Gate Rollers - Lubrication

We have recently had a large steel gate installed - typical Isaan style, on rollers, running along a steel track. The gate is 3+ metres long.

I am sure other members have similar gates at their properties. My question is - what do you use to lubricate the rollers?

I imagine the choice would be between grease (hard to apply, but long lasting), and a thicker oil, possibly applied with an old-style oil gun (Casey Jones style).

I look forward to your comments.

I use grease a few times a year.
Easy to apply if you have a grease gun.
Much better than thin oil which does not last as long in this oppressive heat and humidity.

Using oil will be a waste of time. I wouldn't buy a grease gun and cartridge if that would be only for this purpose. I would buy a can of grease and apply around the wheels by hand and then move slightly and apply again to make sure that the wheels got the grease all around them.

I spray mine with 3in1 or X5 silicon lubricant which I get from the shop below Big C, the old one , every few months. It works well without any build up that grease gets .

Yes! Considering the build up of dirt, sand and crap that grease could attract I would try a spray on dry lubricant similar to the product dirt bikers use on their chains.

OT uses interior car cleaner spray that you get free at tescos with a car valet along the rail of the gate. It works on the patio doors as well. The wheels on your gate need a good spraying of WD40 from time to time, an easy and clean chore. The rail it runs along needs to be kept clean, free of rust and dirt.

OT.................

When we had rollers fitted to our gate we were warned about using heavy grease as it would have a negative effect in the long run due to dirt and grit build up. As OT says, WD40/Sonax applied every week or so (depending on rain) would be the preferable method.
Hope all's well, Jack, hope to see you and Dero sometime soon

We live in a relatively dust free area. I've used nothing but WD-40 for going on 5 years and never had any problems with grim build-up. I also spray WD-40 on the exposed gear that operates the electric gate-opener and it too works very smoothly. Takes about 3 minutes to lubricate everything. I try to do it every two or three months but sometimes forget and still don't have any noise or operating problems.

You might try starting out with the "easy-to-use" WD-40 (or similar) route and if that isn't satisfactory, move to another lubricant.

Hi,
We have had a 16 foot long gate on rollers, for 6 years now. I used to use WD-40 but had a job to find last year, so got a can of LUBE-40. Does the same thing and cheaper. Spray every 2 to 3 months. Lasts about four years if just doing gate. Move the gate slowly when applying, and use the can extention to get right into the bearings. Also apply to top guide rollers. Never had one bit of trouble with gate.
As other posters have said don't use greese as you can get trouble.
Cheers Doug.

Thanks all - I will start by experimenting with WD40, because that seems to be the favourite (plus I already have a can of it ).

Everything is good Chris. Dero and I still enjoying a beer, and some robust debate, at Eddies a couple of times a week. Would be good to see you up here again.

Try motorbike chain lube.......

http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/Belr ... -Lube.html

Gave the bottom rollers (2 rollers x dual wheels), and the top guides, a good spray with WD40 (local equivalent) today.

Instead of having to push the whole way to open the gate, I had to hold on to prevent it escaping.

The true test will be to see how long it lasts - I have no problem with spraying every month or so, so long as the rollers are not deteriorating.

I spent the extra 100 baht a piece and got the rollers with the sealed bearings. They lasted 2+ years never oiled them. Still working well when I moved.

bluejets wrote:Try motorbike chain lube.......

http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/Belr ... -Lube.html

I second this.

WD-40 and local versions have very poor lubricating properties. They will improve things temporarily, because they loosen dirt and corrosion that has accumulated due to neglect, but has almost no long-term lubricity.

Chain lube is mostly a heavy grease, dissolved in a fast-evaporating solvent, which helps it get inside a bearing. Once the solvent evaporates, it leaves behind lubricating grease which will protect bearing surfaces, and stay put.

WD-40 is good for driving/keeping moisture away from surfaces, but it doesn't have enough surface tension to provide bearing lube.

Sonax (the black spray can, with the picture of a chain and sprocket on it, NOT the orange can, which is like WD-40) is a brand that is available locally, and works well.

After a number of months experimenting, I have come to the conclusion that engine oil (as used in my Vigo), applied with a small squeeze bottle (of the tomato sauce variety) is the best solution.

Tried WD40, and chain lube/Sonax, with neither lasting more than a week or two.

The engine oil has now lasted several months. If it starts attracting dirt etc, I will clean it away with WD40, and re-apply the oil.