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Shorten a Bifold Door

NickNukeEm's picture

Shorten a Bifold Door (post #92277)

NickNukeEm on Sat, 04/26/2003 - 22:25
in

Anyone have a good feel for how much you can cut down a masonite bifold door?  From the top or bottom, or both?


I have  a potential client that needs all the doors to his closets replaced, and he spec'd primed and painted masonite units.  The house has non-standard door openings, so some of the doors need to be cut down anywhere from 1/2 to 1 3/4".  The 1/2" is probably more doable than the 1 3/4", but thought someone might have firsthand knowledge by how much you can cut these things down .


Thanks.


 


I never met a tool I didn't like!

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

-A +A

(post #92277, reply #1 of 6)

by CAGIV in reply to NickNukeEm [original] on Sat, 04/26/2003 - 23:43

Why can't you shorten them to the desired height you want then insert a new piece of wood in the bottom to replace the support piece you cut out?


 


KU JayhawkGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues Team Logo

(post #92277, reply #2 of 6)

by DougU in reply to NickNukeEm [original] on Sat, 04/26/2003 - 23:49

Nick


Just did some on my house and you cant cut much more than the 1/2" that you suggested. If you cut anymore than that you will have to do like CAG said and replace the piece of wood that was in there, there is a hole as you know, that has to be in the right location, other than that you can cut them down as much as you need.


Doug 

(post #92277, reply #3 of 6)

by CAGIV in reply to Anonymous [original] on Sun, 04/27/2003 - 00:00

If you have holes pre-drilled you can take off the top and bottom and use a filler piece on both to make sure the hole stays where it needs to be.


KU JayhawkGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues Team Logo

(post #92277, reply #4 of 6)

by BobKovacs in reply to NickNukeEm [original] on Sun, 04/27/2003 - 00:15

Nick-


The rails on the Masonite doors are getting thinner all the time- only 3/4-1" on the ones I put in my house recently.  Also, even if you only take 1/2" off, the pins that sit in the holes will get loose, since there's only a 1/4" for them to rest in.  I did that on one of mine, and my daughter slammed the door too hard and ripped the pin right thru the bottom rail (and she's only 2...lol). 


I cut out the remaining piece, and slipped in a new piece of 5/4 x 2 stock.  It fit nice and snug with a little glue and gentle persuasion.  You just need to drill it out for the pin afterward (using the old piece as a reference for the location).


Bob

"Brilliance!! That's all I can say- Sheer, unadulterated brilliance!!" Wile E. Coyote- Super Genius

(post #92277, reply #5 of 6)

by RalphWicklund in reply to Anonymous [original] on Sun, 04/27/2003 - 02:48

Manufacturers are also slipping in MDF instead of real wood as rails and stiles. A little hard use and they start to give way, especially if you've cut the doors down a little.

Just read about an aftermarket repair product that might be a good idea to install before repairs are needed. It's called "The Bracket" and is just a pivot reinforcment plate that is attached with a single screw to the top or bottom of the door over the hole before the pivot pin is hammered home. Don't know who makes it but the contact number is 800-343-3275.

(post #92277, reply #6 of 6)

by NickNukeEm in reply to NickNukeEm [original] on Sun, 04/27/2003 - 12:40

Thanks for the replys; I figured it would be like cutting down hollow-core doors, but wanted to make sure.  Guess if I cut them down at all, I'll replace the rails as suggested.


Thanks again.


 


I never met a tool I didn't like!

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.