Swivel casters are a great accessory to have on hand to make moving furniture around more superficial. But if you don’t secure them, they might be dangerous. For example, if a swivel caster is left unlocked, someone could get hurt if they fall over and get caught in the wheel.
Swivel Locks Prevent Caster Wheels From Swiveling
Swivel locks are components of caster wheels that prevent them from swiveling. They are generally designated by the numeral 20 and include a U-shaped bracket that engages the frame member 19. The connecting portion of bracket 21 is connected to bolt 22, which extends through the caster’s flanged bottom part.
A swivel casters with lock prevent caster wheels from rotating and typically feature two or more tabs that snap into place when the ring is turned. Larger accounts are easier to spin, but smaller bills can be troublesome. If the tabs are too small, they can’t support the weight of the caster or the pressure of the caster wheels. This makes moving the furniture difficult. Swivel locks require occasional maintenance.
A swivel caster with a locking mechanism can be locked with two bolts or a threaded nut. The bolts or nuts must be tightened to hold the caster without deforming the leg. Once the casters have been installed, the next step is to install the swivel lock. The lock is a small metal ring that slides into a groove on the floor. Swivel locks can be purchased in different sizes.
Directional Locks Prevent Caster Wheels From Swiveling While Still Allowing Them to Roll
Casters with directional locks allow users to control their movement. They can lock in place for easy maneuverability in straight halls but can be unlocked when required to move into tight spaces. Directional locks also reduce the risk of falling, preventing the wheels from turning while allowing the cart to roll.
Another type of caster is called a total lock. It has a second directional lock on the vertical shaft that prevents it from rotating while still allowing the wheels to roll. The two types can be used separately or in conjunction with each other. The total lock caster is the best choice for a hospital setting. It provides rigid support while preventing the wheels from turning and allowing them to roll.
Some casters use toe brakes. These brakes apply braking force to the caster wheel. However, this does not prevent the wheel from swiveling about its axis, which can cause the shifting of caster-mounted furniture.
Swivel Locks are Factory Installed
Swivel locks are an additional safety feature that allows users to keep swivel casters in place while in use. They are a great convenience when you need to push a unit a long distance or use the caster for long-term pushing. Swivel locks are usually factory installed on swivel cylinders but can also be field installed.
Swivel locks are also available with demountable models. These types of locks provide notches every 90 degrees on swivel casters. In addition, some models have a brake feature, which locks the caster’s wheel to prevent it from turning. However, the swivel caster can still rotate in a circle by rotating the offset distance.
Swivel Locks are Field Installable
A swivel lock is a type of caster lock designed to prevent the rotation of a caster. These caster locks can be used for light, medium, and heavy-duty applications. Swivel locks engage with a predetermined force. Therefore, they are compatible with most brands of swivel casters.
Swivel locks are field-installable and can turn a 360-degree swivel caster into a stationary or rigid caster. They are accommodating if a user needs to push a piece of equipment for a long time. A swivel caster can be very difficult to keep moving forward, so this feature can be invaluable.
