How to make metal folding doors slide better?
I have some metal closet doors, original to the 1979 house. I removed them from my pantry when that wall was knocked down and they were in my garage for quite a while until I put them on another closet. They have a bit of rust on them which I'm getting ready to remove and paint over. I read online that using oil to smooth the gliding isn't a good idea because the oil would accumulate dirt, cat hair, etc., and that a silicone product would do better. If so, WHAT product should I look for?
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WD-40 makes a silicone lubricant. There's also another one called, Blaster. Check in your local home improvement store.
Hi Louise, Your big box home improvement tore will have silicone spray which will help to keep the metal doors sliding in the metal track. Silicone spray was also recommended to me to use on the overhead garage door metal tracks rather than an oi which will eventually become gummy over time. Hope this helps!
Spray-dry lubricant, silicone tape, paste wax, candle wax, or even a sheet of wax paper can get the job done.
Use dry graphite powder. It also comes in a spray can version. Blaster is one brand, which Ann mentioned.
WD 40 makes a silicone spray. You can get it online or at hardware or auto parts stores. That's where we usually pick it up.
here is some info for you
https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-fix-stubborn-bifold-closet-doors/
Hi Louise, we use WD-40 on all our doors. You can get more info about the product here - https://www.wd40.com/products/silicone-lubricant/
White lithium spray grease is what we have found to work best on metal. We used it rather extensively at the industrial equipment dealership I worked for many years. It won't build up and leave a rust inhibiting barrier for protection against corrosion.
Whatever your cleaning approach, first make sure that the track is clean and dry before you move on to applying a silcone lubricant to help the door slide better. Lubricant after you know that the track is free of debris and dirt.
Remember too much lube and it can attract dirt and grime.
Clean your door tracks very well, then spray with a silicon lubricant spray, in a case like yours, less is better because it will attract particles from it's environment.
Any type of grease will attract contaminates. Best to clean the sliding parts well and put a bit of Vaseline on the slides.
A spray silicone is what you’d be looking for. It’ll be right by the WD40 at the store.
I have used a candle on the tracks. The wax makes the doors glide smoothly and doesn't make a mess.