If you’re looking for a new caster for your office, you might be wondering what the difference is between directional and self-locking casters. These wheels can lock in a straight position so they can easily roll in refined halls while allowing quick maneuverability in narrow spaces. Let’s examine each type to get a better idea of what these wheels can do.

Braking and reverse braking casters

If you frequently move a heavy object from one place to another, you may need to invest in braking and reverse balancing casters. These are also known as pressure locking casters. They are used on heavy items like barbecues and bed frames. A reverse braking caster works when the weight of the item is applied. The brake lever is located on the side of the wheel.

Some casters come with toe-brakes to control roll. These locks prevent the caster from rolling away when the user gets in and out of the chair. Some caregivers use toe brakes to prevent special-needs students from scooting around while in a classroom. To effectively stop a rolling chair, it’s recommended to lock two or three caster wheels at once.

Swivel casters

Self-locking swivel casters add safety, flexibility, and ease of movement to your carts. These casters are usually installed for safety reasons, as moving a cart with two locking casters is safer than with four swivels. In addition, they can help keep your cart straight while moving it through a long corridor, which is especially beneficial for medical equipment.

Swivel casters have a small offset distance that helps prevent the wheel assembly from rotating when it is not facing the right direction. If there is no offset distance, the wheel assembly will rotate and drag, which could cause a fall. Swivel casters are also better at controlling shock loads. Therefore, swivel casters have more advantages than disadvantages. Consider the pros and cons of both types.

Solid polyurethane wheels

If you’re looking for a durable wheel for your self-locking casters, consider a solid polyurethane wheel. Made from polyurethane, these wheels are perfect for applications where moisture and solvents are common. Unlike regular wheels, solid polyurethane wheels have a rubber edge that protects the floor. These wheels are also nonmarking and noiseless.

These caster wheels feature heavy-duty top plate swivels, and all four wheels can hold up to 150 pounds each. The wheels’ polyurethane material prevents rust and won’t rattle any attached objects. Their rotatable, 360-degree wheels also feature double brakes and seamless all-direction movement. In addition, a steel-structure body makes these casters durable and resistant to the elements.

Top lock brakes

When installing brakes on your self-locking casters, there are two main types: top lock and cam lock. Top lock brakes are more secure than cam lock brakes. Top lock brakes have a better grip on the wheel hub, while cam lock brakes do not. Cam lock brakes tend to loosen over time, while top lock brakes have a better grip on the wheel. However, cam lock brakes are cheaper and can only be installed on casters with large wheels.

Self-locking casters have a top lock and side lock brakes. Top lock brakes engage from the top and use an L-bar to apply pressure to the wheel. They are manual, and the amount of pressure applied to the lever can be difficult. As such, it’s essential to know how much pressure is required for top lock brakes to work. If the lever is too hard or too loose, the brake will not engage.

DGQ Specialty Medical Casters

The DGQ Specialty Medical Casters have a zero noise design and precision ball bearings that minimize vibration. These casters are made for use on different types of flooring. The high-quality rollerblade wheels provide a smooth rolling motion. These casters also have a 100% money-back guarantee. They also feature a total lock brake, preventing accidental stops or swivels.