FAQ on Casters: Functionality, Flooring Compatibility, and More

Casters are wheel assemblies that are mounted to the bottom of furniture or equipment, allowing for easy movement and maneuverability. They typically consist of a wheel housed in a rotating frame, known as a swivel, that allows the wheel to rotate 360 degrees, enabling smooth changes in direction.

For carpeted floors, casters with larger wheels and a harder tread, such as hard rubber or polyurethane, are ideal. These types of casters can roll more easily over the uneven surface of carpet and reduce the risk of getting stuck or damaging the fibers.

Some casters can damage hardwood floors, especially those made of hard materials like metal or hard plastic. To protect hardwood floors, use soft casters made from thermoplastic rubber or polyurethane. Soft rubber can mar surfaces such as hardwood and tile. Additionally, using protective floor mats can help prevent scratches and dents.

Light Furnishings

A lot of furniture that comes with caster wheels are not designed with protecting your floor in mind. Even office chairs are prone to creating scratches and floor damage if the wheels come into contact with hardwood. If you can replace reinstalled casters, the best replacement option would be to use nylon casters. They work well with various types of furniture such as:

• Chairs
• Tables
• Desks

Nylon casters are often polished, so they also work on marble and granite floors. They are also one of the more affordable varieties, so it’s an optimal choice for those staying within a tight budget.

Another alternative is hard urethane casters. These are almost indistinguishable from the nylon versions. The benefit that urethane has is that it is softer and offers more protection for your floor. They also have a longer lifespan which will save you more money in the long run. We often recommend these casters for lighter items.

Heavy Furnishings

For items weighing 100 pounds or more, the casters for lighter objects won’t do. Polyurethane-coated casters are a better option for these objects. These wheels have metal material with a polyurethane coating that ensures it interacts with the floor smoothly. The exterior design does less damage to the floor while also making the object easier to move around.

Many consider neoprene rubber to be the best caster wheel option for heavy items. The difference with these rubber wheels lies in the density, making it one of the most customizable caster wheels available. They are also available in various styles, allowing you to match the wheels to different aesthetics.

Hardwood Casters

Hardwood casters are a good option for lighter objects like a chair. They are readily available and easy to install. These casters were designed with hardwood floors in mind, reducing impact and scratches as they roll across the floor. It is one of the most cost-effective options that will help prevent any costly flooring replacements later on. However, these types of casters do not work well with mats and rugs.

Additional Protection for Hardwood Floors

Aside from having the right casters, there are other items you can use for an added buffer against scratches and direct contact. Area rugs are a solid cushion that you can place underneath a table or chair to reduce any movement damage. These rugs prevent friction and are an inexpensive way to add a layer of protection to your floor.

An alternative would be furniture pads which consist of rubber or cork. They are soft and protect the floor well. However, it is not easy to move a chair around with these pads. Felt is the best material for a furniture pad if you want more movement. You can also opt for adhesive pads that stick to the bottom of the legs of your chair.

While casters and wheels are related, they are not the same. A wheel is a simple, circular component that rolls, while a caster is a wheel mounted in a frame that allows it to swivel and rotate. Casters provide greater mobility and flexibility compared to simple wheels.

Casters can damage vinyl flooring if they are too hard or if debris gets caught under them. To prevent damage, use soft casters made of rubber or polyurethane and ensure the floor is kept clean. These materials are gentle on vinyl and reduce the risk of scuffing or indentations.

Casters can be purchased at many hardware stores, home improvement stores, office supply stores, and online retailers like The Caster Guy.

Yes, casters can often be repaired. Common repairs include replacing the wheels, cleaning out debris, or lubricating the swivel mechanism. If a part is damaged beyond repair, many casters have replaceable components, so you may not need to replace the entire caster.

Caster locks are mechanisms that prevent the caster from rolling or swiveling. They are useful for keeping furniture or equipment stationary when needed. There are different types of locks, including wheel locks, which stop the wheel from turning, and swivel locks, which prevent the caster from rotating.

Yes, caster parts are available for purchase. These include wheels, axles, bearings, and swivel mechanisms. You can find these parts at hardware stores, specialized caster suppliers, and online retailers. Buying parts can be a cost-effective way to repair and maintain your casters.

While many casters are designed to be interchangeable, they are not universally compatible. Casters come in various sizes, mounting types, and weight capacities. It’s important to match the caster’s specifications with the requirements of your furniture or equipment to ensure proper fit and function.

Load per caster is not necessarily taking the total load and dividing by the number of casters to be used, as the load is typically not evenly distributed over all of the casters. In most applications, the load is centered over at least three of the casters, meaning that each caster should handle one-third of the load.

The environmental factors (water, oil, acids, corrosive materials, or temperature) greatly affect the necessary caster. There are a variety of wheel options that are designed for such reasons.

Choosing the caster that is best for the application is also determined by how the unit is moved. Ergonomic casters are designed to provide ease of rolling for manually pushed units. Different bearings are options for powered units to provide length in life of the casters. Speed also comes into play when selecting casters.

