Sliding Screen Door Repair Tips - The Family Handyman

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Sliding Screen Door Repair Tips

By Family Handyman

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Jun. 03, 2024

Does it feel like you're dragging your sliding screen door through a gravel pit when you open it or doesn't close all the way? You probably don't need to replace the whole door. Just put on some new wheels and give your patio door a quick tuneup. Here's how.

Introduction

Sliding patio screen doors don’t actually slide. They roll on little plastic wheels. And when those wheels wear out or break, the door doesn’t slide or roll — it drags. But putting an end to the drag is no drag at all. Replacing wheels is easy and takes less than an hour.

Does Your Sliding Door Need New Wheels?

To make sure your sliding door actually needs new wheels and the dragging isn't being caused by another issue, first make sure the track for the wheels is clean. Then try adjusting the wheels. If the door still drags, or it’s obvious a wheel is broken, it’s time to replace the wheels and do a patio screen door replacement.

Tools Required

• Hammer
• Needle-nose pliers
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Pliers

Materials Required

• Block of wood

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Lower the door

Turn the adjustment screws counterclockwise to release tension on the wheels and lower the door. There’s an adjustment screw for each wheel near the corners of the door’s frame.

Step 2

Lift the wheel out of the screen door track

Lift one wheel off the screen door track using your finger or a screwdriver. With the wheel raised, pull the corner of the frame out of the track. Do the same at the other corner and then remove the door by pulling it down and out of the upper track.

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Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Sign up Do It Right, Do It Yourself! Step 3

Remove the wheel

Remove the adjustment screw and pull the wheel and spring assembly out of the frame.

Step 4

Install the new wheel screen door roller replacement

Install the new wheel and spring the same way you removed the old one. The adjustment screw goes through a hole in the spring . When the wheels are in place, reinstall the door.

Step 5

Adjust the new wheel

Adjust the door by turning the adjustment screws. Position the door so the frame is about 1/4 in. from the jamb edge. Then turn the screws until the frame is parallel with the jamb edge. The bottom of the frame should be about 1/8 in. above the track.

NOTE: Don’t lubricate the track. The grease or oil will trap grit.

• If the corner assembly screws are accessible, use a screwdriver to make sure they’re tight on the sliding screen door installation.
• Look at the top of the door. Some have wheels at the top as well as the bottom. The top wheels aren’t likely to be worn, but if they are, replace them.