Window & sliding gate hardware By Antoh Decor Enterprises 3 min read
Key points
- Gate roller guides hold the top of a sliding gate upright and aligned while it runs.
- With-plate guides bolt onto a post or wall; without-plate guides are welded on.
- Set the guides with a small, even clearance so the gate runs freely without wobbling.
- A well-guided gate is essential before fitting a gate motor.
A sliding gate runs on wheels along a ground track, but something must keep the top upright. That is the job of gate roller guides: pairs of rollers at the top of the gate opening that the gate passes between. Without good guides, a gate wobbles, scrapes the wall and wears out its wheels, and a gate motor struggles.
With plate or without plate?
| With plate | Without plate | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixing | Bolted through the plate to a post, pillar or wall | Welded directly to a steel post or frame |
| Best for | Masonry pillars, adjustable installations | Steel posts, new fabrication |
| Adjustment | Slotted holes allow fine adjustment | Set in place before welding |
How to fit roller guides
- Make sure the gate runs straight on its bottom track first. Guides cannot fix a bent track.
- Stand the gate perfectly vertical (check with a spirit level).
- Position the guides near the top of the gate, at the post where the gate enters and, on long gates, at a second point.
- Leave a small, even clearance either side of the gate so it runs freely without rattling.
- Bolt or weld in place, then run the gate fully open and closed several times.
Fixing a wobbling gate
- Wobbles at the top: guides are missing, worn or set too wide.
- Scrapes on one side: the gate or the guide post is not vertical.
- Jerks when sliding: check the bottom wheels and track for stones and wear.
Other parts of a smooth sliding gate
| Part | Job |
|---|---|
| Ground track | A straight, level rail the wheels run on |
| Wheels (bottom rollers) | Carry the weight of the gate |
| Roller guides | Keep the top of the gate upright and aligned |
| End stops | Stop the gate running off the end of the track |
| Catch / receiver | Holds the gate at the closed end |
If any one of these is wrong, the gate will be hard to push and a gate motor will strain.
Getting ready for automation
Before fitting a motor, push the gate by hand: it should slide its full length with steady, light pressure, without wobbling or sticking. If it does not, fix the track, wheels and guides first. Our installation checklist covers everything that must be right.
Grease the guide rollers occasionally and keep the track clear. Ask for a price on the gate roller guides page, or read our gate motor installation checklist.
Featured in this guide
Window & Sliding Gate Hardware
Sliding Gate Roller Guides (With & Without Plates)
Keep sliding gates aligned and running smoothly with high-quality gate roller guides, available with plates and without plates.
With plateWithout plate
Price on request · wholesale & retail
Frequently asked questions
What does a gate roller guide do?
It holds the top of a sliding gate upright and aligned so it runs smoothly without wobbling.
Should I choose a roller guide with a plate or without?
With plate for bolting to masonry pillars or walls; without plate for welding directly to steel posts.
Do I need roller guides for an automatic gate?
Yes. A gate motor needs the gate to run straight and freely, which requires good guides.
Why is my sliding gate wobbling?
Usually missing, worn or badly set top guides, or a gate that is not vertical.
