A poorly functioning pocket door can lead to headaches every time it is opened or closed.
There aren’t many things that could go wrong with this system. If something isn’t working properly, it could be either the rollers have seized up or they’ve fallen off the track or the hardware has been damaged or broken.
As with all things, the hardware and components of these systems can become worn or damaged over time. This could cause the door to stick, not glide correctly in its tracks and/or not close flush against the wall.
This article will help you identify the problem and make any hardware adjustments necessary. If necessary, it will also provide a step by step guide for replacing the entire rolling track and hardware.
Simple Fixes First
Sometimes, it is as easy as looking at the item and understanding how it works to repair it.
Pocket doors are usually equipped with a track system that is attached to the door’s frame. Brackets attach to the top of the door. They secure the rollers within the track and allow for smooth movement. Sometimes, the problem with a pocket door not sliding correctly is due to damaged or seized rollers. Rollers that have become seized or damaged can easily be replaced.
The rollers can also fall off the track. It is easy to fix the door by simply putting them back in. If one or both rollers fall off the track, it can cause damage to the track and require replacement.
Diagnosing Pocket Door Problems
The first thing to do to diagnose damage and find the cause of your door not working smoothly is to take the door off the wall.
You will need to take out some of the molding and casing around the door as well as the door frame.
To break the seal of the caulk around the casing, use a utility knife that has a sharp edge. After all caulking/sealant is removed, small putty knives or pry bars can be used to gently remove the door stop and any casing.
Simply lift the door out of the tracks by swinging it from the bottom. If the rollers are out of alignment and the door is stuck in the pocket, it may be difficult to remove the door. If this happens, be careful not to damage the framing.
After you have removed the door and some casing, you can inspect the system to see if there is any damage. You should inspect the mounting brackets and rollers at the top of your door for any damage. Roll the rollers using your fingers. If they are stuck, try to loosen them with a little oil.
It is possible that the track may have been damaged or bent if the brackets and rollers look in good shape. It is possible that the track has become bent or damaged. If so, it must be removed and replaced by a new one. This requires you to cut a hole in your wall so that the track can be accessed from the inside of the pocket.
A good flashlight can be used to take a look inside the pocket door and show you how it is made. You don’t want to cut through the door frame if you are going to make a hole in the wall. You can use a stud locater to locate the studs within the door frame and draw a line around the area you want to cut. You should allow enough space to remove the old track and install the new one.
Take good measurements once the track has been removed to make sure that the track you order fits properly. It is important to measure the length of the track, the depth, and the height. If the track is too tall, the door will not be able to hang free.
The installation of the track is simple. It’s usually as easy as screwing it into the door frame. To ensure the track and the door frame are perfectly level after installation, use a level. Attach shims to your door frame until it is level.
Making Adjustments/Finishing The Repair
Sometimes, a simple fix for a problem with a pocket door is as easy as a few adjustments using a wrench.
A nut holds the rollers in place on top of the door brackets. This nut can be tightened or loosen to adjust the height.
Adjusting the nuts can solve problems such as a door that isn’t flush with the floor or doesn’t close flush to the wall. A thin spanner, such as the one linked above, may be required if a standard adjustable wrench is not available.
You can re-use the wall you cut if you have to make an access hole in the drywall for the old track to be removed. To attach thin pieces of wood to your cutout, you can use them as backers. Then, simply insert the cut-out piece and screw it into the backers. Finish the job with spackle or joint compound to seal and fill the seam.
Ron Hazelton has a great video that explains how to replace all the hardware on a pocket door.
Good luck with your fix
