Repairing Guides

how to repair pocket door

by Prof. Adrian Dibbert PhD Published 3 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

What are the best ways to remove a pocket door?

  • 1.1 Step 1: Remove the pocket door from the track
  • 1.2 Step 2: Open up the wall
  • 1.3 Step 3: Take out the old track to replace it with the new one
  • 1.4 Step 4: Take out the remaining hardware
  • 1.5 Step 5: Adjust the Replacement Hardware of the New Door
  • 1.6 Step 6: Replace the Trim and Wall
  • 1.7 Step 7: Put the New Pocket Door Pull

More items...

How do you replace a pocket door?

  • Remove the Door and Trim. Begin by removing the door from the opening. ...
  • Open the Wall. ...
  • Remove and Replace the Old Track with the New. ...
  • Replace the Hardware on the Door Panel. ...
  • Repair the Wall. ...
  • Create an opening for the Latch. ...
  • Chisel the Mortise for the Faceplate. ...

How to fix a pocket door that fell off track?

  • Before we jump to the conclusion that ​you need to cut ​holes into the wall, it is always a good idea to lubricate the rollers to see if this alleviates ...
  • You may also want to inspect the screws that were used to hold your ​sliding door in place. ...
  • Sometimes, even metal stud drywall screws are used. ...

How to install, adjust or remove a pocket door?

​How to Replace a Pocket Door

  • Removing the 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, ...
  • Removing the Track. ...
  • Shimming the Track. ...
  • Replace Roller Hardware. ...
  • Installing the Door and Frame. ...

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Can you replace a pocket door without removing drywall?

If you simply want to replace a pocket door or remove it in order to repair it, you don't have to tear into the drywall! That's great news. All you have to do is lift the door off the sliding track. In order to do that, you have to remove the trim around the door.

How do you reattach a pocket door to track it?

1:053:51How to fix a pocket door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to get the door off its tracks you just slide it off and of course it's got a little locking nutMoreSo to get the door off its tracks you just slide it off and of course it's got a little locking nut to hold it in place once it's in the right. Position. Well most of these systems have two rollers.

Can a pocket door be repaired?

While pocket doors work flawlessly most of the time, sometimes they come off track, get stuck, or become misaligned. Some pocket door problems can be fixed without removing trim or drywall. Most issues require the removal of trim—but it's usually only select areas of trim.

How do you fix a pocket door that won't slide?

8:2616:27How to Fix a Stuck Pocket Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right go ahead and push Steve. Thank you and then lift up on the door and push opposite whereMoreAll right go ahead and push Steve. Thank you and then lift up on the door and push opposite where the wheels are on the track. And the door should come right out.

How much does it cost to fix a pocket door?

Existing Wall Pocket Door The cost to install a pocket door in an existing wall during a remodeling project ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 or more. The price will vary quite a bit depending on your project's complexity, but it typically includes wall demolition, as well as any plumbing and electrical work you may need.

How do you fix a sliding door that is off track?

0:353:19How to Repair Sliding Doors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can tell the rollers are worn if they are hard to turn or if you can wobble them from side toMoreYou can tell the rollers are worn if they are hard to turn or if you can wobble them from side to side to get at the rollers remove the screws holding the bottom bar of the door in place.

How do you use a pocket door wrench?

The pocket door wrench is used to adjust the bolts on the door hinges up or down. What is this? Turning the nut clockwise will raise the door, and it'll be lowered when you turn it counter-clockwise. Take care that you don't end up with a crooked door!

Why is my sliding door so hard to open?

The heat and humidity of summer make it quite difficult to keep sliding glass doors in good condition. Dirt, moisture, and normal wear and tear may damage the door and its tracks, making it hard to open or close the door.

Why won't my pocket door open?

When a pocket door won't work properly, two things could be the problem—the tracks might be damaged or the rollers might be worn out or fallen off the track.

How To Repair Pocket Doors - Old House Online

Troubleshooting Pocket Doors | Pocket Doors | Interior Doors | Doors ...

How to fix sticky, noisy or just plain broken pocket doors

Do you have a pocket door that sticks or doesn't open or shut all the way? Don't replace it if you don't have to—just install a new track, new rollers or both, and your pocket door will work like it did when it was new.

