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How to fix a jammed cavity sliding door

You can do it yourself.
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Looking for ways to fix your sliding door? Don’t put off this easy task any longer as it’s a quick fix.

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Cavity sliders save space and are easy to use but can jam with old rollers or buildup of dust over time, then problems begin. Here’s how you can simply fix that sticky slider.

How to fix a sliding door

How to fix a jammed sliding door

Gather your supplies

Here’s how

Step 1

Step 1
Step 1
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Locate the screws in the bottom edge of the pelmets that hide the door track. Using a drill with screw bit, remove screws holding pelmets on both sides of the cavity slider and set pelmets aside.

Step 2

Step 2
Step 2

Loosen the nuts on both rollers using an adjustable spanner until door feels like it can be lifted off its runners.

Step 3

Step 3
Step 3
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Lift door off runners and set aside. Clean track to remove any buildup of dust.

Step 4

Step 4

Inspect runners for damage and if unrepairable, take to hardware store to get correct replacements.

Step 5

Step 6
Step 5
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When runners are fixed or replaced, insert them back into tracks in the same location as before.

Step 6

Step 6

Position door onto the runners and test they fit and roll smoothly.

Step 7

Tighten the nuts on both runners. Check again that the door runs freely. Adjust accordingly.

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Step 8

Reattach the pelmets to hide the door track. Touch up with paint if necessary.

Frequently asked questions answered by our DIY editor

How do you fix a hard to push sliding door?

Clean out the door track and apply WD40 to the rail. Open and close a few times to distribute the oil across the track and runners.

What causes the sliding door to get stuck? 

Dirt and debris is the most common cause, so clean and oil the rail first. If it’s still stuck, the likely cause are damaged runners that are easy to replace.

Why is my new sliding door hard to open?

After installing your door, lubricate the rail with WD40. This will allow it to open and close easily and without force.

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