Apollo Caster Blog

Every home or business needs the ability to move things easily from one area to another. While technology provides many ways to help us move things, the small, but mighty swivel caster delivers outstanding capabilities in almost every environment. This blog will review the different types of casters for most applications you may encounter. We’ll explore how selecting the right casters for the job can speed processes, keep goods safe, and make it easier for you to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Choosing the Right Casters

1. Assess your needs and requirements: This is the first thing you need to do when choosing casters. It might be helpful to write down exactly what you are trying to achieve, and the obstacles you may be facing that can keep you from reaching your goals. Maybe you need furniture casters, specifically furniture leg casters. Or you might have some highly specific retail, medical, commercial, or industrial requirements. In each of these scenarios, three points are important to factor into your decision:

• Deciding if your application requires the use of indoor or outdoor casters.
• Flooring considerations: Will your casters need to travel over concrete, carpet, or uneven surfaces? If you have that type of flooring, you can delve into our selection of casters for hardwood floors too.
• Do temperature, exposure to solvents or chemicals, or moisture exposure enter into the equation?

Next, you will want to focus on some of the maneuverability aspects of your application. These can include your mobility requirements. You may need to get through tight areas or a specific warehouse walkway or outdoor path that has a bumpy or rutted surface. 

The weight of the items you’ll be moving is a top consideration. Each item alone may not be very heavy, but if you’re moving 1,000 small items on big pallets or trays, the combined weight will be more substantial. Therefore, you’ll want to choose from different types of casters that offer a good load-bearing capacity. 

Caster; Rigid; 10″ x 3″; Flat Free Tire

Another key when moving items is control and braking capabilities. Nearly every application requires at least some of the casters to be swivel. The differentiator is whether to put all swivel casters or have two rigid casters. This is determined by weight. A lightweight application can use all swivels and still allow the user to control it. Once you pass a certain amount of weight, having two rigid casters ensures the user does not lose control. Ergonomic casters protect the user by easing the level of strain required to move the application thereby avoiding injury. They offer the ultimate in maneuverability and responsiveness. These casters are important to help minimize pulling and pushing. 

Caster; Swivel; 8″ x 2-1/2″; Phenolic

You’ll also want to investigate the various braking options available. Position lock brakes allow the user to effectively convert swivel casters into rigid casters which provides both the flexibility of movement with all swivels and the control needed for heavier loads needing non-swiveling casters.  Basic wheel brakes are available in several styles depending on the user’s preference.  Total locking brakes minimize all movement by locking both the wheels and the swivels.  On larger casters, the total lock brake pedals can be either trailing or leading as the caster travels.

2. Evaluating quality and durability

When choosing casters, durability and quality are a must to ensure performance. Apollo Caster sells top-of-the-line casters in every category, from commercial to office furniture to industrial casters. Get the functionality you need, the connector type you want, and the finish and color you desire. 


Caster; Ball; Swivel; 2-1/2″, Antique

3. Considering budget constraints

Cost considerations are always included in any product selection. The key to caster choice is to get casters made from the best materials at a price that works for your budget. Choosing casters is actually one of those times you will be well-rewarded by spending a bit more. Quality casters will last longer and ultimately reduce costs. They help protect your goods and equipment and keep people safer (less effort to move goods and less chance of caster performance failure).

Types of Casters for Different Applications

Here we provide highlights of some of the top Apollo Caster products in each of these categories:

Office and furniture casters

Caster; Spherical; Swivel; 2″ (Item #69100): Hooded Ball casters are popular for store fixtures, furniture, office equipment and medical equipment. They feature double-ball bearing raceways, octagon washers on the threaded stems for easy installation, and the 2″ model is heat treated. The 1-5/8″ ball is a soft, non-marking rubber, while the 2″ models have a tougher, higher weight capacity polyolefin wheel. Several finishes are available.

Shop all furniture casters

Industrial casters

Caster; Rigid; 4×1-1/2; Thermoplasticized Rubber (Gray) (Item #67012): Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) wheels are precision molded and mechanically locked to a durable polyolefin core to provide an economical wheel for many applications. They provide a smooth, cushioned ride and can overcome small debris and obstacles on the floor. They offer floor protection and are non-marking and non-conductive. 

Shop all Industrial casters

Medical casters

Caster; Swivel; 3″ x 15/16″; Rubber; Soft (Item #69967): For casters indicating Soft rubber wheels, they are a good choice for those applications where the average load is light with occasional loads using the full capacity of the wheel. Soft Rubber wheels are made of quality materials with a resilient rubber tread bonded to the hard rubber core. These wheels are an economical choice for moving equipment.

