How to Replace Pocket Door Hardware for Smooth Opening and Closing?
Introduction
Pocket doors are a great feature of many older homes, but as the home and door frame settles over time, pocket doors may start to gap when closed. Also, the pocket doors hardware may start to drag after years of use, making the door difficult to open and close. By replacing the operating hardware on the door, you can restore the functionality of your folding door and improve its appearance.
1. Remove the Door and Trim
Start by removing the door from the opening. Pull it towards you and remove the roller from the track. Use a tough putty knife or pry bar to remove trim, doorstops, and any door frame parts that would prevent you from accessing the tracks. Be careful when removing these parts, especially if you plan to reuse them when you finish your project. You will be able to see the screws that hold the track over the door opening. Go ahead and remove these, even if you can't get to the track screws hidden in the wall just yet.
2. Open the Wall
In order to remove the remaining screws holding the track, and then install new screws, you must make a hole in the wall plate. Use a stud finder to mark the location of the pocket door's inner frame and mark with a pencil. You'll need to make the opening large enough to accommodate your screwdriver or drill, but no larger than necessary. After you outline the opening, use the panel saw to cut a square opening. Be careful not to damage the cut, as you can reuse that piece to fix the hole when you're done. Set it aside in case it breaks.
3. Delete the Old Pocket Door Track and Replace the Old Track with the New One
Now that you have access to the hidden part of the track, remove the remaining screws and pull the track out of the door opening. If there is a gap in the door, now is the time to deal with it. Make sure the new track level will close most gap issues. Shims are used under the new tracks to compensate for any settling the home may have done since the original pocket doors were installed.
Once you're satisfied that the track is level, screw it in place following the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that many newer folding door tracks require the rollers to be held in place when the track is installed and cannot be inserted after they are screwed in. Check it out before installing to save yourself trouble.
4. Replace the Hardware on the Pocket Door Panel
The roller hardware on the door panel can now be removed. After the new hardware is screwed into place, rehung the door. Use pry bars and spacers to help you lift the door into place, then secure it at the proper height while attaching the pocket door hardware to the top of the door.
5. Adjust New Pocket Door Hardware
You may find that the door is not quite level or positioned incorrectly over the opening. do not worry. Most new pocket door hardware systems are adjustable and can be easily manipulated to give the door the perfect fit. Follow the instructions included with your hardware system for raising and lowering the corners of the door to eliminate any gaps and ensure the door fits smoothly through the opening.
6. Replace Trim and Stop
Now you can put the trim pieces back on. If you were careful when removing the old ones, then there's no reason you couldn't simply put them back. If you want to replace them with new parts, of course you can, but reusing old parts saves time and money. Plus, if you live in an older home, finding new moldings to match the old ones can be a challenge.
7. Repair the Wall
Now that your door is in place and the new hardware is working, you need to fix the manhole you cut in the siding. If you cut it out carefully, then you can reuse that piece. Install the backing plate into the opening using drywall screws, leaving about 1" of the edge exposed in the hole. Not only does this support loose parts, it also gives you something to screw it in. Once screwed into place, fill screw holes and joints with quick-drying caulk. After drying, sand the area smooth.
8. Replace thePocket Door Handle
For this project, we were unable to find a new version that exactly matched the configuration file of the old version. The remedy for this problem is to fill the old holes and mortises with wood filler and create a new surface to deal with. Generously fill all holes and mortises in the door with caulk, then allow it to install.
When the filling starts to get elastic (but before it's fully hardened), use a utility knife to trim off some of the excess. This will save you a lot of sanding work later. After the remaining mixture is fully hardened and cured, you can sand it down smooth and reveal an almost new surface to mount the hardware of your choice.
9. Create an Opening for the Pocket Door's Latch
Using a drill, drill a series of overlapping holes to create an opening for the latch mechanism. You can use a drill to create a hole that is roughly the right size and shape for your latch, then come back with a sharp chisel to make any small adjustments to the opening or remove any small pieces of wood that exist between the drilled holes. The latch opening doesn't need to be perfect , since it will be covered by the panel, it just needs to be large enough for the latch mechanism to function properly.
10. Mortise the Panel
Hold the latch in place and screw it into place temporarily. You can use a sharp utility knife to line the outside of the dish. Once the outside edge of the panel is clearly marked with a knife, the latch can be removed. You'll see the perfect outline of the panel scribed with a utility knife. Use your sharp chisel to gently and slowly remove the wood in the scored area. You will need to remove enough wood to recess the panel against the edge of the door and create a flush fit. Since you're using the panels themselves as templates, the final fit and appearance should be near perfect.
The steps to replace the pocket door and hardware have been introduced in detail above. If you want to buy a pocket door and pocket door hardware, please contact us.
Wekis is a professional custom sliding door hardware manufacturer. For 18 years, we have been focusing on the R&D, design and manufacturing of furniture hardware and sliding door hardware. We are always improving our hardware offerings and providing an up-to-date catalog to meet your project needs. We provide professional customized solutions for various hardware products to customers from all over the world.