DIY Network

We have three sliding patio doors in our house. Two of them slide easily but the one in the kitchen is very difficult to open. We keep the tracks clean and greased, but it is the most used door in the house so I am assuming that after 35 years the rollers are just shot.

What is the best way to go about this? Are there any secrets or helpful tips I should know about?

Any advice before DH starts tearing it apart?

After 35 years the rollers are certainly toasted. For most sliding doors, it's a simple thing to replace the rollers - the hardest part is matching up the exact style that you have.

Most sliding doors can be lifted up and removed. Remove the two rollers on the bottom, run down to your nearest home store and find a match (in the hardware department) and you're good to go.

It sounds like something we can handle on my next day off.

I was afraid of discovering one of those "Oh, it would have been a lot easier if you had just...." after we had wrestled the door in and out, so I thought I'd check here first.

Thanks Jaybee.

Also you said you greased the door. No form of grease or oil should be used. It will attract the dirt and hold it in place.
Use spray silicone for this job.

quote:

Originally posted by joecaption:
Also you said you greased the door. No form of grease or oil should be used. It will attract the dirt and hold it in place.
Use spray silicone for this job.

Not to mention dog hair!!

Joe, can I give you a big fat wet kiss!?!

I've been losing this arguement to DH since day one. It's nice to have some one back me up.

First the poor guy looses an arguement, then you want to give some strange guy a kiss. Boy your husbands having a really bad day. LOL