Determining the number of swivel and rigid casters is necessary to ensure the proper mobility of the unit. More swivel casters provide ease when moving the unit into tight spaces. A unit using all swivel casters will be difficult to push long distances.

There are a variety of mounting alternatives for various casters (i.e. Plate, Stem, Hollow Kingpin, etc.). When selecting the caster, be sure to have the appropriate measurements of the mounting device.

A caster is an undriven wheel on a rotating mount. It enables you to move larger objects around with ease. You can see casters on everyday items such as hospital beds and shopping carts.

Understanding how to make casters involves learning about their parts, building each one, and putting them together. We will explain how it works in detail.

Parts of a Caster

Casters typically have six parts: the mount, spring, yoke, axle bolts, wheel, and wheel bearings.

• The mount holds your items and has two parts: the top plate and the stem.
• In many cases, casters have shock-absorbing properties that springs provide. Springs serve as a cushion when you put a load on a caster.
• The yoke provides framing for the wheels, usually attached to the mount through welding or screws.
• The axle bolt attaches the wheel to the yoke.
• You cannot create a caster without a wheel, which is typically solid or bonded. Wheels provide motion to a caster.
• Wheel bearings are small metal pieces around the wheel, attached using a metallic ring called a race.

Usually, caster manufacturers create all these parts in their factories, except for springs and axle bolts. Manufacturers typically purchase these parts from suppliers.

Building the Mount of the Caster

The mount of the caster is the part that holds your items. It has two parts: the top plate and the stem. You can use a thick sheet of steel to create the top plate and cut the size you need with a capable tool, such as a computer-guided cutting machine.

As for the stem, you should use a thinner, more flexible type of metal.

Building the Yokes of the Caster

The yokes are the arms that hold the wheel axles together. As with the stems, you should use a thinner type of metal to create yokes. To form yoke shapes and circular grooves, you should run the thin metal sheets on a punch press.

Building the Wheels of the Caster

There’s a simple four-minute process for how to make caster wheels. You first build the mechanisms that will hold them in place. Then, fill grooves with steel ball bearings, allowing the yokes to swivel. Afterward, seal the grooves with steel retainers.

To form the wheels, use nylon wheel inserts and place them in an injection molding press. This machine melts rubber and inserts it into the mold. Once they form solid pieces, you can move them to cooling racks for two and a half hours. The last step is to smooth the edges of the wheels for smoother movement.

Assembling the Parts of the Caster

First, place a two-part bearing inside the wheel and use a pneumatic press to lock the pieces together. Then, attach steel guards on both sides to prevent objects from getting inside the wheel. Secure and tighten all the wheel pieces with an impact gun. Lastly, connect the wheels to the mount of the caster.

Since casters are typically in constant motion and use, they can get wobbly over time. This also is called caster flutter or caster shimmy, and the shaky wheels can become noisy and cause disruptive movements.

Casters are crucial to company operations and as such have to be in tip-top condition. If casters do not function properly, the products you transport might be at risk. Read on to find out what causes unstable casters and how you can best address them.

Caster Flutter Causes

There are three common causes of caster shimmy — high speeds, loose swivels, and misalignment.

• High speeds: In most cases, rapidly moving casters can cause casters to flutter. At low speeds, a caster wheel rotates around its principle axis, causing it to move smoothly. However, moving at high speeds can cause the wheel to follow a different axis, creating an imbalance.
• Loose swivels: Constant use may damage casters and the components used for attachment. If the swivel is not secure, the whole caster can wobble uncontrollably.
• Misalignment: Some casters flutter because they are not aligned well with the ground. Worn parts, height modification, and sudden heavy impacts may cause caster misalignment.

Avoiding Caster Flutter

Now that we’ve answered the question “Why do casters wobble?” we can discuss how to best avoid wobbling casters.

• Move at lower speeds: If a caster is fully-functional, moving at a leisurely pace should get rid of a caster shimmy. However, if a caster has loose swivels or is misaligned, it will shake even if it is moved at low speeds.
• Tighten the wheels: Turn your equipment upside down and carefully inspect all the casters individually. If the screws securing the wheels are loose, tighten them with a screwdriver.
• Clean the wheels: Sometimes dirt and grime may lead to a caster’s uncontrollable wobbling. If the wheels on your equipment are dirty, wipe away any dirt and grime. Next, coat each caster with cleaning spray and wipe it down with a cloth. Allow the wheels to dry before using the equipment.
• Lubricate the casters: If you still have wobbly wheels after you clean them, try lubricating them. Spray penetrating oil on the casters before using the equipment.
• Replace the casters: Remove wheels that are rusty or broken beyond repair as damaged wheels can cause equipment to shake. Make sure to order replacement wheels and screws that match your equipment’s specifications. You might also need to replace your casters. Lubricate new wheels five minutes before use.

