Problems With Adjustments on a Bi-Fold Door

Pins Not in Brackets

• One problem that can occur when bi-fold doors are adjusted is that both the top and bottom pins are not sufficiently inserted into their respective brackets. On the outside end of the bi-fold door are hinge pins that hold one door panel in position, while the lead door panel glides along the overhead track. Easily adjust the door so that the top pin is inserted into its bracket within the overhead track, or lift up on the door and adjust it so that the bottom pin fits inside its bracket. Replace either pin if it is damaged.

Close Fit

• An additional problem with bi-fold door adjustments arises when you have two sets of bi-fold doors installed in a doorway. One set of bi-fold doors has two hinged panels. Wider doorways use two sets to cover the entire door frame. The two lead doors should fit close together without really touching when they are totally shut. If the doors are too close together, the ends can press against each other, preventing you from shutting them completely. Move both the top and bottom brackets closer to the side door jambs to properly adjust the doors.

Doors Don't Meet

• The opposite adjustment problem with the doors, compared to a tight fit, occurs when the two sets of bi-fold doors do not meet in the center of the doorway when they are closed. This leaves a noticeable gap between the doors, which might invite small children to try and enter through. Small children can easily get their fingers caught within bi-fold doors. Adjust this gap problem by focusing on the top and bottom brackets again; this time move both brackets toward the center of the door, instead of toward the side.

Pops Out of Track

• It's possible for the bi-fold door's roller, which guides it along the overhead track, to pop out of position. If the cause is simply that the roller wasn't properly installed into the track, press down on the spring-loaded roller, and position the door so that when you release the roller, it rises up into the track. Also look at the top and bottom brackets, and make sure that neither of them moves when the door slides open and shut. They should both be stationary. Tighten the adjusting screw in the top bracket with a screwdriver, to make sure it's in place. Also make sure the top bracket is positioned correctly, leaving a 1/16-inch gap between the door and the jamb. Tighten the bottom bracket, which is often held in place by a bolt, with a wrench.