How to Fix a Stuck Pocket Slider Door

Pocket doors are space-saving fixtures that slide in and out of a wall in an entryway. Rather than swing, these doors disappear into a pocket, supported by an overhead railing system. However, a pocket door may become stuck, and this is often for one of three reasons: There is an obstruction in the tracks or on the threshold or the door has come off the rail. Pocket doors that are stuck open are more difficult to repair and require a few items to get the door to slide freely once again.

Plastic sheeting
Petroleum jelly
Rag
Wood shims
Lithium grease

Instructions

- 1
  Lay plastic sheeting over the threshold in the doorway and coat the top side with petroleum jelly. This will protect the threshold from scratching as well as make it easier to slide the door into the center of the opening.
- 2
  Lift up on the handle and slowly pull the pocket door out of the recess. Ask someone to lend you a hand, if necessary.
- 3
  Wipe down the rail at the top of the doorway with a rag, removing the old grease on the track.
- 4
  Fold the plastic sheeting up to cover the petroleum jelly and place wood shims over the threshold. Pick up the pocket door and set the rollers back onto the overhead track.
- 5
  Carefully pull the wood shims out of the threshold, as well as the plastic sheeting, letting the door hang from the track.
- 6
  Coat the rail track with lithium grease, which you can purchase at auto parts retailers. This will allow the door rollers to glide over the track with ease.

The Effects of Caulk

How to Remove a Smoke Odor from a Burned House

Interior Home Repair