Pocket Door Overview

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.

Tips for removing doors

Remove painted-over screws. Cut the paint seam between the door stop and the casing, but don’t remove the casing. Pry off the door stops with a stiff putty knife. Remove the pocket door.

New track and pocket door rollers

Cut an access hole in the wall with a drywall saw to remove the old track and install a new one. Check for obstructions before pounding the saw through the plaster or drywall to start the cut.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

1. Figure Out What Kind of Pocket Door You Have

Pocket doors come in two main styles, either top-hung or a floor-track model. The former is more common, while the latter is typically something you’d see in older homes. A look up and down will tell you where you need to focus your attention.

2. Check the Rollers

This one is our first of two easy fixes. Grab a flashlight and inspect their position on the track. Sometimes, the roller may slip out, causing the door to fight you when you want to open or close it. If one or more is out of place, you can simply pop it back into the track carefully. Don’t fight it if it doesn’t budge.

3. Clean the Track

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.

4. Inspect the Rollers

Some models may have an adjustment screw to allow you to lower or raise the pocket door. Wood can warp over time, which can affect its fit. Seasonal effects on the shrinkage of the structure can also play a role. A clearance of about ¼” is ideal.

5. Remove the Casing Along the Top of the Door

You’ll find this task easy or a pain, depending on the number of coats of paint there are on the casing. You can use a putty knife, an all-purpose utility knife, chisel, or the end of a hammer if it’s really stubborn. However, be careful as you go to avoid damaging the frame and drywall.

6. Remove the Door from Its Track

How you do this task depends on the type of roller. You’ll see single, double, or J-style sets. Older pocket doors have a simple hanger pin that you’ll have to release first. The issue you might run into is one of adequate clearance to pop off the door.

8. Examine the Rollers

This step involves looking at the existing hardware for signs of damage. Sometimes, you’ll find a bent one is the culprit if someone forced the door open or slammed it. If it’s an older set, you might consider replacing them even if they are still intact since you have the door off, anyway.

What is pocket door?

Pocket doors are a charming feature used in many homes. These doors allow you to hide them in the wall to create a wide opening without any obstruction. The problem with ​these sliding doors is they may need repairs from time to time. This may leave many homeowners wondering how they go about fixing something they can’t see because it is hidden in ...

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 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.

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.

How to raise a door that is too low?

Start by turning the nut with a socket on each hanger clockwise . This will raise the door up. If your door is too low, you can lower it by turning the nut counterclockwise.

Can sliding doors get off track?

​One of the most common problems that occur is with the rollers. The rollers of your ​sliding door are comprised of two parts that tend to get pocket doors off track. The roller is attached to the base, which is joined with the door. As you use your pocket door over time, these parts may begin to separate and get misaligned. Nevertheless, you can easily adjust pocket door bases and rollers and make them functional again.

Can you raise a pocket door?

Take into account that you will only be able to raise the door to a certain degree. Too much upward height can cause the pocket latch to misalign, making it impossible to operate the door effectively. Adjusting the Hanger. Another adjustment option for your pocket door is to adapt the side movements.

What is the best hardware for pocket doors?

What is the best hardware to use? Metal hardware is best when it comes to pocket doors. With the use of metal, objects can be installed more solidly. Any minor mishaps can affect the mobility of the pocket door, so using solid hardware works best.

Can you attach a pocket door to a track?

Unfortunately, no. The assembly of standard pocket doors and RV pocket doors are similar. However, RV pocket doors have a latch mechanism to attach them to the track. It would help if you separated the latch mechanism first before getting to the doors’ wheels.

What is a top hung pocket door?

DEFINITIONS. A. Top-hung pocket doors are unique because of their hardware. 1. There are two types of hanging hardware for pocket. doors:

Why is my door binding?

Binding is usually caused by vibration or house. settlement, a loose or warped stop molding, or. warped door. 4. A door that is balky or will not move at all may. result from disconnected, broken, missing, or loose. rollers. In this situation, the door will need to. be removed and the rollers repaired or replaced.

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