When you want to mobilize your shelving units, the obvious thing would be to buy wheels. While this sounds simple enough, you need to make sure that you get the best fit, so you don’t need to worry about inconveniences or safety hazards. Many different factors impact wheel selection.
Casters come in a variety of types, materials, and sizes to meet many different needs. That means you are going to need to browse through your options to find the right one. However, when you don’t know what you’re looking for, this can seem overwhelming. So here are the most important things to consider when you are choosing wheels for your shelves.
Attachment Type
You can find stem, threaded, or plated attachment types. These are all designed for different types of shelves. You want to make sure that the wheel you choose has the appropriate attachment type for your unit.
The most stable and cost-effective option for flat bottomed shelves is a plate attachment. These need to be bolted, screwed, or welded in place. Once attached, they are the best option for heavy items. If your shelves have legs, you will get the most stability and maneuverability with stem attachments.
Style
It is also important that you consider the style of wheel that you want based on your mobility requirements. Your primary options here are rigid, swivel, or a combination configuration.
Material
Wheels are available in neoprene, phenolic, nylon, polyurethane, pneumatic, and rubber. The materials you choose are crucial to getting the perfect caster for your floor and conditions. Each one has different pros and cons that make them good or bad for certain environments. Plus, some materials can handle more weight than others.
Size
Typically, the larger the wheel, the easier and faster it will be to roll your shelves. That said, you still need to match the wheel size to your space. You don’t want to choose something too large. This is because the larger the wheel, the more likely your shelves are to tip over, meaning they are not good for any unlevel ground. Additionally, a large wheel can also take more force to get your object moving, so it is not good for small spaces.
When you are choosing wheels for your shelves, you need to think of a variety of factors. Following these guidelines can give you some things to think about when you are shopping. Knowing what to look for will help you find the perfect match.
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