How to Repair a Bifold Door Top Pivot
The top pivot of a bifold closet door can be loosened and scrape the floor. This can be fixed by loosening the set screw on the top bracket.
The top pivot pin is made of a metal screw which fits into a cap made of plastic that has a rounded edging and remains in the track above the front door. You'll also require a screwdriver, and possibly an assortment of pliers.
Remove the Bottom Pin
Bifold doors are a great option to maximize space in your closet, however in time, they can begin to fall off the floor, or even fall out of the brackets. The good thing is that you are able to solve the issue by making a few simple adjustments.
The most common problem is when the bottom pin gets loose or slips out of its bracket. You can correct this by pressing the spring-loaded wheel located at the top of the door and swinging the door to align it with the bottom track. When the gap is even then tighten the screw that secures the top pivot point bracket to hold the door in place.
Another issue that can be found is when the bottom of the door comes into contact with the carpet and rubs across it. This can be caused by installing carpet or changing flooring materials. It can also be caused by an unbalanced gap between the door and side jambs on hinges. This can be fixed by loosening the top guide and sliding it to the side or removing the pivot point on top and shift it either in or out.
The most frequent issue is when the track is not aligned properly. This can be corrected by loosening and moving the screw on top of the set screw in or out, if required. After you've adjusted the nuts and bolts that keep the track in place, you can then slide it back into the bracket and secure it by using the screw.
To remove the bottom pin from the bracket, raise the panels slightly, then secure them together. Release the locking levers on the lower bracket to let the pin go. If the pin does not have a bracket for mounting, you can attach a screw with a flat head between the bottom of pivot flange and door to pry the pin from the door. Once you have a good grip on the pin and you are able to remove it then turn it from left to right. If you're unable to remove the pin you may have to remove the track from the panel. If this is the situation you could place it on saw horses to make moving it easier.
Take off the Top Pin
They are great at saving space but can be a pain when they begin to slide, scrape the floor, or even veer off the track. There are a few easy adjustments that can often get them back on track.
If the doors slide unevenly, loosen with a screwdriver the screw at the pivot point on the top of the bracket and then move it around. Close the door to check if it aligns well with the frame. If it does, tighten the screw.
The bottoms of internal bifold doors can scrape the carpet. If this is the case, you can raise the bottom of the doors using the bottom pin adjustment. If the door is too high, you'll have to take it off and trim them using the help of a saw.
The wood around the pivot pins and anchors may get damaged over time. If this happens you can use epoxy to repair the damage and stop it from getting worse. Simply apply an amount of epoxy to the crack and let it dry before opening the door again.
If your bifold doors don't close or aren't aligning well with the frame, it could be because they're too far from each other. You can fix it by moving the door's top either up or down the track.
It can be difficult to complete this task on your own and you'll require a helping hand. Begin by grabbing the exterior and inner panels of the door at the sides, then lift them up. Then stack RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to make it easier for you to move them.
Release any locking levers on the pivot bracket. Take the pin's top with pliers and twist it from left to right as you pull it out. Repeat the process on the other side of the door. Once both pins are removed, the door will open and be aligned with the track. If it doesn't, you can always reinstall the doors and try again. You can use a drilling tool to straighten out the track if it's bent.
Reinstall the pin on the bottom.
If the bottom pin does not work properly, it can cause the door to be bowed and stop it from closing and opening easily. Fortunately, it's simple to fix. A damaged or loose mounting bolt is often the cause. If that's the case, the best thing to do is to replace the screw with a brand new one that's the same size as the previous one. Then, screw it in place and tighten it.
If you're looking to get more serious about your bifold door repair project then you can use tools like an air pressure gauge to check for proper compression of the top pin that is spring-loaded. The gauge is also helpful in determining if the pin is broken or cracked it is an important piece of information to have if you are planning to replace it with a new part.
An excellent way to determine if the pivot pin is damaged or worn out is by measuring its diameter as well as the diameter of the cap on its pin. Then check the measurements against what is available online for replacement parts. This will help you locate the right ones for your door.
Before you install the replacement pivot pin open the doors and lean them against each other to ensure they're in the right position to be installed. If you're using set of closet door knobs that you want to install the pivot pin make sure you mark a line of in the middle of each door's leading edge. Use a long level to do this so you can be sure the top bifold track is level and in good alignment with the jambs.
After the doors are installed After the doors are installed, place the top pin in the pivot guide of the track. Swing the bottom of door until the pin is seated in the bracket that is shaped like an L. If the door does not fit between the top bracket and the bottom guide you can raise or lower it by removing the adjustable pivot at the bottom of the doors. Verify that the gap between the door and the hinge-side jamb is even by using a long level and drawing an arc of plumb across the middle of the door frame.
Reinstall the Top Pin
A bifold door is a set of hinged panels that fold back on tracks to the opposite side of the door opening. They are available in different styles like solid or paneled and louvered. They can be found in closets, laundry rooms hallways, bedrooms or even the laundry room. If you already have a pair of bifold doors that scrape the floor or aren't working properly, it's possible to adjust them by adjusting the top and bottom pivots.
Begin by removing the top pin from the track's upper and pivot guide. Then slide the bottom pin into its bracket, and check to determine if the gap between the door and the jamb-side of the frame is equal and correct.
If the gap between the bottom of your door and the frame is too large You can increase it by lifting the pivot at the bottom of your door. This will move the door's bottom towards the frame and narrow the gap. You can also alter the height of the track hanger by loosening the screw on the bottom and then turning it with a wrench until you achieve the desired height.
Install the top track bracket at the hinge end of the door frame once you have put back the track hanger. For precise positioning, use the instructions and diagrams provided in the kit. Be sure to ensure that the track is flush and level with the floor prior securing it.
Measure the length and width to ensure you have the correct track and hardware kit. If you're unsure of the best way to install your bifold doors, talk to a professional installer to ensure that the installation is done correctly. They can tell you if the bifold doors you have are the right size for your space and help you choose the right design of door that will fit your home. They can also trim the doors to fit, if needed. This could save you time and money.