Shop all medical casters

Heavy duty casters

Caster; Swivel; 6″ x 3″; PolyU on Cast (Item #63227): This Polyurethane on Steel wheel is considered extreme duty and offer a longer wearing, higher capacity material that will not damage or mark floors. Polyurethane wheels are durable and are built to withstand permanent flat spots in the tread. This combination of high-load urethane chemically fused to a steel core makes this wheel one of the most long-lasting, rugged wheels available. Excellent for applications where heavy loads and continuous usage cause regular poly wheels to degrade.

Shop all heavy-duty casters

Specialized casters (e.g., high-temperature)

Caster; Swivel; 6″ x 2″; Crown Ductile Steel; Plate (4-1/2″x6-1/4″; holes: 2-7/16″x4-15/16″ slots to 3-3/8″x5-1/4″; 1/2″ bolt); Roller Brng; 2000#; Kingpinless (Item #63974): Built for high capacity applications, the cast iron wheels can withstand extreme heat. These are available in a wide variety of sizes, weight capacities, and bearing types.

Shop all high-temperature casters

Selecting a Caster Wheel 

The size, tread, and material you choose should match the use you have in mind. As previously stated, you’ll want to keep your floor or outdoor area’s composition in mind, plus any environmental stresses your caster wheels may be exposed to. You’ll need to consider tread, size of the caster, and material carefully, so you will be able to safely and securely move your goods with the least amount of effort.

Check out types of caster wheels 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Casters

It’s important to avoid these common mistakes when choosing casters, so you can prevent dangerous mishaps that can injure people and damage items you may be moving on carriers fitted with caster wheels. Keep these points in mind:

• Neglecting load capacity requirements: Factor in the loads you’ll require the casters to handle so they can get the job done safely and effectively. You may especially wish to take this into consideration when selecting industrial casters.
• Ignoring environmental factors: High heat, exposure to chemicals, and other environmental contributors can make unsuitable casters fail fast. Choose swivel casters that are made for the environment you’ll be using them in.
• Opting for the cheapest option without considering long-term costs: Price is always a consideration, and there are two ways to think about that. One is that you can pay as little as possible and try to get a moderate quality caster. What comes with that decision is potential failure at a critical moment, which could cause injury to a person and risk the breakage of the goods or equipment being transported. The other choice is to go with a quality rolling caster that’s well-suited to the job you need it to do (high heat, uneven ground, supporting heavy weight). Then you have the best chance of the caster holding up under stress, reducing the potential for injuries, and providing better protection for the goods you are moving. Top quality casters can also save time by helping you get the job done with smoother operation.
• Failing to properly install or maintain casters: Setting up and maintaining casters helps keep them operating as they should. It’s important to take care of this equipment so it can serve you as you require for a long time.

Apollo Caster Offers Top Quality Casters for Every Application

Choosing the right casters depends on the environment where they’ll be used, the goods you will be moving, the people moving them, and the budget constraints you may be facing. It all comes down to matching your casters to your application. Apollo Caster’s wide range of caster products allows you to choose the exact caster that will perform the way you need it to in your application. Whether choosing replacement casters for office chairs, carpet casters, casters for table legs, or for moving delicate medical equipment, high-quality casters will more than pay for themselves through optimal performance and longevity. Our caster selection is the best combination of quality and price for all your commercial, industrial, medical, home, garage, shop, office, and other applications.

We are always happy to help you select the right casters. Call us at 1.888.344.3036 or contact us online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a caster?

Choose a caster based on its weight capacity, your mobility needs, and the setting where it will be used. You may need small casters or heavy duty casters, depending on the job they will perform. Consider commercial or industrial requirements, and decide on the right furniture casters you need for chairs, tables, and more. 

Are all casters the same size?

Casters are available in many sizes to accommodate different load capacities and applications, from small rolling casters to heavy duty casters.

What’s the difference between hard and soft casters?

For cushioning and floor protection, soft casters, often featuring rubber, are a good choice. Metal or polyurethane are the materials found in many hard casters. These provide top rolling resistance and outstanding durability.

Do bigger casters roll better?

Overall, this is true. The bigger the caster wheel, the better it moves because it takes less effort to move it. It works well on rough and uneven surfaces and rolls more smoothly.

What is the most common caster wheel size?

This is the 4-inch diameter size. It offers top rolling capability, easy maneuverability, and excellent load bearing capacity.

Does caster stem length matter?

You’ll need to take stem length into account because it determines how much clearance you get between the floor and the equipment, which affects stability.

Which materials are best for caster wheels based on different flooring types?

If you’re using casters on carpets or outdoors, rubber casters work well. Polyurethane casters are suited to most indoor applications.

Caster Brakes Explained

While caster brakes may appear to be of minor significance, they are essential in many applications, including industrial, medical, and domestic uses. Caster brakes are important in the overall function of the equipment they are part of, providing much-needed stability, control, and safety. Consider your needs and constraints when choosing swivel caster wheels with brakes for your application to maximize performance.

