Any type of furniture can benefit from wheels and casters because of their additional utility. When one is unfamiliar with what the furniture is used for, it can be difficult to choose the right type of caster. In order to make an educated purchase decision, you need to be familiar with the various types.
Using single wheel casters on lighter furniture is ideal because they are easy on the floors and furniture. Rubberized materials provide the softness and tactile response necessary for light furniture to remain in place. Due to the ease with which these casters are treated, they are only suitable for light furniture without too much stuff on it. If you place too much weight on these tables, they can break and fall over much more easily, both of which are dangerous. If there is a problem with this, there are low profile caster wheels that will actually help, since they stay in place for longer periods of time.
As a result of their unlimited movement in any direction at any time, ball casters are also great for home furniture. The ball casters are designed to prevent any problems with small movements, while regular casters have wheels that must be oriented in a certain direction in order to move. When the furniture moves in certain directions with normal casters, it can spin awkwardly and possibly knock objects off. As a result of the movement of ball casters, furniture will easily move around as a result of any changes in height or certain types of floors. Having a couch that moves every time someone sits down or gets up can be irritating.
Can you tell me about the different types of casters?
A rigid caster, also known as a fixed caster, is only capable of rolling forward and backward. A swivel caster has a raceway that allows the wheel to rotate.
What size casters do I need?
Casters must be chosen according to their load, which refers to the amount of weight they will support. To calculate the load for each caster, simply divide the weight of furniture, equipment, or cargo by the number of casters.
How critical is the length of the caster stem?
It is critical to match the stem size up when replacing a stem caster. This is because there are so many different shapes, sizes, and combinations of stems available in the caster industry.
What is the best way to size a caster?
Casters with diameters of 8″ or smaller are considered 8″ casters. This dimension is measured by laying the wheel flat on its side and measuring from one side to the other with a measuring device.
How do Office Chair Casters work?
Essentially, a caster is a wheeled device that is mounted to the bottom of each chair leg and allows the chair to easily move and roll. Several components make up a caster, including a mount, stem, and wheel. There may be additional components depending on the type of caster and its intended application.
What you need to know about measuring a caster stem?
Our customers are often frustrated by getting the wrong stem on a caster. So, we created this guide to help explain how to correctly measure caster stems.
Types of stems
We must first know what we are measuring, since each stem is measured differently. Here is a list of common stem types.
Stems with grip rings
A round stem with a race at the insertion end. The end is wrapped with a brass or wire band that keeps the stem in place. Most commonly found on chairs and ready-to-assemble furniture pieces.
What is the size of all casters?
When replacing an existing caster, measure the top plate of the existing caster to ensure that the replacement will be of the same size. Most top plates are 2-38″ x 3-58″, but they come in many sizes. Before purchasing a caster, measure the area where it will be used.
The best way to measure casters
The right size is just as important as the right type in making your workplace more efficient. Several industries use casters, such as foodservice, medical, and manufacturing.
In order to find the best casters for your needs, you’ll need to take five measurements:
The top plate of the caster should be measured
For the size of the top plate of a caster, measure the overall length and width of the object. Top plates are typically 2-38″ x 3-58″ but they come in different sizes.
Measure the Bolt Hole Spacing
Measure the distance between bolt holes starting from the center of the hole. The bolt hole spacing is usually 1-34″ x 2-78″.
The bolt hole spacing of the object you are buying casters for or the caster itself cannot be changed, which is why you should measure it before purchasing one.
Measure the Wheel Size of the Caster
Two measurements are required to determine a caster’s wheel size: its width and its diameter.
The width of the wheel can be determined by measuring one side to the other, including the top plate, while holding the wheel upright.
Place the wheel flat on its side and measure it from one side to the other, without the metal attachments.
A caster’s wheel size is one of the most important factors buyers overlook. If you use the wrong wheel size for your application, you will either have difficulty rolling the caster or you will have a caster that won’t move at all.
Measure the Swivel Radius of the Caster
The swivel radius is measured by measuring from the center of the kingpin to the back edge of the wheel. It is the point where the straight edge meets the tape measure. Get more info about Medical Caster Wheels.
A caster’s swivel radius is crucial if you are going to carry heavy loads. By reducing the force required to move and turn your equipment, the right swivel radius improves ergonomics and safety. Maintenance, downtime, and workplace accidents can be drastically reduced with the right swivel radius.
Measure the Overall Height of the Caster
The distance between the top plate and the bottom of the wheel can be used to determine a caster’s overall height.
If you are replacing a caster in a set or have limited storage, you need to measure the overall height of the caster.
Get in Touch With Caster Experts
To ensure your caster will serve your company well for a long time, you must measure the following: the top plate, bolt hole spacing, wheel size, swivel radius, and overall height. Linco’s caster experts can help you measure casters at 866-306-9566 or contact us for more information.