Closet Doors ARGH!

You can convert bi fold doors into sliding doors. You buy a sliding closet door track and install it. If you have 2doors on each side, take a piece of plywwod (a strip ) and ssrew to both doors to make one then put the hardware on. Most sliding door hardware comes with instructions. A better solution is to replace them with a sliding mirror door it makes the room look bigger and brighter.

Its a common problem stateside as well. Its just not a good system. If you own I would invest in a new system, you need tracks on top and bottom and even then they will get worn out. A real interior door is best but they have all sorts of other options even on the islands. If you rent I would just take them down and put up a curtain.

I recently removed a pair of sliding glass closet doors and took them to the dumpster because I don't like the way they look. I have 4 sets of the closet doors you describe and haven't had any problems with them. As long as you don't have a rug or something on the floor that obstructs their proper operation, I don't know what to tell you. Maybe the springs you described lost their spring and need replacing to keep pressure on the doors so they don't flop around?

Hate those doors. When we bought our house I took them all down. Bought canvas type grommeted curtains from IKEA for every closet - even the laundry area and it works out great. Not only are they easy to open/close but the closets don't get that musty smell like they did with the doors that don't provide enough ventilation.

Or you can get new bifold hardware.

It's possible the hardware has been replaced over the years, and it's not the right size. If the little "gizmo" that holds in in the track is too small, well....You may need a larger size.

I took the top track down and just let them swing open like a regular door. I put a hook, like an old fashioned screen door hook to hold them together when closed. My closet opening was only 48 inches, (with 2 -24 inch bi-folds). That might not work too well on a larger door.

christineg, if you look at the top you will probably see a wide headed Phillips screw. Loosen the screw slightly and move the door closer to the frame (side) and tighten screw. if it binds against the side when you open/close it, you will have to move it back out a little and look at the bottom. there you should see a slotted bracket with holes in it. lift the door and move it away from the frame 1 or 2 holes. you may have to play with both till you get it right. Good luck!
Matt

You beat me to it Matt!

I hate these doors too... I have the same adjustments on my laundry room doors but just can't get it right. The doors always swing open.

Thanks everyone. I will try the suggestions and cross my fingers they work 🙂

Bi-fold doors can have their problems, but they do allow broader access to the closet than do sliding bypass doors.

The better type of bi-fold door hardware employs wheeled hangers that resemble rollerskates. They don't bind and catch like the cheaper peg/plastic thingies.

Example: http://jhusa.net/111fd.aspx