How to Adjust a 1900s Pocket Door

When a pocket door is installed, it slides into the wall cavity between the studs on each side, concealing it from sight. This gives a room more floor space because the swing area in a traditionally hung door must remain clear. 1900s pocket doors operate like modern pocket doors -- sliding on a track rather than swinging on hinges. Over time, a 1900s pocket door may start to come off-level, making it strike the threshold. To remedy this, you only need to make a single adjustment.

Pry bar
Shims
Wrench
Hammer
Finishing nails

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the top of one side of the door casing using a pry bar. Take off the side that exposes the open channel of the track and not the flat/back side of the railing.
- 2
  Close the 1900s pocket door, then place shims under the pocket door on top of the threshold to make it level and clear the threshold when sliding.
- 3
  Adjust the railing assembly or jam nut with a wrench until the railing/door is correctly leveled.
- 4
  Pull the shims out and allow the 1900s pocket door to hang freely. Open and close the door to ensure it hangs plumb from the railing/track.
- 5
  Replace the top of the door casing using a hammer and finishing nails.

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Window & Door Repair