A castor wheel is a relatively small undriven wheel, meaning that it is free-rolling (as opposed to powered). They are designed to be attached to the bottom of a larger object, to enable easy movement across a floor or other hard surface.
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Castor wheels are often referred to simply by the standalone term ‘castors’. They are also commonly identified as ‘caster wheels’ or ‘casters’ by some suppliers and manufacturers. The latter spelling is perfectly valid, although it is largely a US variant. The preferred standard is usually ‘castor’ in the UK.
So, what exactly are castor wheels?
In terms of basic form, there are three main types of castors. They will usually be manufactured in either a single wheel, a double wheel, or a compound wheel configuration:
Most castor wheels in the UK are relatively simple components. They can be found attached to ‘vehicles’ (typically furniture or basic machinery) in a great many domestic and commercial settings. As a result, many different options and styles are available.
The way castor wheels work is straightforward enough. In most cases, they are attached to the underside of the vehicle via a fixed top plate, from which the wheel assembly hangs.
A typical method of attachment is to use 3-4 screws or bolts, inserted through the pre-drilled holes in the top plate. Other popular methods of attachment include bolt hole and threaded stem castors. These are often preferred for either practical or aesthetic reasons.
The ideal choice of mounting method will again come down to how much weight each castor is expected to carry. Other factors that may influence your choice of mounting system could include the availability of practical mount locations, wheel size, turn/swivel radius of the castors, or how often you are likely to want to move the item around.
For a majority of large and bulky items of furniture or equipment, a common standard is to use at least four castors, one at each corner of the item’s underside. Exceptionally wide, long or heavy items may need more than this. Smaller products designed to be moved in specific ways - certain trolley types, for example - may require fewer.
In terms of the actual wheels themselves, we have already covered the basic single, double and compound castor configurations. However, there are several other important categories, types and features of castor wheels, such as:
Many of the above are designed for improved performance in specific applications, workplaces or environments.
It should also be noted that various hub types are available. For instance, the wheel hub can come with roller bearings, ball bearings, friction bearings, or plain smooth bore. The latter type features no bearings and is suitable for lighter loads.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular castor wheel types available.
There are three different castor wheel strength ratings widely used in the UK and elsewhere. These denote the load-bearing capacity, durability and manoeuvrability required for the weight of the vehicle they are attached to.
How Much Weight can a Castor Wheel Hold?
Depending on the types of surfaces you are using heavy-duty castor wheels on, you may also wish to shop for pneumatic or puncture-proof models. This is an especially common requirement for many industrial and outdoor applications.
Common materials used in the manufacture of castors include nylon, polypropylene, various other thermoplastics, rubber, steel, and many more. The decision over which materials to choose for a given application will generally come down to the load-bearing requirements of the job. The types of surfaces you will need to use them on is also an important factor to bear in mind.
Additional materials used to manufacture high-quality castor wheels include:
The correct way to attach castors depends on the make, model and design of each wheel. As such, there is no single exhaustive guide that covers all wheel types. You will need to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for more detailed guidance.
With that said, the most common type of castor wheel assembly is the standard top plate castor (sometimes called ‘flat-plate’). These typically affix via four screws or bolts that pass through pre-drilled holes in the plate, and into the body of the vehicle.
When mounting your wheels, pay attention to:
Be sure to test the overall function of the castor wheels (and the manoeuvrability of the vehicle) before putting it into active service.
Accurately measuring castor wheels is essential. To gain a precise measurement, you should measure the width and height of both the top plate and the bolt hole pattern. Make sure to measure from the centre of one hole to the other. Lay the wheel flat to measure the wheel size, taking care to measure over the centre.
Installing casters might seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can lead to poor performance, increased wear and tear, or even safety hazards. Whether you're upgrading equipment, assembling carts, or outfitting industrial machinery, proper caster installation is key to ensuring smooth, reliable movement.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through common caster installation mistakes and show you how to avoid them for maximum durability and efficiency.
Many installation issues stem from selecting incompatible casters that don’t match your workspace conditions.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Check the load capacity. Ensure each caster can support at least 25% of the total weight of the equipment or cart.
Match the caster material to the floor. Use rubber or polyurethane for floor protection, and harder materials like nylon or steel for heavy-duty industrial settings.
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Consider swivel vs. rigid casters. Swivel casters offer better maneuverability, while rigid casters provide stability for straight-line movement.
???? Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about which caster to use, consult with a specialist before installation to avoid costly mistakes.
If casters aren’t evenly spaced, some will bear more weight than others, leading to uneven wear, poor mobility, and potential tipping hazards.
✅ How to Avoid It:
For four-caster setups, place them at equal distances in the corners to create a stable base.
For six or more casters, position them strategically to distribute weight evenly without creating unnecessary friction.
Avoid overloading individual casters, as this can lead to early failure.
???? Pro Tip: If handling extreme weight, consider using heavy-duty casters with reinforced mounting plates for better load distribution.
Casters come with different mounting styles, including plate mount, stem mount, and bolt-on options. Using the incorrect type can lead to loose attachments or damage to the mounting surface.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Check the mounting surface. Ensure it’s flat, level, and strong enough to hold the caster.
Tighten bolts and screws securely. Use lock washers or thread-locking compounds to prevent loosening over time.
For stem-mounted casters, choose the right size and ensure the stem fits snugly into the socket.
???? Pro Tip: Always use a reinforcement plate when mounting casters on softer materials like wood to prevent stripping and damage.
If casters aren’t perfectly aligned, carts and equipment may drift, resist movement, or experience premature wheel wear.
✅ How to Avoid It:
For straight-line travel, make sure rigid casters are installed parallel to each other.
For mixed setups (swivel & rigid casters), ensure swivel casters are positioned toward the load-bearing side for easier maneuverability.
Use a straight edge or measuring tape to align casters evenly before securing them.
???? Pro Tip: For best mobility, use two rigid casters in the back and two swivel casters in the front.
Even if everything looks good, skipping a final check can result in misaligned casters, loose bolts, or imbalanced loads.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Roll the equipment on a smooth, flat surface to check for wobbling, misalignment, or resistance.
Apply pressure to each caster to ensure it supports weight evenly and isn’t loose.
Test brakes and locks if applicable, ensuring they engage and disengage properly.
???? Pro Tip: Re-check bolts and fasteners after a few days of use to ensure they haven’t loosened due to weight shifts or vibrations.
Proper caster installation ensures safety, durability, and smooth mobility for your equipment. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll extend the lifespan of your casters and keep your workplace efficient and secure.
Need high-quality casters, mounting accessories, or expert advice? We’ve got you covered!
???? Keep moving forward—without the installation headaches! ????????
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