Some casters are easier to roll than others. Whether you’re planning to use them on a cart, chair, toolbox or any other object, you should consider their rollability. Rollability represents the ease at which a caster rolls. Here are six common factors that affect the rollability of casters.
#1) Wheel Diameter
The diameter of a caster’s wheel will affect its rollability. Casters with a larger wheel diameter are typically easier to roll than those with a smaller wheel diameter. They cover more surface area of the ground or floor on which they are used, resulting in better rollability.
#2) Wheel Material
The material of a caster’s wheel will affect its rollability. Generally speaking, wheels made of a harder material are easier to roll than those made of a softer material. They don’t absorb as much shock as their soft counterparts. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for easy-to-roll casters, you should choose a hard wheel material.
#3) Load
The load to which a caster is exposed will affect its rollability. All casters are designed to handle a load. After all, they are installed on the bottom of objects, so they’ll bear the weight of the objects with which they are used. Objects are loads. The lighter the object, the easier it will be to push and roll the caster.
#4) Wheel Bearing
Another factor that affects caster rollability is the wheel bearing. Wheel bearings are assemblies that connect the wheel of a caster to the caster’s axle. Wheels will create friction as they spin around the axle. Some wheel bearings, however, produce less friction than others. And with less friction, they are easier to turn.
#5) Maintenance
Maintenance, or lack thereof, plays an important role in the rollability of casters. Most casters are low maintenance. You may need to clean them on occasion, and you may need to apply lubricant, but they shouldn’t require much else to maintain. Without lubrication, though, casters will suffer from poorer rollability. Lubrication reduces the friction between two or more moving parts. Keeping a caster well-lubricated will minimize friction so that it’s easier to roll.
#6) Floor Type
The floor type will affect the rollability of a caster. You can expect poorer rollability when using casters on a carpeted floor than a hardwood or laminate floor. The caster will likely still roll, but you’ll have to apply more force. Hardwood and laminate floors, on the other hand, promote better rollability. They offer a harder, flatter surface that manifests in the form of better rollability.