Easy fixes for a sliding door

A sliding door that won't open or close without applying force is likely to get worse; manhandling may warp its structure, bend its hinges or break its joints. Follow the tips below to avoid permanent damage to your door.

Troubleshoot for the cause

Sliding doors move on rollers that run within tracks. Heavier patio doors tend to have their rollers and track beneath the door, while lightweight internal doors or room dividers may hang from the ceiling. Try these troubleshooting tips if your doors get stuck.

• Pebbles, coins and children's toys can get wedged in the track, so first make sure it is clear.
• Look along the metal track to check if it is bent. Localized bends can be reshaped with a pair of pliers, but a larger kink in the track needs a different treatment. Find or buy a piece of wood, about 30 centimetres (one foot) long, that just fits inside the track. Run this to and fro along the inside of the track to force the gap open just enough to let the door slide without hindrance.
• Check that the door hasn't jumped off the track. With the help of a friend, lift the door up and lower it gently back onto the track. Take care — the door may be heavier than it looks.
• Is the door scraping on the track? If so, try raising it up on its rollers. Many patio doors have adjustment screws along the edge of the door's bottom rail, sometimes hidden behind button-sized covers. Remove the covers and turn the adjustment screws beneath — usually clockwise — to raise the door.
• Clean the track with a cloth dipped in denatured alcohol. Over time it can get dirty, which will cause the rollers to slide, rather than roll, along the track. Don't lubricate the track — this can make matters worse.

Prevention is always better than the cure. Ensure your doors are well maintained and they will last a long time.

• Lubricate hinges regularly to prevent stiffness. Use a light mineral oil for interior hinges, and thicker grease for exterior doors. Don't use lubricant on doors that slide on tracks. Use powdered graphite, not oil, to keep locks working smoothly.
• Tighten rattling door knobs by loosening the grub screws that hold the doorknobs in place, then centre the spindle on which they turn so that it extends equally on both sides of the door. Reposition the doorknobs and adjust the grub screws for a snug, but not binding, fit.