FAQs - Why Is It Called a Caster?
The word "caster" is often used in place of the words "caster wheel" — but what does it actually mean? A caster is a device that attaches to the bottom of a piece of furniture and allows it to be moved easily.
The caster wheel makes contact with the ground and creates motion. Furniture casters come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles to fit your needs. So, why is it called a caster?
Why Is It Called a Caster?
Casters are found on many office chairs, wheeled furniture, and other objects — but why is it called a caster?
The origins of the name are not often talked about, but it is rather simple – the word “caster” has to do with the root word “cast.” It has many meanings, one of which is “to turn.” The -er on the end is used to indicate that the object does what the root word says, meaning a “caster” is something that turns. Considering that a caster literally turns, allowing an object to move along the ground, this definition is very true to a caster’s function.
Thus, furniture casters make it easier to turn something when you are trying to move it!
What Makes a Caster Different From a Wheel?
It's easy to think of a caster and a wheel as the same thing, but there are actually some big differences between the two.
For one, casters have a swiveling action that allows them to move easily in any direction, while wheels are mostly stationary, moving in just one direction. This action makes it much easier to move heavy objects around because the weight of the object is distributed evenly over the whole surface of the caster.
Casters are also generally smaller than wheels, making them ideal for tight spaces. Without this feature, you would have to lift the entire object to move it.
Although casters come in many different shapes and sizes, they all serve one main purpose — to make your life easier!
Talk to a Caster Expert
Do you need to move a large piece of furniture but don't know how? Do you have a piece of equipment that needs to be relocated, but you don’t want to damage your floor? If so, you may need to use casters.
Casters are small wheels that attach to the bottom of objects and allow them to be moved easily in any direction. If you are looking for caster experts to get more information about these components, you have come to the right place. Give us a call today to talk to one of our experts.