What are the two types of casters?
When considering maneuverability, there are two basic kinds of caster: rigid casters and swivel casters. A rigid caster, also known as a fixed caster, is only able to roll forward and backward. A swivel caster has a raceway that allows the wheel to turn.
What is the difference between a wheel and a caster?
The wheel is limited in that it only spins on a single axis. It can only roll in one direction at a time. Casters incorporate wheels into their designs, but they are a bit more sophisticated. A caster includes the mounting system that holds the wheel in place.
How do I know what size casters I need?
One of the primary considerations for choosing casters is the “load,” which refers to how much weight each caster will support. Calculating the load you need for each caster or wheel is simple: just divide the weight of the furniture, equipment, or cargo by the number of casters.
What is a dual wheel caster?
Twin wheel casters are typically made of nylon and thermoplastics and have two wheels that are riveted or friction-fitted to an axle on the outside of a central body. Twin wheels can be hooded or non-hooded in design; both still feature a central body that the wheels are assembled to.
How do I choose the right caster?
The faster you move, the more weight capacity you need in your casters. The caster diameter, width, and material will all affect how much weight your caster can handle at high or low speeds. To determine the required load capacity for each caster on the cart, the maximum cart load is divided by the number of casters.
What type of casters are best?
Soft casters are best for hard surfaces, like tiles, hardwood, and laminate. Meanwhile, hard casters suit softer floor surfaces. As such, for carpeted flooring, the best option to go with is hard tread casters. Hard casters require less force to roll and move around.
How do I choose a caster wheel?
To determine the load capacity for each caster, divide the combined weight of the equipment and maximum load by the number of casters to be used. This is the load that each caster and wheel must support. Always select a caster and wheel that are rated for a capacity greater than the calculated load per caster.
What is the standard caster size?
2” to 2.5”
Caster Sizes
Most office chairs tend to come standard with 2” to 2.5” wheels. While this is certainly an adequate size, there are some advantages to going with larger wheels and opting for at least a 3” wheel.
Are bigger casters better?
Bigger casters generally mean better maneuverability and smoother movement. Choose the biggest caster that can be used safely for your application. If it’s too big, it’ll raise the center of gravity of your load, increasing the chances of tipping over.
Are rubber wheels better than plastic?
Plastic blow molded wheels are hollow and can fill with water in some conditions. If that water freezes, it can affect the ability to roll the cart or worse, crack the wheel itself. Rubber wheels are solid throughout and withstand extreme weather and freeze/thaw cycles.
Are rubber or polyurethane casters better?
As rubber casters are used, they will lose pieces of tread over time, whereas polyurethane casters tend to have much higher levels of resistance to wear and abrasion. Under controlled tests, polyurethane caster wheels can last up to three times longer than rubber caster wheels.
What makes a good caster wheel?
Generally, the greater the weight, the larger the wheel required for the caster. Larger wheels distribute weight and roll more easily over floor obstructions. To determine the load capacity for each caster, divide the combined weight of the equipment and maximum load by the number of casters to be used.
How do you measure for replacement caster wheels?
Measure Wheel Size
The diameter is measured with the wheel lying flat on its side, and with a measuring device measure from one side of the wheel to the opposite side. If the wheel is 8”, then the caster is considered a 8” caster. It’s important to make sure the measuring device passes over the center of the wheel.
Can you change the stem on a caster?
While it may take some brute strength, replacing a grip ring stem caster is not a difficult task, and definitely something any DIY’er should be able to conquer themselves. If you need help choosing the right replacement caster, let us know.
What type of casters are best for concrete?
We highly recommend using polyurethane or nylon casters for concrete floors. They work best on concrete floors and cause minimal damage. If you have more questions about which casters to use on concrete floors, contact us or you can call 866-306-9566 and speak with our caster experts.
Do rubber casters leave marks?
Hard rubber casters tend to be grey in color and are produced in a material which will not leave marks on the floor. However, as wheel tread is relatively hard, it can sometimes dent and scratch floor materials and therefore would not be recommended for soft flooring surface, such as hard wood, linoleum or terrazzo.
Are plastic or rubber wheels better?
How do you size a caster?
How to Measure a Caster Stem – YouTube
Does caster stem length matter?
Stem size is a critical measurement to match up when replacing a stem caster. There are so many different sizes and combinations of stems in the caster field and you want to make sure you match this measurement up to ensure a seamless fit on your new replacement caster.
Are casters a standard size?
Whilst they are typically 2-2.5 inches in size as standard, it is the style of the castor stem (the part which attaches the wheel to the chair leg) which determines whether the wheels will fit in other office chairs.
Do polyurethane casters get flat spots?
Heavily loaded polyurethane wheels that are stationary for long periods of time can develop flat spots. Heat buildup in polyurethane, or interaction with liquids or chemicals in some wheel compounds can cause internal softening of the wheel’s material.
What does PU wheels mean?
Polyurethane
PU (Polyurethane)
PU is a manufactured product designed around 50 years ago that mimic the rubber’s grip and softness. It is harder than rubber but is superbly durable. The grip on smooth surfaces isn’t excellent, but it works well on concrete and all-terrain surfaces.
Do casters come in different sizes?
Measure the Top Plate of the Caster
Top plates are typically 2-⅜” x 3-⅝”, but they come in many sizes. Before getting a caster, measure the area where you will use it. If you are replacing a caster, measure the existing caster’s top plate to ensure that the replacement will be the same size.
How do you replace caster wheels?
How To Remove And Install The Casters / Wheels On Your Office Chair