When it comes to company operations, the role of casters is often overlooked. In reality, they couldn't be more important. Casters are the primary piece of equipment for moving your product around. You can make a significant difference to worker safety and reduce injuries by choosing suitable casters for your workplace. They help reduce noise and improve ergonomics, which are essential to the health of your staff. For those worried about unwanted movements, lockable casters are a fantastic alternative.
If you're considering casters for your workplace, keep reading! This article will discuss how businesses can use lockable casters and the different types of brakes to help you determine which one is ideal for your company's requirements.
How Lockable Casters Can Be Used In Business
Lockable casters are heavy-duty, and they can be utilized for a variety of industrial applications. Manufacturing factories, warehouses, distribution facilities, and shopping centers are all places where you're likely to find them.
However, the use of lockable casters is not restricted to these places. They can be helpful in public places where maneuverability is required, such as schools and hospitals, among others.
Different Types of Brakes
Several types of caster brakes are available for locking a caster into position and keeping it from rolling about:
Side Lock Brake
The side lock brake is by far the most popular type of caster brake. When it comes to using the brakes, it's among the most ergonomic systems around. These brakes can be seen in various casters, from beds to tool chests and even carts.
As the name implies, you will find this brake on the caster's side. Depending on the lock's size and intended function, you can use your hand or foot to activate the brake. The more force you use on a side lock brake, the tighter it will become since it is essentially a screw. Side lock brakes can be found everywhere, but they tend to be used on things that don't require a lot of braking power.
Cam lock and top lock brakes are two of the most common types of side lock brakes. Cam lock brakes apply pressure to the wheel hub to keep it from turning. On the other hand, top lock brakes are activated from the side, but the wheels are stopped by a metal piece known as an L-bar. In both cases, people need to exert different degrees of force when pushing the lever down.
Wrap-Around Brake
Only the wrap-around brake allows operators to access the brake despite the caster's direction. This brake is the best option for carts, racks, and other equipment that have swiveling wheels and are routinely moved by hand.
Face Contact Brake
This sort of brake exerts tension to the wheel's front or face. When pressure is applied to the lever, it engages, allowing it to hold the lock in place. With face contact brakes, you'll be able to feel and see the brake activate. A pedal is a common way to secure this type of brake. In some cases, a screw, like a large T-screw, is used to tighten a face contact brake. However, on occasion, a tool may be necessary.
Dual-Side Brake
This brake is among the most cost-effective options for businesses with limited resources. This brake involves applying tension to both sides of the caster. One of its most notable benefits is its strength and power, making it suitable for heavy-duty lockable casters.
Total Lock Brake
With a total lock brake, any movement can be stopped with a simple press on the brake pedal. This type of brake is popular because it's simple to operate and demands minimal maintenance. Typically, it has only two moving parts composed of rust-resistant thermoplastic.
It's typical to see total lock brakes in commercial and industrial applications because they are ideal for hauling heavy loads. The equipment and the cargo it's transporting are both more secure when they come to a complete stop. It doesn't roll or swivel and doesn't shift or move in any way.
The Bottomline
Choosing the appropriate lockable casters with brakes for your project might be difficult because there are so many to choose from. If you haven't yet decided on the best type of brake for your scenario, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our helpful and reliable staff members will ensure that you have suitable brakes for your lockable casters. Give us a call today!