Rolling metal gate roller stuck and won't turn
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Rolling metal gate roller stuck and won't turn
I have a 22' long rolling gates (metal) and for no apparent reason the gate no longer slide easy today.
The gate is sitting on two metal rollers that rolls on a metal track.
On top the gate is being constrained by a set of horizontal rollers mounted to the 24"X24" concrete gate post.
In observing the rollers I noticed one of the rollers are not turning when I open or close the gate. I squirt some WD40 on that roller and slide it forward and backwards, no difference.
I then put a few pieces of 2Xs under the gate and raised the rollers off the track. I tried to turn the roller by hand, one turns the other does not, seems to be stuck.
Not sure if some debris got into it, or may be the pin was bent, or some other reasons but the roller does not turn.
So next step I was going to take the roller off and see if I can unstuck it. Well it does not look like it is meant to come apart. I thought one side was a hex socket but it's round. So the rollers are an integrated part of the gate, welded on?
The gate is sitting on two metal rollers that rolls on a metal track.
On top the gate is being constrained by a set of horizontal rollers mounted to the 24"X24" concrete gate post.
In observing the rollers I noticed one of the rollers are not turning when I open or close the gate. I squirt some WD40 on that roller and slide it forward and backwards, no difference.
I then put a few pieces of 2Xs under the gate and raised the rollers off the track. I tried to turn the roller by hand, one turns the other does not, seems to be stuck.
Not sure if some debris got into it, or may be the pin was bent, or some other reasons but the roller does not turn.
So next step I was going to take the roller off and see if I can unstuck it. Well it does not look like it is meant to come apart. I thought one side was a hex socket but it's round. So the rollers are an integrated part of the gate, welded on?
#3
Member
If they were 'just working yesterday' but then stopped suddenly, there MIGHT be a pebble or piece of wood jammed between the roller wheel and the bracket.
They're also really rusted, so I'd start with some penetrating oil, and probably a propane torch to heat the metal, see if that expands the bracket enough to let the pebble or wood un-jam.
They're also really rusted, so I'd start with some penetrating oil, and probably a propane torch to heat the metal, see if that expands the bracket enough to let the pebble or wood un-jam.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Not sure what to make of it.
After a day, it is stuck and not turning again. Finally I piece together the clues and it turned out that it was stuck after the flood water receded after hurricane Nicole, then when a week later another rain storm came through, it started to turn again, and when the weather got better, it became stuck again.
Before that it was rolling fine for the two years I have owned the property. One day one of the rollers just decide to not turn, and it happened to be after the ground was flooded then dried up. Then a second time. Knowing that, I took a garden hose and just shot some water at the roller from all directions. It worked. Then the next day, it doesn't again.
Not sure why.
I also felt around the bottom of the gate where the rollers are, no bolts.
I tried to take a picture, but the clearance is low and the lighting not optimum, but here is a picture of where the top of the roller meets the bottom of the steel gate, looks like they are welded together. Look around for a manufacturer sticker or stamp, nothing.
I will try to get better pictures, this one really doesn't show much.
After a day, it is stuck and not turning again. Finally I piece together the clues and it turned out that it was stuck after the flood water receded after hurricane Nicole, then when a week later another rain storm came through, it started to turn again, and when the weather got better, it became stuck again.
Before that it was rolling fine for the two years I have owned the property. One day one of the rollers just decide to not turn, and it happened to be after the ground was flooded then dried up. Then a second time. Knowing that, I took a garden hose and just shot some water at the roller from all directions. It worked. Then the next day, it doesn't again.
Not sure why.
I also felt around the bottom of the gate where the rollers are, no bolts.
I tried to take a picture, but the clearance is low and the lighting not optimum, but here is a picture of where the top of the roller meets the bottom of the steel gate, looks like they are welded together. Look around for a manufacturer sticker or stamp, nothing.
I will try to get better pictures, this one really doesn't show much.
#5
Group Moderator
I would replace the roller. There is probably debris or rust jamming it intermittently. If you can't remove the axel pin so you can replace the wheel and it's bearing/bushing the whole assembly will have to be cut off of the gate frame. The gate will have to be lifted or removed an laid on its side so you can get at the welds with an angle grinder. Grind off the welds. If you can't get all the weld off remove most of it then use a cold chisel and hammer to break it free. Then a new bracket and roller can be welded in place.
#6
Member
Have you checked the roller for a hole to its bore for adding lubricant at the axle? If replacing the roller/bracket, get one with removable axle. Have machine shop drill hole axially (depth half the length of axle)in center of axle and tap for grease fitting. Have the shop drill a hole vertically that intersects axial hole so greasing can lubricate the roller/axle interface. Using a grease gun regularly should minimize friction problems.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
The gate will have to be lifted or removed an laid on its side so you can get at the welds with an angle grinder.
Does not appear the axel pin can be removed. I may be able to slide a thin sawzall blade between the roller and the bracket to cut the pin off to remove the roller but not sure how I would put a new roller on unless they have rollers that can be remounted with simple hand tools.
#8
would likely just buy some replacement rollers the same size drill clear through the tubing and bolt on replacements and grind off the old ones that has been welded on and repaint another option would be to grind off the old ones and reweld new rollers but this may leave you with the same problem down the road if it locks up not really easy to replace since it was welded on.
#9
More than likely there is a bushing inside that has worn away and you now have metal on metal that has rusted solid.
Your best fix is to install new rollers. It's also possible to grind the end of the shaft off, it's attached like a rivet with the metal peened over, which will get the wheel and shaft off but now you have to find a bolt in shaft and bushing?
