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Casters 101: A Quick Tutorial: Caster Types

First time looking for casters and don't know the options and terminology? Read on for a quick & easy beginner's guide to finding what you need. Keep in mind, you can always call for assistance.

Tutorial Chapters:


 

ball-caster

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Ball Casters, sometimes called Planetary Casters

  • Easy rolling, elegant casters for many applications.
  • Sizes from 1-1/2" to 3" diameter.
  • Variety of finishes
  • Metal or rubber tread available
  • Larger sizes available with brakes.

twin-wheel-caster

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Twin Wheel Casters

  • Economical and widely used; relatively wide range of pricing
  • Sizes from 40mm (1-3/8") to 125mm (5") in diameter. Tip: the bigger the caster, the easier it rolls and overcomes obstacles or debris. Chair casters are best at 60mm (2-3/8") or 75mm (3"). For the small cost, you will be thankful for years for getting a larger size. Check the load heights if that is a factor for your application.
  • Various tread types available: Hard nylon is good for carpet and durable surfaces. Polyurethane and TPR rubber are good for vinyl, hardwood, and tile.
  • Brakes are available with most models.
  • Available with or without hoods. Hoods are also available in a variety of finishes.

spherical-caster

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Spherical (or Hooded Ball) Casters

  • Economical and widely used
  • 1-5/8" ball available in rubber
  • 2" ball available in hard plastic
  • Brakes not available
  • Hoods available in a several finishes.

single-wheel-caster

No link as these are found in many categories.

Single Wheel Casters

  • Furniture sizes typically to up 5" and industrial up to 16" diameter wheels.
  • Considerable price variety depending on wheel material, bearing quality, and size.
  • Wheel, position lock & total-lock brakes available.
  • Rigid models available with plate mount connectors.
  • Good choice when higher weight capacities are needed.
  • Available in various rig materials and finishes including steel, nylon, stainless, black and others.

dual-wheel-caster

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Dual Wheel Casters

  • Provide higher weight capacity with a lower profile. Generally 2" and 3" diameter, though industrial, heavy-duty dual-wheel casters also available.
  • Considerable price variety depending on wheel material, bearing quality, and size.
  • Available with plates, threaded stems and grip ring stems.
  • Wheel brake & total-lock brakes available.
  • Rigid models available (top plate connector only).
  • The dual-wheel yokes are sometimes available with a single, wider wheel.

ball-transfer

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Ball Transfers

  • Provide omni-directional mobility.
  • Extremely easy rolling.
  • Available with plates, threaded stems and grip ring stems.
  • Nylon balls available.
  • Stainless ball and housings available.
  • No braking possible.

floor-lock

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Floor Locks (a/k/a Truck Locks)

  • Provide firm braking for carts.
  • Must be precisely matched with casters - typically 1/8" higher load height.
  • Not designed to be load bearing.

caster-pad caster-pad

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Caster Pads (a/k/a Quick-Change Plates)

  • Best method to efficiently remove or replace casters.
  • Must be matched with caster plate size and sometimes with caster manufacturer.
  • Snap-in and bolt-in styles available.
  • Bolt-on and weld-on styles available.

caster-sockets caster-sockets

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Caster Sockets

  • Used to receive and retain casters and glides.
  • Slide in, screw-on and weld-on sockets available for tubing, wood or metal applications.
  • Available for standard Grip-Neck, Grip-Ring and Threaded Stems.



 

Next lesson: Chapter 2: Connector Types

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