How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door is squeaking then it's likely that they need some attention. You may have to clean, lubricate or adjust them. 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 wardrobe door system to its optimal performance.
Take the door off
It may appear complicated and challenging to put in the bifold internal doors, but for DIYers with some experience it's actually a breeze. The frame isn't the problem however getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Bifold doors are intricate pieces of machinery and, as such, they might need some 'tuning up' to keep working correctly. This could be as simple as tightening screws or as complex as taking out the door and replacing a pivot pin or roller.
Most of the time you can resolve these issues with a couple of basic adjustments without removing the doors. It is possible that your bifold doors are sagging or scraping the floor, or slipping off track. The solution to these issues isn't difficult, and with three easy steps the bifold doors will be back on track in no time.
One of the most common problems that internal bifold doors 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 cases, you can correct this with a few easy adjustments, however if the door isn't moving at all it may need to be removed and replaced.
To remove the door you'll need a screwdriver and possibly pliers (to help loosen any pins on the pivot that are stuck). The screwdriver is used to disengage the locking levers at the bottom of the pivot bracket. The pliers are used to take off the pin.
After 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 hit against the door frame. Then you can sand the edges of the door to smooth it. You can then repaint it or refinish it as required.
Take off the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded guide roller is mounted on the top edge of the bifold door to assist in smooth operation. It is designed for Kenna frames, and can fit door panels that range from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch thick. It is constructed of nylon, steel, and plastic components. It is able to replace an old guide.
To begin to remove the guide for the roller, remove the screws that hold it in place using an screwdriver as well as a bit to loosen it. Then, carefully use your hands to remove it of the frame. It may take some effort, so let an assistant help you keep the door in place as you remove it.
Once the guide you used to guide your child is removed, carefully cut through the remaining finish around the foot of the new guide using a sharp blade to separate it from the rod blank. This will make the guide foot easier to remove and also prevent any damage. The foot is extremely sharp and could cut or snag fingers.
You may need to apply some force to remove the guide, but you must be careful 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 it was anchored. This will prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the guide, check the new one by putting it in its new location. Make bi-fold door repairs near me with masking tape or guide tubing in order to secure it in its place. This will allow you to double examine the guide's spacing and alignment to ensure that everything is properly set up. This step is crucial to avoid any future issues regardless of whether you use the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System, or just eyeball it.
If the guide is placed correctly and functioning as it should then the final step will be to put the door back in its 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 need a little tweaking or adjustment to stay in top shape. While some of the simpler issues can be fixed with the doors in place, other issues will require removal. This guide will guide you through the process of removing internal bifold pivots for doors, pins and rollers so you can make your doors glide like new.
Gathering your tools is the first step. Getting everything together ahead of time will save you some frustration later in the process. You'll require a screwdriver, pliers and perhaps a wrench. A set of basic tools is available at a reasonable price from your local hardware store. It's also a good idea to have some wood glue in your kit. This can be useful if you have to fix any of the rollers back into the correct position.
After putting together your tools, open the bifold door and loosen the top track bracket by using your screwdriver. Once the bracket is loose, the door should be able to slide off the top track completely. It might take a few jigglings but it should pop right off the track.
Next, you'll need to remove the bottom pivot from the frame. Close all interior doors before you begin. This will make it easier to do rather than working on the inside. If the track on the bottom is still in good working order, you'll be able to simply lift the door and then remove the track.
You will need to replace the track if damaged. Hardware stores sell replacement tracks for bifold doors, as well as swinging closet doors. If the track is seriously damaged, then you might need to replace it completely.
Now that your track is repaired or replaced, you'll need to test the doors for their proper operation. Make sure they're capable of moving smoothly from position to position. You'll need to ensure that the edges of your door are in line with the frame when closed. If they aren't, then you'll need to readjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom screwscrew until the edge of the door is perfectly aligned with the frame.
Replace the Roller
If they are installed correctly, bifold doors can neatly enclose pantries, laundry nooks and closets. The bifold doors consist 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 bow. Replacing the roller guide requires just a few minutes and the most basic tools.
The first step is removing the guide roller from your door panel. This involves removal of the bottom pivot bolt and loosening the screw that holds the guide on its top. After removal of the guide, lift the panel from 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 replacement top nylon roller that has a 7/8-inch diameter wheel on a steel base. It is mounted on the top of bifold doors which are 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch thick. It is spring loaded and adjusts itself in the upper track to ensure smooth gliding.
A bifold door may also scratch the floor when it opens and closes. This can happen after installing carpet or other flooring materials that require the doors to be raised for proper clearance. This issue can be solved by taking off the screws that adjust the bottom pivot, loosening up the top track mounting screws and moving anchor/pivot.
A new set of roller guides could be a low-cost solution to the problem of your bifold doors being difficult to operate. They are typically available at the local hardware store in the door section. However, they can also be purchased on the internet from a variety of suppliers. In addition to a brand-new top roller guide, you will require a small amount of Elmer's wood glue which is sold in the big box stores and a squeeze clamp. The clamp is used to keep the area being repaired sealed after the glue has been inserted and dried.