How to choose sliding door roller?

Wheel Material & Bearing Type:
Wheel Material:
Nylon/POM: Most common. Durable, quiet, good wear resistance, handles moderate weight. Best for typical wooden/laminate doors.
Steel: Highest durability and weight capacity. Ideal for very heavy doors (e.g., thick solid wood, large mirrors). Can be noisier unless well-lubricated or combined with nylon inserts. Check track compatibility.
Bearing Type (Inside the Wheel):
Sealed Ball Bearings: Best for smoothness & longevity, especially under heavier loads. Resists dust and corrosion. Highly recommended.
Nylon/Bronze Bushings: Simpler, cheaper. Adequate for very light doors but less smooth, wears faster, and more prone to binding/dirt issues than ball bearings.
Avoid wheels with no identifiable bearing/bushing – just plastic on plastic.
Mounting Bracket:
Material: Steel brackets are strongest for heavy doors. Reinforced nylon/plastic can be sufficient for lighter doors.
Height Adjustment Mechanism: Essential! Look for brackets with an integrated screw-adjustment. This allows you to precisely level the door and raise/lower it if the track sags or the floor is uneven. Easy adjustment saves huge headaches later.
Attachment: Ensure the screw holes align with existing holes in your door bottom (or that you can drill new ones without compromising the door). Check screw size/length provided.
Number of Wheels per Door:
Most standard wardrobe doors use 2 wheels.
Longer/Taller or Heavier Doors: Often require 3 or 4 wheels to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging/binding. Check your door's original design or manufacturer specs.
Noise Level:
Quality bearings (ball), well-lubricated steel wheels, or nylon wheels generally run quieter.
Avoid worn-out bushings or dry metal-on-metal contact. Some wheels have rubberized treads for extra quietness.
Replacement vs. New Installation:
Replacement: Take the old wheel/bracket with you if possible. This is the best way to guarantee a match. Measure it carefully (diameter, groove width/depth, bracket shape/size, screw hole spacing).
New Installation: Follow the track manufacturer's recommendations for compatible rollers.
Selection Checklist Summary
✅ Measure Track Profile: Width & Depth. Match wheel groove exactly.
✅ Weigh Door: Calculate weight per wheel. Choose wheels with >20-30% extra capacity.
✅ Choose Wheel Material: Nylon for most, Steel for very heavy.
✅ Choose Bearing Type: Sealed Ball Bearings preferred.
✅ Check Bracket: Steel for heavy doors, height adjustment MUST-HAVE.
✅ Count Wheels: 2 for standard, 3-4 for long/heavy doors.
✅ Consider Noise: Ball bearings/nylon wheels quieter.
✅ Bring Old Wheel: (For replacement) Best guarantee of fit.
Where to Buy & Pro Tips
Hardware Stores: Bring measurements/old parts. Staff can often help match.
Specialist Hardware/DIY Stores: Better selection for specific profiles.
Online Retailers: Vast selection, but measurements are critical. Read reviews carefully.
Check Packaging: Ensure specs (weight, track type) are clearly listed.
Buy Quality: Cheap rollers fail quickly, damage tracks, and cause frustration. Invest in durable bearings and materials.
Lubrication: Use a dry silicone spray (not WD-40 or oil which attracts dirt) on the track occasionally for smoother, quieter operation. Don't lube the wheels themselves unless specified.