My aluminum door is dragging on the threshold
If your aluminum door is dragging on the threshold, your bottom pivot is probably shot and needs replacing. However to fix the door temporarily and get vertical adjustment on an aluminum door you can go to your local hardware store and buy some three sided washers. They come in a wide variety of sizes and only cost about $1.50 each. You will between a ½ and a ¾ inch washer (inside measurements), depending on how big the pin on the pivot is. You should get 2 or 3 of them to do the job, anymore and the door will hit the head jamb (you jacked it up too far). You will need a small flat bar or pry bar, a wedge and a hammer.
1. First you put the flat bar under the door above the threshold.
2. Then push down, picking the door up to the desired height and inserts the wedge to keep the door there.
3. Use the hammer to pop the washers under the pivot and above the threshold to the desired height.
4. Push down on the flat bar picking up the door and remove the wedge.
5. Then let the door down to sit on the washers.
6. Check the door to see if it is operating well and you’re finished.
7. If the door still scrubs then go back to step 1 and add more washers.
We do not recommend more than 3 washers because if your door is sagging more the 3/8 of an inch something is very wrong with the door and the pivots are the least of your worries. This usually indicates a lot of settling in the frame or storefront and will require a professional’s attention. Keep in mind this is a temporary fix and will not take the place of a new pivot for long. Maybe a week or two, and then you will have to do it again because the washers work themselves out eventually.
