The convenience of caster wheels is a benefit for any home or office. The problem arises when one of those wheels breaks or is damaged. Furniture that once easily moved across the floor now becomes an unmoving lump. Some people adjust to the idea that the piece of furniture will never move easily again. Others may deem the piece of furniture as useless and make plans to purchase more.
The good news is that a broken or lost caster wheel does not ruin an entire piece of furniture. They can be replaced easily and inexpensively.
Learn How to Easily Replace Caster Wheels
1. Remove the old wheel and take it along for proper fitting. Caster wheels come in many different sizes and methods of attachment. The easiest and most accurate way to ensure a good fit with the new caster is to take the old one along to make your purchase. When purchasing online, be sure to correctly measure the old caster “stem or mounting plate” and purchase a replacement caster that will fit.
2. Consider the job that will be done by the wheel. If the wheel is to be used on a heavy piece of furniture or equipment it will need to be sturdy enough to hold that weight. Before making a purchase, check the ratings of a replacement caster wheel to make sure it will be able to meet the weight requirements of the item where it will be mounted.
3. Consider the type of surface. There are various types of surfaces that may be under equipment. Different types of caster wheels are designed to work well with different surfaces. Make sure to get the type that will work on the surface where it will be used. Carpet requires a different type of wheel material than wood, tile, or marble floors.
4. Determine whether there are other issues to be considered. If the casters will be used on a slanted surface, it might be wise to get casters with a braking mechanism to keep the item from rolling around. Some items might need casters that swivel. The ability to swivel might be a negative point for other items.
5. It’s time for the easy part. Some people avoid replacing casters because they think the job will be too hard. The truth is that actually replacing the casters might be the easiest part of the whole process. The new caster should simply slide into the place that was vacated by the old caster wheel. Some casters may screw in and out. One complication that can occur is that the old caster post has broken off in the hole. If this is the case, a pair of pliers can be used to remove the broken piece.
Don’t discard old furniture and equipment simply because a caster wheel has broken or become lost. Stop using old lopsided furniture that is missing one wheel. The hardest part about replacing a caster wheel is choosing the right replacement. So, next time a wheel breaks, follow these simple steps to discover how to easily replace caster wheels.
The next time you need a replacement caster wheel, contact Douglas Equipment for the best replacement caster wheels.
