Sliding Gate and Door Hardware

The wheel is chosen according to the profile it runs on, which may have a half-round or a V groove, and according to the weight of the gate. A wheel whose groove does not match the profile slips or jumps off the track. Measure the section of the profile before buying and check the declared load capacity of each wheel.

The anodised aluminium monorail supports the gate from above, while the bottom guide steers it at ground level. Many gates use both: the monorail carries the weight, and the guide below limits the swing of the leaf. The choice depends on the type of leaf and the space available for installation.

To replace a worn roller you need to lift the leaf with a jack or with the help of another person, then remove the carriage and fit the new wheel. Use a replacement with the same diameter and the same type of groove. If the gate is heavy, do not work under the raised leaf when it is supported only by the jack.

Buffers and stops limit the travel of the gate at both ends, stopping the leaf from running off the guide. They must be positioned so that the leaf stops before the point where it would come out, and fixed firmly to the profile. Check that they are tight after every maintenance job, because vibrations can loosen them.

Check that the guide is straight, level and firmly fixed to the ground, because even a slight slope makes the leaf run badly. Check that the weight of the gate is compatible with the carriages and wheels chosen, and that the movement is smooth by hand before fitting any motorisation.

The safety cable holds the leaf in the event of a guide or sliding element breaking, preventing it from coming off the track. It must be fixed to the gate and to a firmly anchored point, without tensioning it excessively. Inspect it periodically, because a worn cable loses effectiveness.

Steel carriages, such as items 103 and 105, are designed for heavier leaves and more intensive use than the single-wheel carriage, which is intended for light leaves. The load must be checked against the real weight of the leaf, and the carriage must be chosen together with the guide that receives it. A carriage unsuited to the weight wears out wheels and bearings sooner.

The rustic kit for a sliding leaf includes the components needed to make a wooden or iron leaf slide, with a guide and carriages to be matched. It is for those building a custom gate or door. Check that the parts of the kit match the width and weight of the leaf before starting installation.