The right roller for your sectional door – quieter, safer, more durable
Ball-bearing rollers guide the door leaf safely along the track. Here we show you how to find the right roller in 2 minutes – Including measuring aid, comparison & verified shop links.
View suitable castors nowWhat rollers do
Rollers are the “quiet adjustment screw” of your sectional door: They guide the panels in the guide rail, minimize friction and prevent jamming. Ball bearings ensure smooth operation – especially when opened frequently in everyday life.
The right roller reduces wear on hinges, roller brackets, and rails. This extends the lifespan of the door. reduces follow-up costs and increases operational reliability.
Typical areas of application
- Sectional garage doors in residential areas
- Commercial & industrial sectional doors (including heavy door leaves)
- Modernizations & repairs (manufacturer-compatible and universal)
How to find the right caster (checklist)
Go through it step by step. With just three or four measurements, you'll be on the safe side – and order the right version right away.
- Check rail dimensions: Standard is 2" (approx. 50 mm inner width); industry often uses 3" (approx. 76 mm).
- Measure shaft/shaft diameter: usually 11 mm , sometimes 12 mm or 14 mm (e.g. some Hörmann solutions).
- Roller diameter: 2" ≈ 46–50 mm (standard), 3" ≈ 75–76 mm (heavy duty/industrial).
- Roller length: short (standard fittings) vs. long (e.g. double fittings, higher loads).
- Fittings & manufacturers: e.g. BR60 (Hörmann), LHR/LL (Crawford), ConDoor – this makes the selection easier.
- Top/double caster? Required for upper panels/hinges or for heavy loads.
Quick decision after deployment
- Private garage, standard door: 2" roller, 11 mm shaft, short/long depending on fitting.
- Wide/heavy door: long or tandem rollers, 3" version if necessary.
- Manufacturer-specific (e.g. BR60, LHR): use the appropriate top/double roller holder.
Measuring aid: We need these measurements
A ruler or caliper is sufficient. Note the measurements and compare them with the product data.
| measure | Designation | Typical values | Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Rail dimension | 2" (≈50 mm) / 3" (≈76 mm) | Measure the inner width of the track |
| B | Shaft diameter | 11 mm / 12 mm / 14 mm | Important for roll holders & holes |
| C | Roll diameter | 2" ≈ 46-50mm / 3" ≈ 75-76mm | Choose to match the rail size |
| D | Total length | short / long | Note double fitting & load bearing |
Comparison: short vs. long, 2" vs. 3", single vs. tandem
The right combination depends on the door size, weight, and hardware. This overview will help you make your selection.
| criterion | option | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| length | short | Standard sectional doors, normal load |
| length | long | Wide gates, double fittings, higher loads |
| Rail dimension | 2" | Private garages & many retrofits |
| Rail dimension | 3" | Heavy-duty & industrial, high cycles |
| Role type | Single louse roll | Standard – low to medium load |
| Role type | Tandem/double roller | Smooth running with heavy doors / LL systems |
| Above | Top/double castor | For upper panels & precise guidance (e.g. BR60, LHR) |
Universal & budget-friendly
Compatible with many manufacturers: 2" wheels with 11 mm shaft in short version – solid quality, fair price. For heavy loads or wide doors, long or tandem versions are recommended.
Practical examples (customers throughout Germany)
Terraced house, 2.5 m garage door: 2" short roller, 11 mm shaft – the door operation is noticeably quieter, and the closing edge runs smoothly in the track.
Logistics hall, 5 m door width: Long tandem roller (LL system) – even load distribution, less wear at high cycle times.
Old system with BR60: Top double roller (left/right) – precise guidance on the upper panel, better adjustment in the final run.
Directly to the matching castors (shop links)
Universal & Standard
- Long heavy castor (2")
- Short roller 10 mm (2")
- 11 mm short roller – standard galvanized (2")
- Short heavy caster 11 mm (2")
- Long roller 11 mm (2")
Industry & Heavy Load
Crawford systems
- Crawford tandem roller, LL system (set)
- Roller for Crawford garage doors
- Top roller holder LHR < 250 kg
- Top roller holder LHR > 250 kg
Hörmann & BR60
- IDD Hörmann roller (45 mm, Ø 12 mm shaft)
- Top double castor left BR60
- Hörmann Top double roller right BR60
Further variants (e.g. 14 mm shaft, special replicas) can be found in the complete category .
Installation and maintenance tips
Always disconnect the drive before working on the door. Note the spring forces; if unsure, contact a specialist.
- Check play: The roller should run freely, without jamming at the sides.
- Correct fastening: Insert cotter pin/screw according to the roller holder specification.
- Clean the rail: Remove dust and old grease; re-grease sparingly (do not over-grease).
- Annual check: Check running noises, roller bearings and retainers; replace as needed.
Avoid mistakes
- Do not operate a 2" roller in a 3" rail (and vice versa).
- Avoid incorrect shaft diameter – otherwise play or jamming will occur.
- For heavy doors, prefer tandem/3" solutions.
FAQ
How do I recognize a worn roller?
Rough running noise, jerking in the rail, visible play or flat pressure marks on the roller body.
2" or 3" – which fits?
Private systems almost always use 2". 3" is used for heavy loads/industrial applications. Measure the inside width of the rail.
When do I need a long roll?
For wide gates, double fittings or if the manufacturer specifies this (more stable guidance, higher load reserve).
Single louse roll or tandem?
Tandem rollers distribute the load and run more smoothly, especially with heavy doors or LL systems.
Are there universal, affordable solutions?
Yes. 2" short rollers with 11 mm shafts are widely compatible. Check the shaft diameter, length, and roller diameter.
Can I mix different roles?
Only manufacturer-compliant. Use a uniform design within a panel/rail section.
