frames, and can fit door panels from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch thick. It is made from steel, nylon, and plastic components. It will replace a damaged guide.
To begin the process of removing the guide for the roller, remove any screws holding it in place using a screwdriver and a bit to loosen it. Then, carefully use your hands to lift it out of the frame. This may require some effort, so have someone else help you keep the door in place as you remove it.
Once the old guide is removed, carefully cut through the remaining finish around the foot of the new guide with the help of a razor blade to remove it from the rod blank. This will make it easier to remove and will ensure that there is no damage to the new guide foot. The foot is extremely sharp, and it can cut or snag fingers.
You may have to apply a little force to get the guide off, but be cautious not to chip or break the foot. After you have separated the guide from the rod blank, make sure to remove all of the threads and epoxy that remain where it was affixed. This will help prevent any future problems with the guide.
After you have removed the guide, you can test your new guide by putting it in its place and then applying a few turns of masking tape or another kind of guide tubing to keep it in its place. This allows you to check the guide alignment and spacing to make sure everything is properly set up. This step is crucial to avoid any issues in the future, whether you use the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System or simply eyeball it.
The last step is to replace the door. If the guide is in the correct position and functioning in the correct way, then you can proceed. Remember that any screws or pins that you removed or loosened 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 may require tweaking or adjusted to ensure they remain in good working order. Certain issues can be solved with the doors still in place. Other issues will require the doors be removed. This guide will guide you through the steps to remove internal bifold door pivots and rollers, as well as pins and pins, so you can make your doors slide like new again.
The first step is to gather your tools. You'll avoid frustration if you collect all of your tools beforehand. You'll also require a screwdriver and pliers. You can buy a set of basic tools at your local hardware store at a reasonable cost. It's important to keep some wood glue handy. This can be very useful in the event that you need to glue any of the rollers back into their original position.
Once you've gathered your tools, begin by opening the bifold doors, and then loosening the top track bracket using your screwdriver. Once the bracket is free, you'll be able to slide the door off of the top track. It might take a small amount of jiggling, but it should come right off the track.
The pivot on the bottom of the frame will need to be removed. It is best to do this from the outside of your home, so be sure to close any interior doors that you are able to open. This will make it much simpler instead of working inside. If the track on the repairing bottom of bifold door is still in good condition, you'll be able to lift the door and take off the track.
You'll have to replace the track if it's damaged. Hardware stores sell replacement tracks for bifold doors as well as swinging closet doors. If the track is severely damaged, then you might need to replace bifold doors it entirely.
After your track has been repaired or replaced it is time to test the doors for the proper operation. Make sure they're easily able to move between positions. You'll also want to check that the edges of the door are parallel to the frame when it is closed. If they're not, you'll need to readjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom screwscrew until the door's edge is perfectly aligned with the frame.
Replace the Roller
If they are installed properly they can be used to enclose laundry nooks, pantries and closets. They are made up of two panels that are hinged and slide open on a track that sits in the top of the frame. Over time, the roller guide bearings may wear out and cause the doors to sag and scrape against the floor. The guide roller can be replaced in just a few minutes with basic tools.
The first step is removing the guide for your roller from the door panel. The bottom pivot bolt must be removed, and the screw holding the guide to the top of the door panel should be removed. After removing the guide, lift the panel out of the track. Then using a wrench remove the top pivot bolt from the hole in the frame's header by loosening the nut.
A top nylon replacement guide that has a 7/8 inch diameter wheel and a steel base is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It is mounted on the top edge of bifold doors that are 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch thick. It is spring-loaded and adjusts itself in the upper track to ensure smooth glide.
Another issue with a bifold door is that it scrapes the floor when it is closed or opened. This can happen after installing carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised slightly to allow for adequate clearance. Removing the pivot adjustment screw on the bottom and loosening the top track's mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot pin is usually enough to clear this issue.
A new set of top roller guides is a low-cost solution to a problem that could make your bifold doors difficult to operate. They are typically found at your local hardware shop in the door section. However they can be bought online from various suppliers. You will also need a squeeze-clamp and a small container Elmer's wood adhesive, that is sold in big box stores. The clamp is used to keep the repair bifold door bottom pivot area closed tightly after the glue has been installed and dried.