To assist with your selections, we’ll review types of caster wheel locks, common applications, and how to keep them maintained for long life and optimal function.

Understanding Caster Wheel Locks

At the most basic level, caster swivel brake locks are ingeniously designed mechanisms with a singular, critical role–they halt the rotation of a wheel. However, this simple explanation only scratches the surface of what these complex devices do. Because they are built into so many different kinds of equipment, these braking systems have a wide range of main jobs that can be very different from one another. 

Types of Caster Brakes

Various types of caster brakes can be used for distinctive purposes. These include:

Side Lock Brakes: These are designed to lock by applying a braking force to the side of the wheel. They are commonly used where the equipment needs to be stationary for a significant amount of time. Side lock brakes are known for their reliability and ease of use.

Face Contact Brakes: These brakes work by making contact with the face of the wheel, effectively halting its rotation. They are often used in heavy-duty applications due to their high stopping power. Face contact brakes are known for their durability and effectiveness in demanding environments.

Total Lock Brakes: Designed to lock both the wheel and the swivel, these caster brakes provide complete immobility. This makes them ideal for situations where absolute stability is required. Total lock brakes are recognized for their superior holding capacity.

Floor Lock Brakes: These brakes use a foot-operated pedal to engage a friction pad against the floor to prevent movement. They are often used on equipment that requires easy mobility but also secure stopping. Floor lock brakes are appreciated for their simplicity and versatility.

Compression or Decompression Brakes: These brakes work by either compressing or decompressing a spring mechanism to lock or release the wheel. They are commonly used in applications where smooth operation is essential. 

Thumb Screw Lock Brakes: These brakes employ a thumb screw mechanism to lock the wheel. They are often used in limited-load, light-duty applications where manual control is sufficient. They are favored for their ease of use and installation. 

Tread Lock Brakes: These brakes lock the wheel by making contact with the tread, providing a large surface area for braking. They are often used in heavy-duty applications due to their high stopping power and durability.

Cam Brakes: Employing a cam mechanism to apply a braking force, these brakes allow for exact control. They are commonly used where precision is important, such as with medical equipment.

Position Locks: Designed to lock the caster in a specific position, these caster brakes are ideal for use with specialized equipment where precise movement is required.

Swivel Locks: These locks prevent the caster from swiveling, providing directional control. They are commonly used where straight-line movement is required.

Choosing the Right Caster Brakes

Selecting the right industrial caster wheels with brakes involves a thorough understanding of the specific environment and conditions in which the brakes will be used, the particular requirements and constraints of the type of casters they will be attached to, and the financial budget that the selection must fall within. Balancing all these issues can guide users towards the most suitable, effective, and cost-efficient choices.

Industry Recommendations and Insights

The insights, advice, and recommendations of industry veterans can be invaluable during decision-making. Here’s what experts say about some of the caster brake locks we have talked about and the situations where they work best:

Side Lock Brakes:

Side lock brakes are ideal for light-duty applications like furniture or small equipment. They engage by tightening a lever or nut against the side of the caster, providing basic stopping power.

Applications: Office chairs, toolboxes, medical carts, light-duty platforms.

Floor Lock Brakes:

You will want to choose these caster lock brakes when you require more stopping power than side locks, and they are suitable for moderate-duty applications. They use a pedal or lever to engage a mechanism that presses directly onto the wheel tread, creating a firm lock.

Applications: Industrial carts, hospital beds, heavy tool chests, mobile workstations.

Total Lock Brakes:

For maximum stability and safety, total lock brakes are the way to go because they not only lock the wheel but also immobilize the swivel mechanism, preventing any movement.

Applications: Ladders, scaffolding, high-load platforms, equipment used on slopes or uneven terrain.

Best Practices for Maintenance

It is very important to follow the right maintenance procedures for your caster brakes. These practices include regular and thorough cleaning to prevent the buildup of debris that could hamper performance, timely lubrication to ensure smooth and efficient operation, and periodic inspections to detect and address potential issues at their earliest stages. Diligently following these best practices can greatly extend the life of your caster brakes and ensure that they perform optimally at all times. 

Final Thoughts and Future Perspectives

Different brakes for caster wheels are available, and each one has a specific job to do. You can get the most out of your caster wheel locks by learning about the differences between them, making an informed choice about which ones to buy, and following care guidelines.

The future may introduce caster brake types with different materials, increased durability, improved design, or even smart features that allow for remote or automated control. As such, the journey of understanding and choosing caster wheel brakes is an ongoing process.

Apollo Caster offers the caster brakes you need for any application. Please visit our main locking casters page to see our entire selection. If you need assistance, please contact us or call us at 1.888.344.3036. 

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