Repairing Guides

how to repair a pocket door roller

by Rickey Parker Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Lubricate Pocket Door Rollers. If the pocket door is hard to open and close, the door rollers may need to be lubricated. ...
  • Tighten Pocket Door on Track. Over time, with repeated use, the pocket door track may become loose. ...
  • Remove Pocket Door Trim. Most other pocket door repairs require you to remove some of the trim. ...
  • Replace Pocket Door Track. In some cases, you may need to remove the entire pocket door track and replace it. ...

Full Answer

How do you replace a pocket door?

As the first step of pocket door replacement, you will need to cut a hole in the wall for access to the rollers and the track system, in addition to removing the frame of the door. You will now have complete access to the roller and track. You can remove the old door by tilting it down and taking it out from the rollers.

How do I lubricate the pocket door rollers?

If the pocket door is hard to open and close, the door rollers may need to be lubricated. Do not use oil or a water displacement lubricant. Instead, spray each roller once or twice with silicone spray. Roll the door back and forth a few times to distribute the spray. Over time, with repeated use, the pocket door track may become loose.

How do I replace the roller on my front door?

The first step is to take out the old roller. You will need to open the door as wide as possible, and find the base where the roller is. Unscrew the frame which keeps the roller in place, and then remove these metal brackets.

Do I have to detach the door from the track and roller?

You won’t have to detach it from the track and roller system to get it to the correct height. Your door should fit perfectly in its pocket space and no longer rub on the flooring as you open and close it.

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How to remove a door that is stuck in the pocket?

Pull out a door that’s stuck in the pocket by alternately pulling the top and bottom edges. Remove a door from a J-track by following the instructions in Photo 5, but instead of pulling the top toward you, push away to pop the rollers out of the track. Remove a door with roller-skate-type rollers by prying the door up and tapping on the rollers to release them.

Where to install pocket door track?

Install the new pocket door track in the center of the track slot. Position the track at the depth recommended by the manufacturer.

Do you need to be a coal miner to open a sliding door?

You don’t need to be a coal miner to venture into the deep, dark pocket of a sliding door, but it helps. Once you’re equipped with a new track, rollers and a good flashlight, we’ll show you how to get in, replace the broken hardware, and get out before the weekend’s over and the search party comes looking.

How to remove double roller door?

You can remove the double roller models by pushing them up and using a rubber mallet on the rollers. If it is a J-style roller, move the door away from you and pop them out. Newer pocket doors often have cam-lock pins that you can loosen to take them off the tracks.

Why is my pocket door not working?

Sometimes, debris gets in the track and can interfere with the operation of the pocket door. Even small stuff can cause issues. Run a damp paper towel through its length, and try the door again. If it works, your problem is solved. If not, it’s back to the rollers.

How much clearance between pocket door and floor?

It’s involved with a need for precision. The clearance between the bottom of the pocket door and the floor is only about ¼” to be functional. If you’re comfortable with woodworking projects, read on to learn more of what’s involved before you start.

How do I fix a hole in drywall?

Use the piece of cut drywall to plug up the access hole you cut. You may find it helpful to put together a mini frame on which to drill in the drywall screws. Use spackle or drywall mud to finish the job. Once it’s dry, sand, prime, and paint the wall.

What is pocket door?

A pocket door is an excellent option if you are short on space but want the benefits of closing off a room. Slide it over, and voilà, you have some welcome privacy. They are typically something you’d see in an older home because of their popularity during the 19th century. A well-maintained and varnished door is an attractive feature, especially with ornate wood.

Can you cut an access point?

Unfortunately, cutting an access point is your only option. Your goal is to give yourself enough room with minimal damage to the wall and frame. Use the stud finder to find the studs and then mark the wall with the locations of the studs.

Do pocket doors lock?

While pocket doors usually don’t lock , that is easily remedied with a simple hook and eye latch or a sliding bolt. On the downside, some are noisy. House settling may affect their performance. The wood may change or warp over time, causing other problems affecting its usability. Our guide will walk you through some of the common repairs and the more extensive solutions.

Why does my roller door rub against the floor?

A derailing of the rollers can even occur , or the track may loosen from the support pockets that are part of the roller frame. This will cause the door to rub against the floor when you open and close it. You may even see the door begin to bend or flex in the track as it is moved.

How to fix top gaps in door?

Top gaps require a raising of the door. Start by adjusting the hanger on the door that is positioned the farthest away from the door latch. Use a pocket door wrench to turn the hanger a quarter of a turn at a time until the ​​door is parallel with the jamb.

How to lower a door that is rubbing?

If you have a gap at the bottom of the door that is causing rubbing towards the top of your door, you can lower the door by adjusting the hanger that is positioned the furthest away from the door latch.

Why is my pocket door not hanging straight?

You may also notice that one of your doors is not hanging straight, which is also caused by the rollers.

Why are pocket doors obstructed?

​Sometimes pocket doors can be obstructed from opening if they are too long for the doorway opening. You may have installed carpet or tile to the flooring surface that has raised the overall floor height. This means you need to trim the length of ​the door​ – this can easily be accomplished by using a saw to plane the edge of the door to fit it to the new opening height that you now have.

How to lift a heavy door?

If your old or new door is quite heavy, you can use a pry bar or shims to lift it into place or hold it into position as you place the rollers on the track. This will make it a little easier to work with.

What is pocket door core?

Most pocket doors come with a solid core at the bottom . This allows you to make adjustments to the height of the door without worrying about detracting from the appearance of the door or changing its integrity.

How to keep rollers from dripping?

Oiling the Rollers. Before you start make sure that you have a can of silicone spray and a rag. The rag will help to keep from getting the oil or spray on other surface. It will also be handy to wipe up any over spray or drips that may occur. Carefully spray the rollers and the track.

How many wheels does a pocket door have?

Most doors will have two sets of rollers that glide in the track. The rollers will typically have three or four wheels.With that many wheels it is easy to see how problems could arise.The rollers are not technically part of the pocket door track. They are, however, matched to the track. To keep them working smoothly, you need to lubricate them periodically.

What is a blaster garage door lubricant?

Try to locate a spray lubricant with similar properties. 'Blaster Garage Door Lubricant' is a silicone-based lubricant that leaves a tack-free film that won't accumulate dust and dirt.

What to know before applying oil to rollers?

Before you apply any oil, you are going to want to make sure that the rollers are free of dust and dirt. You will also want to make sure that the track is free of dirt and build up.

Do pocket doors need lubricants?

Most home supply and hardware stores will have lubricants that will work for a pocket door. See the section above on choosing the right type. You can also find them online if you want to purchase a specific one.

Can you use grease on rollers?

Another concern is making a mess. Do not use grease or any lubricant that does not dry clear. Although the intent is to just put the oil on the rollers and track, it is possible that you will get some on other surfaces. Make sure it is an spray type that can be easily cleaned off of other surfaces.

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