Adjusting Your Sliding Door

Sliding doors Illustration by Narda Lebo

Browse Doors & Windows Galleries:

View All

How-To Video

Browse More

How to Install a Storm Door

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva simplifies storm-door installation

On Newsstands Now

 

In the Magazine


47 Low-Cost Makeover Ideas

cooper deck planter table dining room deck chair proctor yard

The best time to be sure a sliding patio door is properly adjusted is before it starts sticking in its track or hopping out of it. All it takes is a few turns of the adjusting screw on the edge of the bottom rail of the door.

To check the adjustment, stand back and look at the door from the outside; there should be a uniform gap along the bottom and top edges of the door. If the side with the adjusting screw is too high, causing it to bind at the top, turn the screw counterclockwise. If it's too low, use a flat pry bar to raise the door while you turn the adjusting screw clockwise. Regular vacuuming of the track will help keep the door sliding smoothly. Never lubricate the track, however; the lubricant will attract dirt.

Article: Sliding-Door Tune-up

Add new comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, report the comment to us.

1000 characters remaining

Need More Info? Ask a question on Doors & Windows

Advertisement

This Old House > To Go

  • Add ThisOldHouse to my:
  • Add
Advertisement

Project of the Week

turn planters into a grilling station

How to Build a Grilling Station

Go

See More on Doors & Windows

AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED HOME IMPROVEMENT BRAND