How to Repair and Replace a Pocket Door

66Comments

this was very helpful... pocket doors are a thing of the past but very glad there are still parts available

krista

May 16, at 3:32am

66Comments

Where can I purchase the new track and rollers for the pocket door?
Thanks Bernie

bernie

May 8, at 4:35pm

66Comments

Can't open the the pocket door and only few years how installed. What you would suggest?

Thank you

Lee

Apr 20, at 7:47am

66Comments

Thanks for a very well sequenced and descriptive procedure. I do NOT need to replace my door but need to reattach the rear carrier asm. No idea why it came undone but will after I remove the molding at the top.

Red

Apr 18, at 12:59pm

66Comments

I've had an annoying pocket door that won't open all the way and closes leaving a big gap at the top. Had I known it would be this easy to fix, I wouldn't have waited SIX YEARS! Thank you for an awesome video that describes everything so well (including to cut a space large enough for the drill!). This will be my weekend project, thanks so much!

Kathy

Mar 7, at 7:15pm

66Comments

Thank you for taking the time to show us how to do this job the right way.

HOGrider

Feb 28, at 11:28pm

66Comments

Nice informative video on the pocket door. One thing not mentioned was replacing the guide at the bottom of the door. It keeps the bottom of the door sliding straight and is located inside the wall and seemingly impossible to get to. There must be some special type of tool to remove and replace it.

10minutestosledge

Feb 10, at 1:40am

66Comments

I've been doing this for 30 plus years and always fun to see another craftsman doing it right.. Keep teaching em Ron.

Dave Thompson

Feb 4, at 2:13pm

66Comments

Excellent piece Ron. I need to do just this and I think I can...now with your guidance. Once again, thank you!

Ohpee916

Feb 4, at 2:28am

66Comments

Ron. you make every job look fun and that's the way it should be.

Daniel.

Feb 3, at 7:25pm

66Comments

One thing I've noticed is that anytime you do drywall work, you always patch and then sand smooth. My guess is that you don't have textured walls. Out here in CA, everyone seems to have textured walls, which makes drywall work tougher. It's always hit or miss with me trying to match the texture, especially if patching a wall/ceiling that has lots of layers of paint. Perhaps you can do a video on this.

John

Feb 3, at 7:21pm

66Comments

Plaster is a whole different beast than drywall. No, it won't cut like drywall. But you can remove the plaster, then lath that holds it. If smooth surfaced plaster, you can just replace with drywall, if textured, use thinner drywall and plaster over it for the texture. Quite a bit more work to finish it up.

Rich E

Feb 3, at 5:43pm

66Comments

Assuming the tile doesn't go all the way between two rooms and under the door, removing the tile that extends to the threshold under the door would be the easiest. Remove enough to put finishing strip or just grout for the edge and your door will work. Otherwise, if you can get the door out even a little bit (1/16 or more, with careful use of a flattish saw, japanese type, or even a hacksaw blade), you could cut a little, knock it away, pull door out more, cut more, etc. and repeat 'til the door is short enough to pull out. LOTS of tedious work though and you will have to be careful not to scratch the tile put a piece of thin wood on top of tile, that'll give a bit more clearance fo the door when done as well). Finally, if you have or can get identical replacement floor tiles, just remove the ones at the threshold, open/remove the door and shorten to clear, then replace the tiles. Good luck.

Rich E

Feb 3, at 5:40pm

66Comments

If you can't find the original manufacturer of the rails, try any mfg that makes similar and call, email or write them. Otherwise, there ARE very flat wrenches available for purchase from specialty tool places. Or pick up a cheap wrench and use a grinder (bench or angle) to slim it to the size you need.

Rich E

Feb 3, at 5:34pm

66Comments

Very nice, thanks for showing the insides of the pocket door.

Now I'd like to replace a door with a pocket door, and might even tackle it with this new knowledge!

For those that live in S. CA, or other places where smooth walls are NOT the norm, and the texturing varies all over the place, depending on who panted/finished that room last, I've not found a really good way to finish off the patch to the drywall to match. Ah well, life is full of challenges.

