5 Facts About Casters
Casters are a tool that makes it easier to move heavy items. They consist of a wheel and assembly system. They allow you to roll things instead of having to carry them. While you’ve probably heard of or seen them, there are a few fun facts that you likely don’t know. So here is some fun information about casters.
1. Swiveling Casters Are Old News
Swivel caster wheels can rotate in a complete circle. This invention has been around for more than a century since Seibert Chestnutt developed it. He filed for a patent for them in 1920.
2. Some Casters Have Locks
Some casters have a locking mechanism attached to them. When engaged, this mechanism prevents the wheels from turning. Think about if you need to leave a piece of heavy equipment in the middle of a ramp. If there’s a lock on the wheels, you can engage it and not worry about it rolling away. This braking system is functional and helps some businesses meet government safety standards.
3. Flutter Is a Disease
Flutter is a problem that some casters can experience. It involves one of your casters swinging from left to right while trying to push a cart in a straight line. Not only does this give you shimmy while moving the equipment, but it can also make your cart unstable and unsafe. Fortunately, dampers are available that prevent flutter. Dampers are washers installed in the swivel joint to take out any play and keep your wheels rolling straight.
4. Casters Lower Risk of Injuries
Casters prevent workers from getting injured. Of course, moving heavy items come with a chance of injury. Hundreds of workers get injured every year because they are moving heavy objects. However, casters remove the need for lifting. Now, workers can move things by rolling them. Whatever needs to be moved, it just became a lot easier. That means there is less force exerted and less chance of injury.
5. Casters Come In Many Materials
Whatever your needs are, you can obtain casters in almost any material you can imagine. Most are made from several different materials. The wheels can come in rubber, plastic, synthetic materials, and more. Plus, the frames are generally made from metal.
While you may know them as dull wheels placed on the bottom of industrial equipment, casters are pretty fascinating. Hopefully, these fun facts made you rethink your stance on casters.