Unique roller endcaps...

The roller endcaps hold the roller cover
in place and also form the rolling bearing
on the frame axle. They are machined to
very high standards from a special solid
(billet) material. Each endcap has a special
"shoulder" machined onto the end; this
provides a stop and holds the roller cover
in place...the cover can never "walk off."
You simply slide these endcaps into both
ends of a roller cover and slide on the axle.
The endcaps also "seal" the ends of the
roller cover (eliminating any hollow areas
where excess material can accumulate).

Sealing the ends of a roller cover prevents "roller track lines," or "worms" (those aggravating
lines of excess material that stream off the end of a roller). Also, because the endcaps are made
of a special "slippery" material (and flush with the end of the roller cover) you can roll all the
way into corners (where two walls meet) -- they will not gouge or mark adjorning surfaces.

The "special material" these endcaps are made of is part of a class of materilas known as
"engineering plastics" meaning, it can be machined to very high standards. The choice of this
material was the result of exhaustive testing. No better bearing material exists. It has one of the
lowest "coefficients of friction" in the bearing world...it even beats ball bearings. They have 1/4
of the friction of Nylon (the bearing material used in the manufacture of most roller frames today).
No other roller frame manufacturer uses this special high cost material. It's an exclusive feature
of the Gruven frame. This special "slippery" material aids getting roller covers on and off
(even if the paint has dried). Paint is easily washed off, and they are chemically resistant to all
solvents.

What this means for us is that we have a material that can be machined (turned on a lathe out
of a solid piece of round stock) to precision specifications (the bearing clearance between the
axle and the bearing hole in the endcap is one thousandth of an inch). Such precision insures
there is no "slop" in the endcap bearings. They roll true. Because this material makes such a
great bearing on the axle, this roller rolls...it doesn't skid or slide on a surface -- no matter how
thin a material you are using. These endcaps will not leave "gray streaks" and will never
squeak or rattle. This special material is very expensive, but is the best. We did not cut corners
with the Gruven frame -- it's the best -- only the best materials will do.

How long will the encaps last? Although this frame is new, we have had them in the field for
quite a while now (rolled thousands of gallons) and none have shown any appreciable wear.
Let's just say that they should last you a season anyway, and remember you can easily replace
them (see order page). In fact, it is the only "wear item" on the Gruven frame...replace the
endcaps and you have a new frame.

Gruven Frames: 800-536-0743

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