Get New High-Quality Casters

Why do caster wheels wobble? Many factors may cause shaky casters. To ensure your casters performance, identify and fix the problem right away. Wobbly caster wheels can put your operations or the products you are transporting at significant risk.

An adjustable leveling caster is a versatile and reliable upgrade if you find yourself always carrying heavy loads. It comes with a lock system that allows you to stay stationary, avoiding accidents or damage. What truly makes it stand out is a mechanism that makes any load stay level on the floor. You can also use this mechanism to raise the object if you want more mobility.

An adjustable leveling caster provides a handful of benefits. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Adjustable Leveling Casters Safety Precautions

The adjustable leveling caster’s design makes it easy to move around. It is one of the easiest to control among all casters. With its resilience, you can rest assured it stays still when you want it to.

Accidents often happen when the objects on casters begin moving on their own. It can cause injuries to workers. This caster helps heavy equipment stay where you want it to stay, making it safer for everyone in your business.

Adjustable Height

The adjustable height feature is what truly makes this caster stand out. It makes it very versatile, allowing anyone to adjust it for comfort. It makes it a viable choice for office equipment like chairs as it can carry more weight while remaining stationary if you want them to. Its ability to change height also allows it to work on any surface.

You’ll even find that you can adjust the caster, staying level while moving on an incline. If on a seat, that brings added comfort and a better work experience. Then, if you need to adjust, you can unlock the caster.

Adjustable Leveling Caster Maneuverability

An adjustable leveling caster can move in any direction you want it to. It’s perfect for transporting a heavy stationary object. For other casters, you often find it difficult to move because of the weight that’s pushing them down.
This omnidirectional feature makes it so that you can move it in any position. You won’t need to make constant adjustments. Now you can move objects within your company space and place them in previously inaccessible areas.

Makes Any Workspace Versatile

By adding an adjustable leveling caster to your workspace, you give yourself the ability to customize any space. For example, rearranging furniture allows previously heavy items to now move with ease. You can create creative spaces or make them efficient for your workers. You’ll be able to constantly change your workspace to meet any demand.

Adjustable Leveling Caster Durability

Unlike other casters, an adjustable one lasts much longer, even with constant heavy equipment. Standard ones can gain problems as they cannot bear too much weight. With its durability, you’ll find that it can withstand more movement and hits. It is the reason people use them for vending machines, large desks, and other objects.

Adjustable Leveling Caster Cost-Efficiency

Instead of buying an expensive solution, buying an adjustable leveling caster is a better investment. It’s easy to install and replace when you need another one. You get the most out of your money, and its durability ensures you can use it for a long time. With dynamic movement, you won’t even feel much weight while using it.

Choose the Best Adjustable Leveling Caster

Weight is an important factor in choosing an adjustable leveling caster. Some casters can carry up to 1600lbs, but they tend to come at a higher price. Another factor is the various designs and materials you can choose based on your needs. For example, buying one with stainless steel will help against rust or one with precision leveling makes it easy to transport equipment.

Caster wheels are an integral part of any business or home. They allow you to move heavy objects with ease, and they’re also a great way to add style and flair to your office or living room. But, not all caster wheels are created equal. Some casters have better quality than others, which can make them more durable and long-lasting.

Are Bigger Caster Wheels Better?

The biggest mistake people make when choosing casters is assuming that the bigger the wheel, the better. It’s true that a larger diameter caster can support more weight than a small one, but there are other factors to consider as well. A larger diameter caster will lead to a higher center of gravity and might be too large for some furniture designs.

Your choice of casters should depend on how you plan to use them. A bigger caster wheel is better for heavy-duty materials. For example, if you’re building a workbench, you’ll need to support more weight, so bigger caster wheels are more suitable.

Smaller is better with carpet and other soft surfaces. These caster wheels will wear down more quickly on hard surfaces, but they’re better for lighter-duty tasks like rolling around a table or an entertainment center with lots of electronics inside.

The question of whether larger casters are better is a common one, especially among DIYers, because there is no single answer that applies to everyone. The best way to decide which size caster wheel you need for your project is by considering the weight requirements and application specifics.

There are two main types of casters — swivel and rigid — each with their own unique benefits.

• Swivel casters: Swivel casters allow mobility in any direction while still allowing items to remain stationary when they’re locked into place.
• Rigid casters: Rigid casters can only roll forward or backward, but they tend to be stronger than swivel models, so they’re often used on heavier loads such as industrial equipment or furniture pieces like dining room tables and desks (where mobility isn’t always necessary).

Bigger caster wheels are not always better. In fact, the size of a wheel has little to do with its quality and performance. The most important factor is the load capacity of a caster — how much weight it can support before failing or breaking down. It is why you should always check your caster’s load rating before making any purchase decisions.

