How to Repair Bifold Door Top Roller Guide
If your bifold door is squeaking it's likely they need some maintenance. They may need to be cleaned, lubricated or adjusted. The problem could be caused by loose bolts at the top pivot or by the top guide roller.
This kit contains all the hardware needed to bring your bi-fold closet door to optimal performance.
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Installing an internal set of bifold doors could seem like an involved and difficult task but it's actually simple for anyone with a bit of experience. The frame is not the issue however getting the doors to close and fold smoothly is. Bifold doors are complex pieces of machinery and, as such they could require some tuning up to keep working correctly. This could be as easy as tightening a screw or as complex as removing the door and replacing the pivot pin or roller.
Most times, you can solve these issues by making a few basic adjustments without removing the doors. You may find that your bifold doors are sagging and scraping the floor or bouncing off the track. It's not difficult to fix these problems. Follow three easy steps and your bifold door will be back in track in the shortest amount of time.
The most common issue internal bifolding doors face is the sliding out of alignment. This can be due to loose screws, holes in the anchor/pivots or a misaligned bifold door. The majority times this can be fixed with a few simple adjustments. However, if your door isn't moving in any way, you might need to replace it.
You'll have to take off the door with an screwdriver, and perhaps an plier pair to loosen any pivot pins that are too tight. The screwdriver is used to release the locking levers located on the bottom of the pivot bracket. The pliers are used to remove the pin.
When the top roller is loose it should be possible to lift the door and swivel it down, allowing you to take it out of its pivot brackets and track. This is usually quite straightforward however be careful not to let the door slam against the door frame. Then, you can sand down the edges of the door to smooth it. Then paint or refinish the door as required.
Take off the Roller Guide
This spring-loaded roller guide mounts on the top edge of bifold doors to aid in smooth operation. It is made to work with Kenna frames, and will fit door panels ranging from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick. It is made from nylon, steel, and plastic components. It will replace an old guide.
Remove any screws holding the guide to the roller with a screwdriver. Then, use your hands to remove it of the frame. It may take some effort, so you should have an assistant help you keep the door in place while you remove it.
Once the old guide is removed, carefully cut the remaining finish over the foot of the new guide with the help of a razor blade to remove it from the rod blank. This will make the guide foot easier to remove and also prevent any damage. Be cautious while doing this because the foot is very sharp and could cut or snag your fingers.
You may need to apply some force to remove the guide, but take care not to break or chip the foot. After you've removed the guide, you must remove any threads or epoxy left in the area it was attached. This will prevent future problems with the guide.
After removing the old guide, test out the new guide by placing it in its new location and applying a few rotations of masking tape or some form of guide tubing to keep it in its place. This will allow you to double verify the guide's spacing and alignment to ensure that everything is properly set up. This is essential to avoid future problems, whether you use the CRB Spine Finder and Deflection System or eyeball it.
If the guide is positioned properly and is functioning according to its intended function, the last step is to reinstall the door in its place. Be aware that any screws or pins were removed or loosening must be replaced and tightened appropriately when you're done.
Take the Bottom Pivot off.
Bifold doors can be a stunning feature for a home, but they often need to be tweaked or adjusted to ensure they are in good shape. While some of the simpler issues can be resolved with the doors in place, other issues will require them to be removed. This guide will show you how to take off the internal bifold door pins, rollers, and pivots.
Gathering your tools is the first step. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration by assembling all the tools you need in advance. You'll need a screwdriver pliers, and possibly a wrench. You can purchase an assortment of basic tools at your local hardware store for a fair cost. Keep a supply of wood glue in your kit. This can be very useful in the event that you need to fix any rollers back into their original position.
After assembling your tools then open the bifold doors and loosen the top track bracket using your screwdriver. Once the bracket is loose the door should be able to slide off the top track completely. It may take a small amount of jiggling, but it should be able to pop right off the track.
The next step is to remove the bottom pivot from the frame. Close all doors to the interior before you begin. This will make it much easier rather than working inside. If the bottom track is still in good working order, you'll be able to simply lift the door and remove the track.
You'll have to replace the track if damaged. You can buy tracks that are suitable for bifold doors as well as swinging closet doors at your local hardware store. If the track is seriously damaged, then you might need to replace it entirely.
Once your track is repaired or replaced, you'll need to test the doors to ensure their proper operation. Make sure that they are easily able to move from position to position. 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 adjust the top pivot bracket and tighten or loosen the bottom set screw until the door's edge lines up perfectly with the frame.
Replace the Roller
Bifold doors can be used to neatly cover closets as well as laundry nooks and pantries, but only when they function properly. They comprise two door panels that are hinged and slide open on the track that is located at the top of the frame. Over time, the roller guides can wear out and cause the doors to slide. The roller guide can be replaced in just a few minutes with basic tools.
The first step is to take the guide roller from the door panel. The bolt that holds the bottom pivot is to be removed, as well as the screw that connects the guide to the top of the door panel needs to be loosen. After taking off the guide, pull the panel out of the track. Then, loosen the nut that secures the top pivot bolt and employ a wrench to remove it from the hole in the top header of the door frame.
A replacement top nylon roller guide with a 7/8 " diameter wheel and a base made of steel is available from Stanley, Cox or Acme. It mounts on the top of the bifold door, which is 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches thick and is spring loaded to self-adjust the upper track to ensure smooth glide.
Another issue that is common to bifold doors is that it scrapes against the floor when it closes or 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 taking off the screws that adjust the bottom pivot and loosening the top track mounting screws and moving the anchor/pivot.
A new set of roller guides could be a low-cost solution to the problem of your bifold doors becoming difficult to operate. They are typically available at your local hardware store in the door section. However, they can be bought on the internet from a variety of vendors. You will also need an elongated squeeze-clamp as well as a small container Elmer's wood adhesive, that is sold in big box stores. The clamp is used to keep the area being repaired sealed after the glue has been installed and dried.