I would think fence repairs like this would be relatively common in your area and not something terribly expensive.
Your best fix is to install new rollers. It's also possible to grind the end of the shaft off, it's attached like a rivet with the metal peened over, which will get the wheel and shaft off but now you have to find a bolt in shaft and bushing?
I would think fence repairs like this would be relatively common in your area and not something terribly expensive.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the reply. So far I have not been able to get a repair quote as no one wants to repair it.
Have contacted a few gate/fence companies who does metal, and they didn't want to even come look at it. Some had me sent photos via text. Pretty standard reply was "I suggest installing a new gate as the cost to remove the existing gate, removing the rollers and installing new rollers. A new gate is probably around $2000 and to repair this one probably $1500 and your existing one may be half rusted".
The issue with removing the old gate is that it is constrained on the top with the inverted U shaped bracket.
This bracket is mounted on a concrete column/post using concrete set nails. So once removed the bracket cannot be mounted in the same location where the holes are. I do not see how this gate can be removed otherwise.
I think I can remove the rollers myself with a sawzall and grinder and leaving the welded brackets alone by propping the gate up using some 2X4s. I don't know if I can find retrofit rollers to be mounted next to the existing ones, some that would fit with a bolt through...
Have contacted a few gate/fence companies who does metal, and they didn't want to even come look at it. Some had me sent photos via text. Pretty standard reply was "I suggest installing a new gate as the cost to remove the existing gate, removing the rollers and installing new rollers. A new gate is probably around $2000 and to repair this one probably $1500 and your existing one may be half rusted".
The issue with removing the old gate is that it is constrained on the top with the inverted U shaped bracket.
This bracket is mounted on a concrete column/post using concrete set nails. So once removed the bracket cannot be mounted in the same location where the holes are. I do not see how this gate can be removed otherwise.
I think I can remove the rollers myself with a sawzall and grinder and leaving the welded brackets alone by propping the gate up using some 2X4s. I don't know if I can find retrofit rollers to be mounted next to the existing ones, some that would fit with a bolt through...
#11
I think it's going to be difficult to find pieces to replace just the wheels, they were not designed to be serviceable.
Assuming new wheels are going to be welded, that top U-bracket just gets cut in half and re-welded back in place.
If you ever wanted justification for a little pocket mig welder I'd say you have it!
Assuming new wheels are going to be welded, that top U-bracket just gets cut in half and re-welded back in place.
If you ever wanted justification for a little pocket mig welder I'd say you have it!
Last edited by Marq1; 11-29-22 at 11:36 AM.
#12
see amazon has 3 inch and 3.5 inch sliding gate rollers similar to what is on yours but would also be concerned about how bad the metal is on your existing gate as you do have quite a lot of rust around your existing rollers but it may be in better shape if the rollers was moved to another location part of the rust is likely from welding the existing rollers on and not sealing it well.
have you tried just getting a welder to come out to look at it I do not think it would be that difficult to c clamp on some new rollers and weld them without removing the gate removing the old ones would likely be a little more difficult, but they could cut it off and leave the top portion.
have you tried just getting a welder to come out to look at it I do not think it would be that difficult to c clamp on some new rollers and weld them without removing the gate removing the old ones would likely be a little more difficult, but they could cut it off and leave the top portion.
#13
Group Moderator
Do you have any friends who do metal fabrication or welding. Or, try contacting a welding shop instead of a fence/gate company. It's a pretty simple job but it does require the skills and tools for working with metal. Cut that U bracket on top. Remove or lift gate so you have room to work on the bottom. Cut off old rollers. Weld on new rollers. Reinstall gate. Weld U shape bracket back into place. Go crazy with can of black paint.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
I measured the bottom tubing of the gate and it's 2"X2".
I am quite confident I can raise the gate off a few inches with 2X4s.
Then I can use an angle grinder or a sawzall to remove the existing axle and remove the roller. If I remove both rollers, may be I can fit new rollers at a slightly different locations along the bottom rail?
I wonder if they make rollers like this? The red part is supposed to match the width of the bottom railing which is 2".
If I can find something like this, fit that over the bottom of the gate, and weld from the two sides?
If not available I might have to get a standard one modified at a machine shop?
That way it can be done without removal of the gate at all just need to raise it a few inches.
I am quite confident I can raise the gate off a few inches with 2X4s.
Then I can use an angle grinder or a sawzall to remove the existing axle and remove the roller. If I remove both rollers, may be I can fit new rollers at a slightly different locations along the bottom rail?
I wonder if they make rollers like this? The red part is supposed to match the width of the bottom railing which is 2".
If I can find something like this, fit that over the bottom of the gate, and weld from the two sides?
If not available I might have to get a standard one modified at a machine shop?
That way it can be done without removal of the gate at all just need to raise it a few inches.
#16
Removing the wheels from the bottom of the gate with only a few extra inches of room is going to be a big PITA. Not a Sawzall kind of job, angle grinder for sure.
You really dont need that channel as the wheels could just be welded to the tube from the side which may be needed anyway depending on the condition of that bottom tube.
I understand the desire to not remove but this just looks like one of those jobs that you need to get the thing taken apart, layed on some sawhorses to allow enough room to get to the bottom were all the work is needed.
Last thing you want is a half azz job that has to then be removed a second time to do it right!
You really dont need that channel as the wheels could just be welded to the tube from the side which may be needed anyway depending on the condition of that bottom tube.
I understand the desire to not remove but this just looks like one of those jobs that you need to get the thing taken apart, layed on some sawhorses to allow enough room to get to the bottom were all the work is needed.
Last thing you want is a half azz job that has to then be removed a second time to do it right!