With all that has been said of tracking and prevention of roll tearing,
no one has mentioned the take-up spool.

The take-up spool is one of the worst causes of roll tearing because
of the friction of its bearings during reroll.  In addition, the
take-up spool brake causes further damage, and should be completely
disconnected to preserve old and fragile rolls.

The take-up spool brake was probably okay in its day for new rolls,
and it wound them up tightly, but wouldn't you rather have a roll
rolled up loosely and not torn?

Clean and oil the take-up spool bearings and disconnect the brake.
The take-up spool should spin freely when tested with the levers set
to "rewind".  If it does not, you can expect rolls to tear.

Bruce Clark