Need replacements for this bottom roller

Question

I need a couple of replacements for a roller assembly like the one in the photo. It is similar to 23-041, but the dimensions are not quite the same. (I am looking at your illustration and measurements for 23-041.) The roller is convex, diameter 1 3/8, just a bit smaller than 23-041. The top width is 3 1/4. The vertical dimension is 3 5/8.

I also need to know how to remove the old rollers and install new ones. There are no visible screws to unscrew, so I'm baffled. Do you have a video that shows how to do that? Thanks.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Hello! Looks like you have the old Acme 4011 roller. This hasn't been made in many years but the 23-041 you picked out is a confirmed replacement. I've never tried it myself, but I've had many customers in the past tell me that it worked well.

The catch is that it is not identical, as you've already observed. Some minor modifications may be required to get the hook in the slot. It may also work fine as-is; I've honestly had some mixed reports about that. It may be one of those things that you have to see once you have it on the door.

Which leads me to the next point: these install by hooking into the frame rather than by using screws. We don't have a video on how to remove these but the process is straightforward (if a little frustrating). You first want to remove the door and place it on the floor. Then, use a pair of needle nose pliers to get a firm grip of the roller and do your best to work the hooks out.

There isn't really a science to it, and they're going to be pretty fixed in there. It just takes patience and a little elbow grease. As long as you stay at it, the hooks should loosen and you can pull it out.