At Douglas Equipment, we often get calls from customers who want to order casters with brakes. Many don’t realize that there is a large selection of brake styles and materials available for each particular caster. If they ask us to recommend the best one, we will first ask them questions about how they intend to use the caster, because every situation is unique. As we learn more about their application, we can begin to narrow down the choices for brakes, and ultimately arrive at the best brake for their situation.
In the sections below, we’ll describe ten unique situations. Perhaps you’ll find your own listed below, and can use some of the information we provide. If none of the situations match yours, you will at least be able to see how to go about choosing caster brakes in the settings described, and can then modify the specifics to help you make your choice.
- Simple Situations – Let’s suppose that you have no particular requirements at all. You’re just looking for a caster brake that will lock the caster wheels on a cart in a light duty application, indoors with smooth floors and comfortable temperatures. In this case, a simple side lock brake will probably fit your needs. It will be easy to operate, reliable, and economical.
- Maneuverability – Using the same situation as above, increase the complexity just a bit. You now need to maneuver the cart up against a wall, from either direction, and then lock the casters in place. A double lock brake will be an improvement here; it solves the problem that can occur when the single lock brake, because of the way the caster is oriented, is located underneath the cart, and inaccessible. The double lock brake can be set and released from either side of the wheel.
- Even More Maneuverability – Continuing with the example above, there may be situations where even the double lock brake is inaccessible for either setting or releasing, because of the cart’s orientation. Wrap-around brakes are available, which provide a rod or bar that extends around all four sides of the wheel. The brake can be set or released, no matter which way the caster is turned.
- Food Handling and Preparation – In facilities that move and prepare food, such as sites that process meat, poultry, and fish, brakes must hold securely, even when coated in various liquids and fluids; and then be able to withstand harsh chemical wash downs. Look for a brake that is made from materials that can meet these requirements. For example, caster manufacturers provide options for brakes constructed from rugged thermoplastics or stainless steel, which will resist corrosion.
- Brakes for Bakery Casters – Must meet the wash down requirements discussed in the last example. but must also withstand the high temperatures of ovens. Examine the specification sheets for thermoplastic caster brakes you might be considering, and verify that the temperatures of your oven do not exceed those specified for the brakes. Corrosion and heat resistant metal brakes are another alternative for bakery casters.
- Brakes for Freezer Casters – At the opposite end of the thermometer from bakery casters, frozen food preparation facilities have the unique requirement that the brakes on their casters, as well as standing up to chemical wash downs, must also function at temperatures well below zero. Caster manufacturers formulate plastic compounds specifically for extreme low temperatures. If your situation involves freezers, check the specifications to verify that the brakes you choose are made from a material suited for the temperature of your freezer.
- Hospital and Laboratory Caster Brakes – To disinfect and sanitize equipment, hospitals and labs use a variety of chemical wash down sprays, and heated autoclaves. Stainless steel, or thermoplastic formulated for high temperature use, are some of the brake materials frequently chosen in these situations.
- Corrosive Environments – In chemical processing facilities, or any location near salt water, the biggest threat to caster brakes comes from the corrosive atmosphere surrounding the casters. Brakes made from a rugged thermoplastic or stainless steel can resist corrosion in these harsh situations.
- Caster Brakes for Office Chairs – Many options are available. Internal brakes work automatically. There is no external lever or switch to activate the brake. Two styles are available. The first prevents the wheels from rolling when the user stands up, and no weight is applied to the chair; but the wheels roll effortlessly when the user is seated. The second option works just the opposite: the wheels are locked in place while the user is seated; but roll when the chair has no weight applied.
- Factory Made versus Field Installed – When you order new casters, you can often select a brake option that will come with the caster when it ships. If you already have casters, and would like to add brakes to them, field installable brakes are available – but not for all casters! It becomes important to know the difference, if you are ordering casters without brakes now, but might want to add them in the future. Make sure to plan ahead, and examine the field installable brake options that are available for the casters you order.
For Caster Brakes in Unique Situations – Call Douglas Equipment Today!
At Douglas Equipment, we are the authorized representatives for the leading caster manufacturers around the world. We are intimately familiar with all of the products that each caster company produces, and with the options available for each of those casters. We can help you arrive at a choice for the best caster to meet your requirements, and then examine the options for brakes designed to go with that caster.
You will have many options for brakes. Your unique situation will determine which choice is the best. If you contact the experts in our customer service department, we would be happy to help you make that choice. You can call us at 800-451-0030(or 305-888-3700 in the Miami area), or contact us online.
