How To Fix Folding Closet Door Off Track?
Closet doors are an integral part of the functionality of a closet, but sometimes doors get stuck and won’t open or close. A closet door that doesn’t stay on track can be more than just annoying. It can be downright frustrating and dangerous if it swings back when someone is trying to walk by it.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix a folding closet door off track without having to replace the entire unit or rely on another person for help. Let’s discuss some of the effective methods along with the pros and cons of each option to determine which one works best!
Why Does The Closet Door Came Off Track?
If you’ve ever run into the problem of a bi-fold door off track, you know how frustrating it can be. Here are some of the most common reasons why this happens.
1. Storing Too Much
Store properly. Too much stuff inside your closet door can hinder closing or opening back up over time. Try not to overstuff your closet, leaving at least a finger’s worth of space between hangers, purses, and any other objects in there.
You should be able to pull all items on one side easily without them interfering with each other. One of them will come off track if you overstuff it, which could cause it to hit the door that’s on track and make it come off as well!
2. Not Cleaning The Doors Properly
One of the reasons why your sliding closet door falls off track is that- something has become wedged in between your door’s frame and pivots. The most common things stuck into closet doors are carpet fibers or debris.
First, you need to remove whatever it is that has become stuck. You can usually do so by using a flathead screwdriver or butter knife to pry them out of their position.
3. Lack of Organization
There is nothing more frustrating than coming into your closet to find an item of clothing that you are sure you hung up on a hanger, when in fact it’s still in a pile inside your dear closet. It can be even more annoying if you have limited space and no more room for a disorganized mess.
Shoes, purses, scarves, belts, and hats should all have designated spots in your closet to prevent a cluttered mess. If it is not maintained that way- it might cause the door to come off its track.
How To Fix Folding Closet Door Off Track?
So, how do you put a folding closet door back on track? If your folding closet door won’t stay on track, here are a few things you can do to fix it and make it work like new again-
1. Lubricate The Hinges
Sometimes, bifold door problems arise simply when the door gets old. One of the issues is- it is coming off track due to a lack of lubrication. Depending on how much of a rush you’re in, you can take several approaches.
If your door needs to be functional right away- pop into your local hardware store and pick up some graphite-based lubricant, or powdered graphite (it’s easy enough to find online). If it’s not urgent, do some research and choose a top-rated hinge lubricant. They work wonders. Make sure you clean the hinges well off any dirt or debris to make the lubricant work properly.
2. Check For Broken Parts
If you’re dealing with problems folding your door, check for any broken parts before buying a new one. For example, if one of your hinges is loose or broken, then you need to replace it. And if one side of your door doesn’t open or close, that may be due to snapped parts inside. You can fix that by using specific tools and taking apart your door.
If you don’t own a bi-fold door repair kit, you can purchase one online today. Because repair kits are very handy.
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3. Reattach The Spacing Strips
The spacing strips are usually made out of metal or plastic and their job is to keep track of where each hinge is supposed to go. If you can find your missing strips, you can reattach them by drilling small holes through them and then using screws.
Keep in mind that- if you have misplaced these strips or screws stripped in door hinge, your door may not be structurally sound anymore. It’s possible that replacing them will fix your door, but it’s also possible that additional repairs might be necessary.
4. Reattaching The Closet Door
If you are unaware of the problem that is causing your closet bifold door off top track, it is the best idea to open and reattach the door.
Sometimes, the door on your closet may need to be slightly adjusted if it’s become hard to open or close or it isn’t hanging properly. Adjusting the door can be done in just a few steps, so you can have your closet back up and running in no time at all!
How Do You Keep A Bifold Door From Coming Off The Track?
If you have trouble keeping your bifold closet door from coming off the track, here are ways that will help you prevent it from happening-
- Check for debris collected in the pivots and brackets, and clean them out once in a while. Use a vacuum cleaner to reach the steep spots.
- Use high-quality materials like hinges, screws, and bi-fold door repair bracket to fix the door- so they won’t rust or damage easily the next time.
- Avoid putting too much pressure on the door by overcrowding your closet. Also, avert from hanging loads on the door, such as heavy bags, weighty jeans, etc.
Final Words
Prevention is better than cure- and it’s true for a bi-fold door as well. Maintain it well to prevent it from coming off track. Even still it comes off the track, fixing a bi-fold closet door is not a tough job if you already know to fix sliding door off track.
You don’t have to be an expert. Simply knowing the cause will solve half of the problem, and you can fix the off-tracked closet door in no time!