Rich E

Feb 3, at 5:32pm

66Comments

I would always pass on this project in the past. Now that I see that the new hardware is adjustable,.......piece of cake. Thanks Ron

Dave

Feb 3, at 4:13pm

66Comments

Awesome job and always real work and detail. The best.

Orikney

Feb 3, at 3:18pm

66Comments

Thanks Ron; I get several requests to repair doors, wheather the pocket, or swing style. The cutting out the drywall along a wall has always ben the issue as most customers are squemish of the repair. Your solution of not useing tape was a great help ,as I can use a fast drying mud and cut the repair time down considerably. the thickness of the wooden strips used, and the drywall screws legnth will be applicable as to the particular structure. As I said, Thanks ever so much for showing this repair.

goldwinner

Feb 3, at 12:43pm

66Comments

Darren
I would like to be able to watch a step by step complete install of a pocket door . But Ron you are the greatest . especially your quotes for the day . signed weekend warrior .

Darren

Feb 3, at 10:49am

66Comments

i love pocket doors but i wish i had a dime for everyone i had to remove when renovating old buildings. i didn't relish doing it either!!!!

Richard Crowley

Feb 3, at 10:47am

66Comments

Thanks Ron for this video, I have 4 of these doors and I had no idea on how to get them out to repair them. Now I know, Tom

Tom

Feb 3, at 10:44am

66Comments

Thanks for the video on pocket doors. I have a pocket door that cannot be used because a previous owner tiled the floor and thus tiled the pocket door into its box. I have been wondering how to correct this problem. Now I have to decide if I need to just replace the tile in the door area or remove the pocket door, sand the bottom to clear the tile and put the door back. Anyone have any suggestions on which course of action would be the easiest, cheapest and best?

Mary

Feb 3, at 8:28am

66Comments

Sounds like everyone got all of the steps, but there are some missing this time around. You said it was tricky to make the shallow indent, then the video stopped and there were no more. Where can I find the remaining videos??

LakeladyP

Feb 3, at 2:22am

66Comments

May God Bless you, Ron! You are a smart man and make everything seem very do-able, You give me pep and energy to attack these endless chores. Thanks!

Rita Rivera

Feb 3, at 1:36am

66Comments

Great video. But as I get down to details. I anticipate two issue not addressed in the video.

First, when I look at the specs for a Johnson Hardward kit like Ron used; it'll require 3-1/4 'vertical space versus ~1-3/4 for the old hardware (which looks a lot like what Ron removed). Could Ron have cut ~ 1-1/2'' off the door and not have told us? ;=)

Secondly, can I put the new wheels in backwards on the rail? e.g. with the two wheels on wrong side. If so, I'll surely get it wrong first try. Instructions from Johnson may answer this.

If anyone has encounter either, I'd appreciate feedback. House guest coming and they'll want to close the half bath door!

Richard in Buda, TX 12/22/12

R. Sansbury

Dec 22, at 8:27pm

66Comments

This is EXACTLY the type of door I want to fit in the spare bedroom to give more room inside! Please will you come and fit this for me! hahaha! ;)

Lucy Greenfield

Oct 27, at 5:40pm

66Comments

Hi Fausta,

We recommend using Angie's List to locate a contractor in your area. In the promo code on Angie's List you can type in RonHazelton to receive a discount.

Good luck with your project,

Emily Lyman
Ron Hazelton Team

Emily Lyman

Oct 5, at 7:21pm

66Comments

Excellant video, My hat is off to you.

John Clark

Sep 24, at 12:06pm

66Comments

I haven't read all the comments but someone has pointed out that the door has been shaven or trimmed on the jamb side (closing) and another very important point you left from the video is where you repair the wall. You made no mention of using no more than 1" to 1 1/4" maximum screw length when repairing the drywall. Any longer of a screw will result in scratching the door when it is pushed back into the wall and then even more scratching it when closing it. And you should also mention not to use more than a 1/2" to 3/4" thick board for the backing on the drywall reapir otherwise there will be contact with the door as well. Great informative video otherwise.
Don
Don@palmerbayne.com
http://www.palmerbayne.com
Bayne Junction Woodworks

don

Sep 20, at 12:10pm

66Comments

some should make some hi quality low profile wheels that could be put under the door and make the repair much easier without having to cut the hole in the wall.

ken

Aug 13, at 3:56pm

66Comments

Excellent video. I've had to endure a broken pocket door for years and this step-by-step instruction will be a big help toward finally getting this fixed. Thanks!

