Fixing Bi-Fold Door

Adjusting the position of the door

Photo 1: Top bracket

Loosen the set screw on the top bracket and slide the bracket slightly along the track to adjust the space between the top of the doors. Then retighten the screw, close the doors and check the fit. Adjust both doors.

Like a car that needs new spark plugs, bifold doors tend to run a little ragged after a few hundred uses. They stick, they rub, they don’t line up. Luckily they’re easy to tune up once you know the tricks.

The goal is to adjust the doors to leave an even 1/8-in. vertical gap between them (Photos 1 and 2) and an even horizontal space along the top—without allowing them to scrape on the door jambs or floor. You can’t always get the doors perfectly aligned on all four sides, especially if the opening is out of square. If you encounter this situation, get the highly visible gaps between the doors and the top even (Photo 3), and leave uneven spaces either where the doors meet the side jambs or at the floor. Once you get your doors fine-tuned, spray a little silicone lubricant on the track for a really smooth glide.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Pliers

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

• Shims
• Silicone lubricant