First, it is essential to understand what caster wheels are. Caster wheels attach to the bottom of chairs, equipment, and dollies so that the unit may be easily maneuvered forward or backward. Some individuals assume that caster wheels can be replaced when they go flat or become damaged. This is misleading because individual caster wheels typically cannot be purchased. However, caster wheels can usually be replaced as a unit. We will explain this further and provide tips to help individuals decide if can caster wheels can be replaced.

Replacing Caster Wheels Is Straight Forward

Typically, the first step in replacing caster wheels is removing them from their current housing. This generally involves removing bolts or screws. There will probably be three bolts beneath each caster wheel (one at each corner). These bolts may have been disassembled from underneath or between the caster wheels. However, sometimes the bolts are located on top of the caster wheel, so they will have to be removed before being taken out of their housing.

Replacing Caster Wheels Can Differ Among Models

If an individual is replacing caster wheels on a chair, there is likely a standard for the caster wheel size. This size can be found on an individual’s chair model number. For instance, there may be a set of old caster wheels that are five inches in diameter and another set that is four inches in diameter. These two sizes will not fit on the same chair unit because they are different sizes. However, some manufacturers use different size standards for caster wheels. For instance, some may use a four-inch standard while others use five inches. If an individual is replacing caster wheel units that are not compatible, it would be best to measure the housing they will be placed into before purchasing new ones.

Replacing Caster Wheels May Be Costly

Ultimately, one should note that sometimes caster wheels can be very costly. In some cases, the entire unit will cost more than a simple replacement caster wheel would. For instance, a four-inch caster wheel housing may cost twenty dollars, while a five-inch caster wheel housing may cost twenty-five dollars. However, replacing only the wheels usually costs about five dollars per wheel. In this case, it would make more sense to replace the entire housing because doing so will save money in the long run.

In sum, caster wheels can usually be replaced as a unit. In some cases, individual caster wheels cannot be purchased and should only be replaced with their entire unit. There are different size standards for caster wheels, which can be found on an individual’s chair model number. Another factor that should be considered is the cost of replacing caster wheels. It is more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than only the wheel itself in many cases.

Caster load capacity is typically listed per wheel unless the company chooses the specify the total capacity for a set instead. If they don’t specify, they usually mean capacity per wheel.

Capacity is listed per wheel for you to see each piece individually and make the right choice for your project or task.

Sometimes, caster providers list the combined load capacity depending on the type of caster and its application. But most often, it’s individual.

If you’re unsure of the caster you’re interested in, always refer to the specification sheet of the product, or better yet contact caster experts.

Various Load Capacities

Casters and wheels vary in their load capacities. Also, different applications require casters and wheels with specific load capacities.

For example, applications requiring heavy loads will require heavy-duty casters and wheels.

Light Duty Casters

Light duty casters are designed for use in environments where the floors are usually clean, such as offices and homes, rather than in commercial or industrial areas where equipment and furniture are moved across rough surfaces.

They are the perfect solution for moving chairs, desks, and appliances across smooth surfaces. Their load-capacity ratings range from around 80 pounds to 150 pounds.

Medium Duty Casters

Medium duty casters offer a new level of versatility. They can carry loads up to around 300 pounds, making them the perfect fit for moderately-heavy equipment, medical carts, and hospital beds.

These medium-duty casters are designed to handle moderately heavy loads while maintaining quality and durability. There is a variety of them, such as swivel casters, solid plastic molded, and standard casters.

Heavy Duty Casters

When it comes to heavy-duty medical and industrial types of machinery like medical equipment, computers, and other large equipment, heavy-duty casters are the best choice. They are typically designed to handle loads over 600 pounds, with some able to handle tons.

Heavy-duty casters are typically mounted under desks, patient beds, and heavy equipment for easy mobility. These casters are designed to withstand large amounts of weight and force.

Testing for Casters

Caster load capacity testing is the most important element of our quality control process. We make sure that all products are adaptable to the caster range standards and are durable.

Casters and wheels are checked for workmanship before and after the production process. This procedure is repeated three times, by a manager, foreman, and inspector.

Using our careful methodology and expert engineering, we continually assess all competitive products to ensure our clients receive nothing but the very best in design and value.

In addition to automated and actual tests, each of our equipment undergoes an additional checking process before it is sent to you.

Heavy-duty casters are typically large diameter casters with a much higher load capacity than standard 4″ casters. Heavy-duty casters can be made out of steel, nylon, or a number of other materials, with steel being heavier and more durable and nylon being lighter and more affordable.

Increased Weight Capabilities

Heavy-duty casters can typically at least 600 lbs, but can have capacities of several thousand pounds. This increase in weight capacity is accomplished primarily by the larger diameter of the caster wheel and improvements in the manufacturing process and components that make up the caster parts.

Increased Mobility Capabilities

The increased load capacity also enables heavy-duty casters to hold much heavier objects compared to standard 4″ caster wheels. A caster with a load capacity of 1,100 lbs would have no problem carrying the weight of a small vehicle. In contrast, most medium-duty 4″ casters are limited to about 300 lbs which is why they are typically found on office chairs, file cabinets, and other homes/office items.

