sliding door track problems

[harleydude777]

Happy New Year. I am trying to figure out the "plastic" track if you want to call it, that runs the length on the bottom of our sliding main entry door on an IG-36. Attached are some pics that I hope will help understand what I am trying to do.

It is broken into a few pieces for the entire run which I am guessing at close to 3 ft. Currently it is a pain in the A$$ to open and close the door and was wondering if anyone else with an IG has had to replace this plastic/acrylic slide run, not even sure how to look for it or what it would be called. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[DDW]

Never looked at an IG, but isn't that just a square or rectangular section piece of plastic stuck in a wood trough? If so it would be easy to source and replace. I'd look for High (or Ultra High) molecular weight polyethylene, often abbreviated UHMWPE or HMWPE. You can find a variety at McMaster-Carr. The square sections are commonly called "bar" stock. It can be ripped to size on an ordinary table saw. That will be easier to do if you buy say a 1" wide piece of the right thickness.

 

[Diep]

If you go the route of replacing with UHMW, try looking for one with MDS (molybdenum disulfide). It is self-lubricating. "Nylatron" is a trade name.

 

[DDW]

Nylatron would be a polyamide (or nylon) not a polyethylene, but would also be a good choice and might be a little more resistant to damage.

 

[SteveK]

Nylatron would be a polyamide (or nylon) not a polyethylene, but would also be a good choice and might be a little more resistant to damage.

Is that the product used in skating rinks off ice? We topped a snowmobile deck with that and wow did they slide on/off. adjustments were easy as well.

 

[Comodave]

I made a sliding door out of 1” Starboard and made the track out of UHMW plastic. It slid very nicely.

 

[DDW]

Nylon usually has about 50% higher friction than UHMWPE, but the MDS filled 6/6 varieties get down to about the same coefficient of friction. Nylon is stronger and tougher, and also more expensive. I think either would be good for this. McMaster also has MDS filled nylon.

 

[harleydude777]

Thank you for the inputs. now to find a place close to the FL. Key's that I can get a fine ripped piece of the Nylatron or UHMW plastic that will fit. 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. by 4.5 ft might be hard to ship? will look and see. Thanks again.

 

[Diep]

Get a 1/4 x 1" x 2' shipped to you should be pretty cheap. Then you just need to find a carpenter who will make 3 rips on the table saw for a 6 pack...