Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
If you have a pocket door that isn't working properly, here are some things you can do:
Pocket door is off track To repair a pocket door, you first have to remove it. To do this:
1) Use a utility knife to break the paint seal along the stop mouldings on each door jamb, and then carefully pry off the mouldings with an old chisel or a 5-in-1 tool and flat bar.
2) Position the door so that it's centered in the doorway, tilt it toward the room, and lift the roller out of the overhead track.
3) Inspect the rollers to see if they're broken, worn, or otherwise fouled. If one or both are, repair or replace both of them (take one to the hardware store to find matching replacements).
Damaged pocket door track Repairing the track is trickier because it's located inside the pocket. If possible, slide your arm into the pocket and make sure the track is screwed soundly in place. If it isn't, do your best to tighten the screws.
A hopeless track will have to be replaced. This involves removing enough wall covering up near the track to let you access the old track so you can remove it and install a new one. Unless you're accomplished at home carpentry, call in a professional.
Pocket door rolls poorly When a pocket door doesn't work right, the problem is often with the rollers. Check to be sure they're fitted into the track properly. If they are, you will need to remove the door to diagnose the problem.
1) Remove both stops from the head jamb and from one side jamb so that you can lift the door out. Angle the bottom out, and then lift the door up.
2) Inspect the rollers to see if they're broken or have just come loose. If the problem is just a loose roller, tighten or replace the loose screws at its base. If a roller is broken, you'll have to replace it (take it to the hardware store to find a match).
Pocket door tracks and rollers can also be adjusted to compensate for a warped door, but a badly warped door should be replaced.
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