Increased Versatility

By increasing the load capacity of a caster, heavy-duty casters become much more helpful for many other tasks besides just being a replacement caster on a piece of office/home furniture. Heavy-duty casters enable you to quickly move appliances such as stoves and refrigerators, machinery and equipment, and so on, by attaching the caster wheels directly to the bottom of them.

Increased Productivity

You can increase your productivity by using heavy-duty casters to move around large, heavy pieces of equipment such as industrial sewing machines or production floor equipment. The increased load capacity allows you to have a more efficient work environment since you won’t constantly move things around on the work floor.

Applications for Heavy Duty Casters

Heavy-duty casters are often used in material handling applications, especially those involving moving heavy loads. They are also popular in industrial settings where machines need to be regularly moved around or with a lot of vibration. This includes forklifts, mobile workbenches, concrete mixers, and drill presses.

Heavy-duty casters are also popular in medical equipment applications where carts need to be moved around quickly and efficiently while protecting workers from injury. They are sometimes used on hospital beds to provide better support than standard flanged wheels while rolling rapidly over the floor.

When choosing a heavy-duty caster, keep a few things in mind. The most crucial factor is the object’s weight that will be moved. Make sure to choose a caster that can handle the load without breaking or wearing out quickly. It is also essential to consider the terrain where the caster will be used. For example, if the caster is in a warehouse, it needs to deal with rough surfaces.

Make sure to read the specifications of each caster carefully before making a purchase, as there can be a big difference between the capabilities of different models. Moving heavy loads becomes much easier and safer with the right heavy-duty caster.

Castor is a British term for caster wheel, whereas caster is an American term for caster wheel. A caster or castor is a pivoting roller attached to the bottom of furniture or a portable machine for easy movement. Casters are available in two different styles: swivel casters and fixed casters. A caster has an axle with a wheel on either end that can be rotated to move the piece of furniture across any flooring surface.

Fixed and Swivel Casters/Castors

Mobility

Fixed casters have both wheels mounted onto one metal plate; they cannot rotate 360 degrees around their axis as swivel casters can. Fixed casters work best for heavier pieces of furniture or those that do not need to be moved often because this style does not allow for much movement. On the other hand, Swivel casters offer more mobility than fixed casters by allowing the caster to rotate 360 degrees around its axis.

Swivel casters are a top plate, an axle, two caster wheels, and two caster plates at the bottom. The caster wheel has a metal rod through its center, which makes contact with both of the caster plates on the floor of the furniture piece. This caster wheel will allow the piece to move in a 360-degree rotation.

Design

Fixed casters have two caster wheels mounted onto one metal plate, with a rod going through the middle of the caster wheel. This makes for less movement and can cause problems when moving furniture over uneven surfaces.

The caster wheel functions as the support for casters. Caster wheels are made of sturdy metal alloys specially designed to hold the weight of furniture pieces. Caster wheels can break if they are not made with quality materials.

Swivel casters have caster wheels made out of solid cast aluminum, which is lighter than cast iron but still strong enough to support heavy pieces of furniture. Aluminum caster wheels also work better on many types of flooring surfaces.

Wheel Diameter

Caster wheels or casters come in different sizes depending on the weight of the piece of furniture they must support. A giant caster wheel can carry heavier items or pieces of furniture; caster wheels should be large enough to fit the width and length of the casters it supports. Standard caster wheels range from 2.5 to 6 inches in diameter, and caster plates on the floor of the piece of furniture should be at least 1/2-inch thick cast iron or cast aluminum.

Swivel casters commonly come in sizes ranging from 3 to 8 inches, while caster wheels used with fixed casters range from 4 to 9 inches. The caster wheels will be as wide as the caster plates they support.

What Is the Difference Between Wheels and Casters?

Wheels

Wheels are round, cylindrical objects that rotate on an axle. They are designed to carry heavy loads over smooth, hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt roads, office hallways, and factory floors. For example, a large industrial appliance could have wheels to make it easy to transport from one location to another. Items are considered to have wheels when they are built into the object.

Casters

Casters generally have a single wheel mounted to a mounting mechanism. That mounting mechanism is then attached to the item. Whether the mounting mechanism is a top plate, or a stem doesn’t matter. All casters must be mountable. Casters are usually attached to furniture or other heavy items. They are designed to roll, or move easily with loads across surfaces like concrete, tile, or even carpet flooring. They sometimes have a braking system that prevents the object being from moving when you want it to remain still. For example, office chairs typically have casters that allow them to glide along carpeted floors.

In casters the stem or top plate attaches to the item being moved. Casters come in two main varieties, swivel and rigid. A swivel caster allows the wheel to turn and roll in any direction, while rigid casters only allow the wheel to move in one direction. Some wheels have a threaded stem with a square axle, which allows the object to remain stationary as you push or pull.
Wheels and casters have unique characteristics that make them useful in different situations. If you object can’t move already, a set of casters might be a perfect solution. If you already have a object that can move but currently can’t, you’re going to need a replacement wheel.