Peter Bernhardt

Jul 22, at 10:52am

66Comments

Well this video gives me hope that I can tackle this job myself. What have I got to lose in trying, it doesn't work well now. So I must say you've given me the motivation to at least try. Just need to buy a saw and a few tools. Thanks for the insight

Donna

Jul 16, at 2:34am

66Comments

It seems that there are a few steps missing here...I notice that the new wheels have to be installed in the track before it is installed, a rather important detail that seems to be missing. Also, the face of the door appears to have been sanded or planed at some point during the process, a step which wasn't mentioned at all. Many of the tips here are really excellent, but if the process is incomplete, it could lead to frustration on the part of people following the video.

Wesley

Jun 15, at 11:00am

66Comments

I really like the video,we need to install similar door for master bath ,could you please give me estimation... Thanks in advance.

Padma

May 25, at 9:33am

66Comments

Fantastic video. I have a 60 year old house and was wondering how on earth I can repaint the doors... I couldn't see a way to remove them. Now I see I have to remove the molding. Brilliant! Thanks. But now you've tempted me to replace the hardware too... my little project is growing! :-)

Paul

May 14, at 12:50pm

66Comments

Perfect! Thank you very much. Great video and exactly what I needed!

Angela Pearce-Jordan

May 2, at 1:34am

66Comments

Thanks Ron.Your Video was very helpful and demonstration very eye opening.

Jay Nayee

Apr 29, at 7:51pm

66Comments

Thanks Ron for fantastic video! Now I have to convince my wife it is ok to put a large hole in our wall. Our house is 60 years old and has plaster walls not drywall. I hope plaster is just as easy to cut through as the drywall in your video. Any tips for this?

David Tessier

Apr 14, at 7:55pm

66Comments

Great video & so completely explained through each step. Thanks

Ivan John

Apr 6, at 1:31pm

66Comments

This was very helpful and informative. By far, the best instruction video I found on the internet. Following these instructions made the job as easy as possible.

Mark

Mar 30, at 2:25am

66Comments

Thanks for your information: I need a wrench to adjust the hang screws for my pocket door. Tried the local boxs stores and Ace Hardware they dont have the wrench. My system has the heavy duty rails like the one you showed on the video. Appreciate your info on where to buy. Thank you Don.

Don

Feb 13, at 7:18pm

66Comments

That was an awesome video. You did a great job. I like the remote control van access!

Ted Miller

Feb 11, at 11:34am

66Comments

Awesome... you made the project look so easy! I truly enjoyed watching your video. Thanks for the teaching.

Ahmet @ WPR, LLC

Feb 5, at 2:07pm

66Comments

Exactly what I was looking for, great info.

bob baptiste

Jan 31, at 8:59pm

66Comments

Nice video, watching you work was a pleasure! You are a pro!

Ron

Jan 16, at 4:17pm

66Comments

Great videos! Very informative and easy to follow! I am now armed with "know how knowledge " and ready to tackle the task! Thanks.

Roland

Jan 9, at 12:07am

66Comments

Thanks for the videos, Ron. My door was slightly different, but your videos were just what I needed to see what I had to do to remove/replace a jammed/twisted roller. I was able to complete the repair with the minimum steps necessary to get it done, and with confidence in what I was doing. Thanks again!

Richard

Dec 27, at 8:23pm

66Comments

Thank you very much... This video was well produced and was very informative!

Eddy

Dec 6, at 12:05pm

66Comments

Ron, Thanks so much for your step by step instructions. They give me hope that my pockets doors can be repaired--although not by me. Can you please recommend a company that repairs pocket doors in the West Palm Beach, FL area? My family and I would be much obliged. Thanks, Fausta

Fausta Nazaire

Dec 1, at 1:48pm

66Comments

Installing pocket doors for the first time...and know i need quality rails. Anyone able to recommend quality rails for smooth and quiet operation? leaning towards Johnson 200 series

pixelrogue

Nov 21, at 9:20pm

66Comments

Great video. It really helped me.

