What's better: Cannonball or U-channel?

Fritz Maurer · Sep 9, 2011

New farm buildings are usually equipped with the familiar U-channel track, but if cannonball is so outdated, why do they continue to make a complete door-hanging outfits? Not only make it, but are using advanced technology such as nylon rollers, roller bearings, heavy-duty track-pipe, etc. Apparently there is enough interest in it to continue it's manufacture, why don't we see more of it on new installations? Fritz

Leroy · Sep 9, 2011

Price, double that of the U channel so it is not stocked in stores. Have to go to a speciality place to get it.

JDseller · Sep 9, 2011

IF you want a good rolling door that will work for many years then install a Cannonball track system. The reason the kits and others don't use it is that it is much higher priced. I use it on all of the doors I redo myself. I have one older barn door that my Grand Dad installed in 1935 that still has the original Cannonball track.

The older cannonball track had roller bearings that where as wide as the ball roller. That is why they rolled so well and lasted much longer.

I have even bought used cannonball track and rollers at sales. Had very good luck freeing everything up and using it again. Have one barn repair guy here that will sell me the used when he gets it off of older barns.

NW Ohio Tim · Sep 9, 2011

No comparison, go with Cannonball. Besides the better bearings, the lowest part of the track is open so any dirt or moisture that may get inside will drain out.

The only problem with it, that we've had, is it seems like birds like it better for nest building inside the tube. Cap the ends and you won't have a problem.

Tim

What's better: Cannonball or U-channel?

Fritz Maurer

Well-known Member

Leroy

Well-known Member

JDseller

Well-known Member

NW Ohio Tim

Member