Choosing the Right Product

In business, choosing the right equipment matters. You should select wheels and casters based on what you need to accomplish.

If you need help choosing the right option for your business needs, then give us a call today. We’ll walk you through all the different options available to find out what works best for your business situation. Our team has years of experience working with businesses just like yours, so we know what questions to ask in order to make sure you end up with exactly what you need when it comes time to place your order.

The word “caster” is often used in place of the words “caster wheel” — but what does it actually mean? A caster is a device that attaches to the bottom of a piece of furniture and allows it to be moved easily.

The caster wheel makes contact with the ground and creates motion. Furniture casters come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles to fit your needs. So, why is it called a caster?

Why Is It Called a Caster?

Casters are found on many office chairs, wheeled furniture, and other objects — but why is it called a caster?

The origins of the name are not often talked about, but it is rather simple – the word “caster” has to do with the root word “cast.” It has many meanings, one of which is “to turn.” The -er on the end is used to indicate that the object does what the root word says, meaning a “caster” is something that turns. Considering that a caster literally turns, allowing an object to move along the ground, this definition is very true to a caster’s function.

Thus, furniture casters make it easier to turn something when you are trying to move it!

What Makes a Caster Different From a Wheel?

It’s easy to think of a caster and a wheel as the same thing, but there are actually some big differences between the two.

For one, casters have a swiveling action that allows them to move easily in any direction, while wheels are mostly stationary, moving in just one direction. This action makes it much easier to move heavy objects around because the weight of the object is distributed evenly over the whole surface of the caster.

Casters are also generally smaller than wheels, making them ideal for tight spaces. Without this feature, you would have to lift the entire object to move it.

Although casters come in many different shapes and sizes, they all serve one main purpose — to make your life easier!

Talk to a Caster Expert

Do you need to move a large piece of furniture but don’t know how? Do you have a piece of equipment that needs to be relocated, but you don’t want to damage your floor? If so, you may need to use casters.

Casters are small wheels that attach to the bottom of objects and allow them to be moved easily in any direction.

What are the different types of caster wheels? What caster wheel should I choose for my application? These are questions that are commonly asked when shopping for casters. With so many options to choose from in the Caster Wheel Market, it’s essential to understand what caster is best suited for your specific needs.

Swivel Casters

Swivel casters are the most common type of caster and are used in various applications. Swivel casters have a rotating assembly that allows the wheel to turn in any direction. This is beneficial for applications where the object moves effortlessly in any direction. Swivel casters are also great for situations where you need to rotate the item you are moving. A swivel caster can be ordered with a lock to restrict it from swiveling if this ability is not desired.

Swivel casters are not always the best choice. Swivel casters work great when moving objects can freely rotate without restriction, but this is not always the case. In some situations, a rigid caster is preferable if rotation needs to be restricted for safety reasons.

Locking Caster Wheel

Locking caster wheels are used when a stationary object needs to be moved. Locking caster wheels have a brake that locks the wheel and prevents it from moving. This is beneficial for applications where you need to move an object but do not want it to move accidentally.

Locking caster wheels should not be used when the object needs to move freely in any direction. Locking caster wheels can restrict movement and cause the object to become stuck.

Heavy Duty Caster

Heavy-Duty casters are used to move heavy objects. Heavy-duty caster wheels have a larger diameter and can carry heavier loads than standard casters. Larger wheels also distribute weight more evenly over the surface area of the wheel, which reduces pressure points on the floor. It’s important to note that larger diameter caster wheels can decrease maneuverability, so they are typically used when the direction of movement does not change much.

Heavy-duty caster wheels are commonly used in industrial applications where large loads need to be moved. They can also be applied where the object being moved is not very maneuverable.

Highest Quality Caster Wheels in the Industry

There are a variety of caster wheels to choose from, and each has its benefits. It’s essential to understand the needs of your application before making a purchase. Swivel casters are the most common type of caster and are great for applications where the object needs to move freely in any direction. Locking caster wheels are used when a stationary object needs to be moved. Heavy-duty caster wheels are used to move heavy objects.

Understanding the different types of caster wheels will help you make the best decision for your needs.

Deciding what casters to use takes time and consideration. There are many caster options to choose from regardless of whether you’re in the food service, medical, aerospace, manufacturing, furniture, or other industries. Read on to learn more about which casters to use to best suit your needs.

Factors to Consider When Buying Casters

There are several factors to consider in deciding which casters to use, including size, wheel material, loading capacity, and floor conditions. Before you can choose a caster, you must first think about how you will use it most.

For example, factories typically need larger casters with heat-resistant properties. If you’re working in this industry, choose heavy-duty casters that can withstand extreme heat. The wrong type of caster can break down in these settings.

Caster Size

Determining the ideal caster size depends on numerous factors, but here are some guidelines.

