How to Fix a Pocket Door that Rubs | Just in 5 Steps

Pocket doors are sliding doors neatly tucked into a divider or wall. This type of door glides on the track that maintains your room’s privacy and connects you with nearby spaces. For good reason, pocket doors are a better option for the small rooms and space than the standard swinging doors.

Over time because of wear and tear, rubbing issues can be seen that makes a pocket door worst to open and close. Fixing a pocket door is not a challenging task, but most of us prefer professional services. You can do it yourself after by following our step by step solution.

Required Things to Fix a Pocket Door that Rubs

You will require the following tools and materials to fix a pocket door that rubs.

  • Grout brush
  • Silicon-based lubrication
  • Vacuum
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • A wooden block
  • White vinegar
  • Sawhorses
  • Cleaning rag
  • Pliers
  • Small pry bar/ butter-knife

Also read: How to Run Romex in The Attic

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Pocket Doors

Does your pocket door need fixation? No worry follows this simple step-by-step guide and get it fix with ease.

Step 1- Clean the Tracks

It may be possible that the pocket door tracks can accumulate debris and dirt over time. Debris can obstruct the operation of the roller that makes the door difficult to slide into the wall. Before starting your work, you will have to clean the debris and dust from the tracks.

Use a vacuum to suck up the dust and debris. Then scrub the track with a grout brush or toothbrush and clean the remaining grime. At the same time, clean the debris slide the pocket door forth and back to expose the length of tracks.  Then wipe off any residual cleaning solution with a rag.

Step 2- Fix the Damaged Tracks

After removal of dirt and debris check the track, because the damaged track can hinder the performance of rollers. Bent and damaged tracks can pinch the door as it slides along the track. It can throw the rollers out of alignments.

So, you will need to check the track and fix the bent or damaged tracks. Usually, you can fix the minor bend by using hammer and a wooden block or a pair of pliers. But if there is major damage then you may require complete replacement or professional services to get it fix.

Step 3- Grease the Tracks

This is the most crucial step while fixing the pocket door. Greasing or lubrication can reduce friction along the track and help it slide easier. Using silicon-based lubrication is best to lubricate the track. It may save the tracks from gum up or accumulating debris and dust over time.

Step 4- ADJUST the Rollers

The roller’s wheels are designed with adjustable height to remain aligned on the track. Most pocket doors have adjusted screws located on the sliding door next to the rollers. Sometimes these screws may conceal with the plastic plug.

You will need a screwdriver to turn it clockwise to open the adjustment. But if you face difficulty in turning the adjustment, you should use a clever trick. After using Silicon-based lubrication around the screw can easily turn it clockwise.

Step 5- Install the Door

Once the rollers are fixed in place, you will be able to install the door. Adjust the rollers and check that your pocket door is easier to slide back and forth. But if not, there may be an issue in the fixing or may have any underlying structural issue.

If it happens, remove the pocket door and check its rollers and lubrication; if needed, do some more lubrication. But if the damage is complicated, you may need to replace the door.

Can you Stop a Sliding Pocket Door from Scraping?

Yes, you can stop the pocket door from scraping. If the pocket door makes noise, it is the cause of obstructed tracks. You should clean the track to solve the noise issue. After cleaning the tracks, the door will run smoothly and quietly. But if the track and rollers are damaged, you have to replace the door completely.

What is the Best Lubrication Used on the Pocket Door?

You can use silicon-based lubrication or petroleum-based lubrication to clean the pocket door tracks. Silicon-based lubrication is best because it will be adequate and not attract dust over time. But if you clean pocket door tracks regularly, you can use petroleum-based lubrication.

Conclusion

Pocket doors are the inventive way to save the place, and they also give a stylish touch to the interior space. Rubbing or hindrances in sliding are the pocket doors’ common issues that can be fixed. Mostly you can get rid of the issue by cleaning or lubricating the tracks.

It is not a complex task; you can fix the rubbing issue by performing a few simple steps. If the issue still exists, you may need replacement or professional services to fix it.


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