An Overview of Rigid Casters

Table of Contents

You’ll likely come across various types if you’re shopping for casters. Stable, heavy-duty, and easy to maneuver are all qualities to look for when purchasing a rigid caster. Here are some of the most common types of rigid casters. Then, read on to learn more about their features. Using rigid casters is ideal for moving heavier items in straight lines, not around corners. Rigid casters also have a higher weight capacity than swivel casters, making them more durable and robust.

Heavy duty

Whether you’re using heavy-duty swivel casters or rigid casters, you’ll find various options for your needs. Swivel casters can rotate in any direction, while rigid casters roll only forward or backward. Both types offer a solid, reliable base. Heavy-duty swivel casters and rigid casters offer durable, rugged construction and various options for mounting.

Stable

There are two main types of casters: plate mount and stem mount. It is essential to ensure that any replacements match the same plate size and stem style. In addition, it is crucial to keep in mind that rigid casters can only roll forward or backward and cannot swivel. Despite their limitations, they are still much more substantial than other types of casters. 

Easy to maneuver

A rigid caster is a type of wheel with a stationary fork. This type of caster is most commonly seen on shopping carts in North America. However, rigid casters are not easy to maneuver when the vehicle is not rolled. Instead, they tend to restrict movement on straight lines. This makes rigid casters a popular option for moving a shopping cart. However, they also offer greater versatility for some uses.

Durable

If you are looking for a durable caster, you may be wondering what to look for. Rigid casters don’t swivel but instead pivot around a kingpin. They are durable and effective at carrying weight, making them good for demanding applications. Rigid casters are often the most effective choice for high-capacity mission requirements, including carts and chairs.

Low profile

If you need low-profile casters, you have come to the right place. Low-profile castors feature the highest load capacity, combined with a low height and outstanding mobility. As a result, they are great for heavy machines, such as reach-in freezers, refrigerators, and computer racks. Furthermore, low-profile casters feature double ball-bearing raceways for smooth movement and excellent swivel action. They come in various wheel styles and are available in different finishes, such as black electrocoating and yellow zinc.

Nickel-plated kingpin

The kingpin on a rigid caster may be made of nickel-plated steel. A nickel-plated kingpin on a rigid caster is known to be more reliable than a standard kingpin. Its metal construction is much more durable, but the kingpin does face a risk of catastrophic failure. In industrial casters, the kingpin is subjected to extreme stress during movement. This stress can come from a combination of static and dynamic loads. The kingpin located opposite the wheels receives the most significant stress. Consequently, the kingpin is susceptible to soft failure deformation and abrupt failure.

Small diameter

The first thing to consider when choosing small diameter rigid casters is the diameter of the wheels. You can measure the diameter on the front of the caster. Then, decide how much swivel radius you need. Smaller wheels have a smaller swivel radius than larger ones. Generally, casters are 80-120 pounds, but you can find larger ones. Also, consider the type of floor you have.

Wide wheel

When buying wide wheel rigid casters, there are several factors to consider. First, most of these casters come with brake options, such as friction or Tread Lock Brake. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose between these two types of brakes or even design your own. In either case, you should know the basics of casters before purchasing. Below, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of both brakes and how they can be used.