• If you’re transporting expensive items such as electronics, go for small casters. Doing so will enable you to take full control of your cargo.
• If you’re in the aerospace industry moving heavy equipment around, choose a spacious caster that can withstand heavy loads.
• If you’re in retail, choose large wheels to protect your floors. Casters with larger wheels are typically easier to roll.

Caster Wheel Size and Material

It’s important to learn about caster types to know how to choose the right caster wheels.

Wheels are crucial in deciding which casters to use. They play a critical role in a caster’s weight capacity. Typically, heavier loads require larger wheels that can distribute weight and roll with ease.

You can calculate the maximum wheel capacity by dividing the load weight by the number of wheels on a caster. If you want to move 1,000 pounds of equipment on a four-wheel caster, make sure each wheel can carry 250 pounds. Experts recommend ball bearing for loads exceeding 400 pounds.

Caster wheels come in different materials, and swivel and hardness levels. Manufacturers typically use metal, rubber, plastic, or polyurethane to develop caster wheels. They’re either swivel or rigid. Typically, harder caster wheels are more durable, easier to use, and have longer lifespans than softer ones.

Choosing the right wheels can increase mobility, lessen employee burden, and enhance business processes.

Environmental Factors When Buying Casters

Another tip in how to choose the right caster wheels is to consider the environment. Just as car tires work differently, caster wheels do too. Before you buy caster wheels, think of factors like flooring, indoor versus outdoor use, surface dryness, and general use.

Choosing the right caster wheels will help you transport items with ease and protect your floors from damage. If you’re working in an area with sensitive floors, choose polyurethane wheels to avoid cracking.

Heavy-Duty Casters

Heavy-duty casters are ideal for businesses that usually transport heavy loads. A caster is heavy-duty if it can carry at least 600 pounds of load. These casters need wheels that can handle heavy loads and move on different types of floors with ease. Heavy-duty casters typically have brake options as an added safety measure.

A Couple of Considerations When Selecting Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels

Before we go into what types of caster wheels you need to choose, let us consider your specific circumstances. Several conditions will determine the type of caster wheel material you should choose.

Different facility owners and managers will have their considerations. Nevertheless, consider these two main factors when selecting your casters:

Weight Capacity

All heavy-duty casters have the capacity for moving heavy loads. Of course, due to the material, some are superior to other types.
For example, caster wheel materials like rubber and polyurethane boast superior load-bearing and load-dampening qualities. Cast iron casters may also be a sound alternative.

So, if you are going to be moving heavy pieces of equipment in the thousand-pound range, these may be the right casters for you.

Maintenance of Your Facility’s Surface

Many wheel casters have been designed to bear loads while being friendlier on surfaces. If the condition of your surface is a primary consideration, then you may be better off with certain materials.

To illustrate, nylon is second to none when it comes to keeping your floors in great condition, even when moving hundreds of pounds.

Different Types of Caster Wheels

Once you have taken your circumstances and applications into account, you can now choose a material for your casters. Here are the different types of caster wheels in terms of their material:

Rubber Caster Wheels

Rubber is popular for many types of applications. For caster wheels, rubber boasts excellent longevity owing to its ability to compress and bend. The elasticity also makes rubber easier on floors.

The elasticity of rubber caster wheels also provides decent load-bearing capacities. Rubber casters are suitable for most heavy pieces of equipment, especially if the casters come in sets of more than four.

Polyurethane Casters

Polyurethane casters are some of the most common types of casters on the market today. Industrial grade polyurethane casters offer the right balance between heavy-duty load-bearing and surface protection.

What adds to the load-bearing capacity of polyurethane casters is their ability to vibrate. The oscillatory properties of polyurethane minimize rigidity, allowing wheels to absorb force.

If you need a set of versatile casters, try our polyurethane 6660 or TP5040 LINCO Casters!

Iron Heavy-Duty Casters

Nothing beats iron when it comes to force absorption and load-bearing. And, when you have cast iron caster wheels, you can get maximum weight-bearing. These weight casters are ideal for when you are moving large and heavy pieces of equipment.

However, the load-bearing capacity comes with one trade-off — surface protection. Due to its material, an iron wheel caster may withstand a lot of weight. But, it will not be friendly on your floors.

Nylon Casters

Over the years, nylon wheel casters have grown in popularity due to their abrasion resistance on surfaces. Providing excellent traction for movement, nylon casters are easier on your floors. In addition, you can burden these casters with a fair amount of load.

Aluminum Casters

Lightweight and resilient, aluminum caster wheels offer an ideal balance of mobility and weight-bearing. Aluminum casters, for this reason, are a popular option for pneumatic caster wheels.

Aluminum is best for when you are moving lighter pieces of equipment at higher volumes. If you prefer better load-bearing, polyurethane and cast iron caster wheels are still better choices.

Different materials have their strengths and weaknesses. For caster wheels, these materials will make one type of caster better than another. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you need, your load-bearing requirements, and how much you want to protect your floors.

