How to Repair a Pocket Door
It can be a very inconveniencing experience when your pocket door refuses to shut or open all the way. However, some of these cases do not necessarily mean you will have to replace the door. In most cases, what you need is to install new rollers or a new track, or sometimes both, and your pocket door gets back to perform like it is new.
The repair process does not need so much expertise or even sophisticated tools and expensive materials. Provided you have a new track, new rollers, and a well-functioning flashlight, you will only need the following, and you are good to go. If you are installing a new track and new rollers, you should buy them from a reputable builders’ supply store.
Once you are sure to have these, you will also need the following tools in place to ensure that your work runs smoothly:
- Drywall saw
- Drill/driver – cordless
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- Miter saw
- Flashlight
- Safety Glasses
- Level
- Putty knife
- Speed square
- Hearing protection
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
Also, ensure you have the following materials ready before you start:
- 2×6 scrap
- Plywood blocks
- Pocket door rollers
- Pocket door track
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With all these in place, the procedure is as simple as follows:
Remove the door stops
Start by removing the painted-over screws. You will first need to cut the paint seam that is between the door stop and the casing. However, do not remove the casing. Use the putty knife to pry off the door stops, and then pull off your pocket door.
To get the door out of the pocket, you may have to alternately pull the top and bottom edges. If you are removing a door from a J-track, push the top away from you instead of pulling it towards you. This will help to pop out the rollers from the track. When removing a door that has rollerskate-type rollers, pry the door up and tap on the rollers so that they are released.
After removing the door, the next step is to fix the new track and pocket door rollers.
Start by cutting an access hole in the wall. Remove the old track using the drywall saw, and then install a new one. Check to see if there are any obstructions before you start cutting. Before you place your order, first get the weight of your door by weighing it on a bath scale. Also, measure the track and the track slot.
For example, if your door weighs 30lbs and the track slots are 1.5” wide and 2.25” deep, you will need to get a track that can best fit for the narrow track slot. Also, try to reduce the track slot to the recommended 1.5” by installing plywood spacers.
Maybe you have a solid-core door that is usually subjected to a lot of use. If this is the case, it will be ideal to get the roller-skate-type rollers that are rated to125 lbs. If you have a patio door, you can call patio door repair service.