Tom Petersen

Nov 19, at 7:30pm

66Comments

Need a pocket door repaired. Screws pulled out. In Venice, Fl. Who can we call?

Lori Blakesley

Nov 7, at 2:17pm

66Comments

Hi Terry: Have not put the hook in yet. The door has a latch built in for traction but pulling on that does not work. I am dealing with some water in my basement which is a higher priority but will get to the door soon.

Dick

Nov 3, at 12:23pm

66Comments

I have two comments. Ron, how long did it take to do the project? And, to Dick in Seattle, did you insert the hook "pull" and did that work? Ron, thanks for the great tips. Terry in Seattle

Terry

Nov 2, at 5:13pm

66Comments

Good work, and some of your steps were simple, but well thought out. Your explanations were complete and easy to follow. Thanks for all of your preparations and follow through.

Ron Woods

Nov 1, at 11:40am

66Comments

I have a pocket door stuck open (in the wall). If I open the wall, I still would not be able to access the upper track. It is possible that by doing this, I might free it but suppose it remains stuck. Have you any suggestions for this dilemma. Can I just drill a hole in the end, screw in a hook and pull away with all of my and my friends heft? Thanks, Dick in Seattle

Richard Bensinger

Oct 31, at 12:28pm

66Comments

Ron, You do make this look easy, but I can see from one of the posts that the door may not swing away. I have two pocket doors and one is not working well. This doesn't look like a single female job, not sure I shoud tackle this, wish there was a way to fix without making a hole in the wall, that intimidates me . . . A bunch! Deb

Deb

Oct 30, at 8:43pm

66Comments

Great detail in this video! Very helpful thanks.

Dan Blaine

Oct 30, at 3:47pm

66Comments

Thanks Ron, for that very helpful video! I've always been somewhat intimidated by those pocket doors. This will be very helpful in the future. Thanks too for your helpful and kind presentation manner. Keep up the good work.

Bob

Oct 30, at 1:30pm

66Comments

what kind of compound did you use to repair that hole for the pocket door that didn't reqire tape..thanks..Jerry

JERRY G EDWARDS

Oct 30, at 11:41am

66Comments

I did this job on 4 pocket doors in my previous home and it worked out great. In two rooms, I was able to cover the patched wall with wallpaper. A third cutout was hidden behind a kitchen upper cabinet. The other cutout was in a bath that was being remodeled with the walls retextured so the cutout was hidden. I would add that a major problem for me was the guide at the bottom of the door in the pocket side. These had to be removed during the dismantling process and I bought new ones online. Also, it was easier to just replace everything - the tracks, the doors (the old style, flat, non - panel doors), and all of the moding. More work and more cost, but when it was done it really upgraded the look of the house.

Gary

Oct 30, at 9:06am

66Comments

Great. Now maybe you can tell me how to put in a storm door where part of the jam where the frame would be screwed on is covered by stucco? I don't want to mess up the exterior stucco and there isn't enough room to mount the frame with out doing so. I don't want to add wood to the frame which would not be unattractive. Any ideas? I cold not get any answers from the folks at Home Depot.

Raymond Bass

Oct 30, at 12:10am

66Comments

it must be a true pleasure to have countless tools,free i'm sure, to have at your disposal. not to mention many experts that actually know how to do the varied projects you supposidly tackle with ease and no snags. get real and make thiseyes site something the average homeowner can do with knowing what to expect. hbr.

harry ross

Oct 29, at 11:48pm

66Comments

When replacing the cut-out piece of wallboard, make sure and use screws short enough that they won't protrude through the support boards into the space for the door.

Gary

Oct 13, at 2:09pm

66Comments

Great video. Very clear and easy to understand.

Lien

Sep 17, at 5:03am

66Comments

My pocket door won't tilt out even after the molding is removed because it is wider than the opening. Should I remove/cut the leading roller so that I can pull the door our and pivot on the inside bracket?

Greg

Aug 12, at 12:31pm

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