In choosing the best casters for concrete floors, you must understand how manufacturers build concrete floors and how the different caster materials react to them. Read on to learn about which casters to use on concrete floors.

Concrete Floors

Concrete is a composite material with three components: water, cement, and aggregate — which can either be rock, sand, or gravel. If you combine these materials, they will form a malleable paste that gradually hardens. It is a useful material used heavily in dams, roads, and buildings. You’ll also typically come across concrete floors.

Concrete floors are durable and fire-resistant. If you maintain them well, they can last as long as the structure they’re located in. However, concrete floors are prone to cracks, and the cracked areas will quickly deteriorate.

Choosing the wrong type of caster can cause difficulties in moving equipment on cracked concrete floors, and some can cause further floor damage.

Wheel Materials

The key to choosing the best casters for cement floors is learning about different wheel materials. The most common materials used for casters are steel, rubber, polyurethane, and nylon. Picking the wrong one can create challenges when moving equipment across concrete floors.

Steel Wheels

Steel is an alloy of iron with a bit of carbon, providing added strength and fracture resistance.

Steel wheels are resistant to abrasion and require minimal pressure to roll. They are durable and long-lasting, built for heavy loads and extreme heat.

Rubber Wheels on Concrete Floors

Natural rubber typically contains carbon and hydrogen. Manufacturers use them as wheels because of their grip.

Rubber wheels have high load capacity and are resistant to most oils, chemicals, and solvents. These wheels offer more resistance, making them easy to move on hard floors. Rubber wheels are typically softer than polyurethane ones, providing better cushioning.

Polyurethane Wheels on Concrete Floors

Engineers choose polyurethane, a type of polymer, in wheels because of its abrasion resistance. If you expect your caster to undergo severe abrasion, choose polyurethane wheels.

Polyurethane wheels typically have another material as a core, such as cast iron. This material can withstand heavy loads and will not damage or mark floors like steel wheels.

These wheels can provide a smooth ride over rough surfaces and resist most oils, chemicals, and debris. As they are harder than rubber wheels, polyurethane wheels are easier to maneuver. Additionally, polyurethane wheels have noise-reduction and corrosion-resistant properties.

Nylon Casters on Concrete Floors

Manufacturers prefer nylon for wheels because of its high load capacity. It is resistant to tear, wear, and impact.

Nylon wheels are suitable for soft and hard surfaces. Just like rubber wheels, they offer more resistance and grip, allowing ease of movement. Nylon wheels are ideal if you want to use the casters for a long time.

The Best Casters for Cement Floors

We highly recommend using polyurethane or nylon casters for concrete floors. They work best on concrete floors and cause minimal damage.

Scratches on laminate flooring can have a negative effect on the overall appearance of a home or office. A major cause for such damages is when items are slid across the floor. To prevent this problem, most people replace utilize casters that are specifically for laminate flooring.

A great thing about using these wheels is that they are designed to be applied on sensitive floors (like laminate flooring). They are usually made from rubber instead of plastic, which means that they do not leave marks on these expensive floors in a way that plastic wheels can.

Apart from that, these casters glide easily over laminate flooring. Unlike standard plastic wheels, these rubber casters make little to no sound when the item it is carrying is being moved.

Damage Prevention 

As mentioned earlier, special casters allow people to move items easily from one place to another without any damage to laminate flooring. Here are a few examples of ways that scuffs and other damage marks can be avoided by using casters.  

Improved Mobility

One of the most obvious benefits of using casters is the ease of moving certain equipment. They not only help save time, but they also save on energy expenditure as well. But how is this related to floor damage?

People who need to move heavy items with casters do not get exhausted or injured as easily as people who don’t use them. The absence of exhaustion or injury lessens any damage that can be inflicted on a floor from dropped items. For example, a swivel caster allows a person to move things in any direction. Gone are the days of turning too sharply to move a bulky item, only to drop it roughly onto the floor.

Casters Are Versatile 

Another advantage of using casters is the wide range of choices available. These products come in various sizes and materials to accommodate almost any situation.

For instance, plate casters allow transportation of heavy loads while swivel casters make it easier to move office chairs and shopping carts. Some materials are also more suitable for high temperatures, transporting fragile items, and working near chemicals. It’s important to use a caster that is properly suited for the intended project to reduce damage-causing accidents. 

Heavy Duty Capability 

Certain types of casters are specially made for industrial applications. Such casters are capable of handling up to 100,000 pounds of weight and are made to last a long time.

Heavy duty casters can support a large quantity of equipment while reducing the resistance to facilitate movement. They make it easier to control the movement of heavier objects, reducing the possibility of damaging floors.

Conclusion

So will casters damage laminate flooring? The answer is no, if you have the right kind. Rather, these items help protect laminate floors from scratches caused by plastic wheels or wheels made from inferior quality materials. That is why businesses need to use the right types of casters for their needs to prevent damage to their laminate floors.