Blog entry by Harvey Stace
How to Repair a Bifold
Door Top Pivot
A bifold closet door's top pivot may be loosened and scrape the floor. This can be fixed by loosening the set screw for the top bracket a bit.
The pivot pin on the top is a metal screw that is inserted into a plastic cap with an end that is lipped and stays inside the track above the door. You'll also require a screwdriver, or perhaps a pair pliers.
Take the Bottom Pin off
Bifold doors are the ideal option to make space in your closet, however in time, they can begin to slide against the floor, or even break off from brackets. The good part is that you are able to fix the problems by making a few simple adjustments.
The most frequent issue is a loose bottom pin or bracket. You can adjust the track by pressing the spring-loaded wheel to the top of the door, and then moving it to the right position. Once the gap has been equalized, tighten the bolt fixing the top pivot bracket in order to keep the door in place.
A typical issue is when the bottom edge of the door scrapes against the carpet. This can be caused by the addition of carpet or other flooring materials. It could also be caused by an uneven gap between the door and hinge side jamb. You can solve this by loosening the top guide and sliding it sideways or by removing the top pivot point and then move it out or in.
The final issue that is common is when the track isn't aligned. This can be fixed by loosening and moving the screw that holds the top of the track in or out, as needed. After you've adjusted the nuts and bolts that keep the track in place you can slide it back into the bracket and secure it with the screw.
To take off the pin at the bottom to remove the bottom pin, hold both panels at the sides and lift them off the track below and off of their brackets. If the bracket on the bottom has locking levers, unbolt them to release the pin. If the pin does not have an attached bracket, place a flat-head screwdriver between the bottom of the pivot flange and the door to pry it away from the door. Once you've got a firm grip on the pin, turn it left to right, while pulling it out of the door. If you aren't able to remove the pin, you may require removing the entire panel from the track system. If this is the case, put it on a set of saw horses to make it easier to handle.
Take off the Top Pin
They are great for conserving space, but they can be frustrating if they start to sag or scrape the floor or jump off track. There are a few easy adjustments that can help get them back on track.
If the doors slide in a different way, loosen with a screwdriver the screw on the pivot point on the top of the bracket and move it slightly. Close the door to check whether it is in alignment with the frame. If it does, tighten the screw.
The bottoms of bifold internal doors can scrape the carpet. If this is the case, you can try raising the bottom of the door with the bottom pin adjustment. If the door is too high, you'll have remove the doors and trim them with the help of a saw.
As time passes over time, the wood around the anchor and pivot pins may crack. If this is the case you can use epoxy to Repair bifold door top Pivot the crack and stop it from getting worse. Apply a small amount of the epoxy to the crack, and allow it to dry before using the door.
If your bifold doors don't close or aren't aligning properly with the frame it could be due to the fact that they're too far from each other. You can fix this by moving top of the door up or down on the track.
It can be difficult to complete this task by yourself and you'll require an assistant. Take the interior and exterior panels of the door on the sides. Then, lift them up. Stack them for easier handling.
Release any locking levers on the pivot bracket. Take the pin's top using pliers, and twist it from left to right as you pull it out. Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side of the door. Once both pins have been removed, the door should open and align with the track. If it doesn't work then you can try again. If the track is bent you can make use of a drill to straighten it out.
Reinstall the Bottom Pin
If the bottom pin isn't functioning correctly, the door could become stuck, hindering it from opening and closing smoothly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix. A damaged or loose bolt for mounting is often the cause. If this is the case, it's best to replace the screw with an alternative of the same length. Then, screw it into place and tighten it.
If you're committed to the bifold repair project, use an air pressure gauge to check the top spring-loaded pin for proper compression. The gauge is also useful in determining whether the pin itself is cracked or broken it is an important piece of information to have in case you are planning to replace bifold doors it with a new part.
Measuring the diameter of the pin cap as well as the diameter the pivot pin can help you determine if the pin has worn out or damaged. Compare the measurements with the available online replacements. This will help you to find the right parts for your door.
Before installing the replacement pivot pin to the doors, open them and then lean them against one other to make sure they're in the proper position to be installed. If you're using set of closet door knobs that you want to install the pivot pin and mark a line level down the center of the leading edge of each door. Utilizing a long-lasting level to do this so you're sure that the top bifold track is level and in perfect alignment with the jambs.
Once the doors have been installed After the doors are installed, place the top pin into the pivot guide in the track. Then, you can swivel the bottom of the door into place until the pin rests in the L-shaped bracket. If the bi-fold door repair does not fit between the top bracket and the bottom guide, you can raise or lower it by uncrewing the pivot that is adjustable at the bottom of the doors. Use a long-handled level to mark a plumb line down the middle of the frame. If the gap between the side jamb of the hinge and the door isn't even, adjust the pivot on the bottom.
Reinstall the top pin
A bifold door is a set of hinged panels that fold back on tracks to the opposite side of the door opening. They are available in a range of styles, such as solid or paneled doors and louvered doors. They can be used in hallways, closets, laundry rooms or even bedrooms. If you already have a pair of bifold doors that scratch the floor or don't function correctly, you can adjust them by altering the top and bottom pivots.
Start by removing the top pin from the upper track and pivot guide. Then slide the bottom pin into its bracket, checking to see if the gap between the door and jamb-side of the frame is equal and correct.
If the gap is too wide it is possible to raise the bottom of the door by loosening and fixing the pivot adjustable on the bottom of the door. This will move the bottom of the door toward the frame and narrow the gap. You can adjust the track hanger's height by loosening the screw on the bottom of the track, and then adjusting the height using an adjustable wrench.
Once you have the track hanger and bottom pin reinstalled, it's time to mount the top track bracket on the hinge-side of the door frame. Follow the directions and diagrams included in the kit to determine the exact position. Make sure that the track is aligned and flush with the floor prior to fixing it in place.
Take measurements of the width and height to ensure you have the right track and hardware kit. Consult a professional installer If you aren't sure how to install bifold doors. They will be able to tell you whether your bifold door glass replacement cost doors are of the right size for the opening and assist you select the ideal design for your home. If needed, they will cut the doors to ensure that they fit. This can save you time and money.