Understanding Caster Construction

Understanding a caster's parts and components is critical in choosing the right casters and wheels for your carts and furniture. Check out our breakout diagram below.  Click on any part or component for more information.

Caster Construction

Understanding the nomenclature of a caster is vital because it's like learning the language of mobility. It empowers you to make informed choices when selecting casters for different applications. From wheels and bearings to yokes and raceways, each component's name and function matter. This knowledge helps you choose the right caster for the job, ensuring smooth movement, load-bearing capacity, and durability. Whether you're furnishing your home, operating industrial equipment, or pushing a shopping cart, knowing caster nomenclature ensures you get the right tools for the task, enhancing safety, efficiency, and performance in countless everyday situations.

Explore our Selection of Casters or Find Your Caster filtering through your Caster Requirements.

MAXX-Castor-Nomenclature-Full_Components
Top Washer Kingpin Plate Wheel Steel Balls Rolling Bearing Precision Bearing Swivel Yoke Flanged Bushing Flange Bushing Ball Bearing Ball Bearing Delrin Bearing Delrin Bearing Spanner Bushing Thread Gaurd Thread Gaurd Side Washer Side Washer Axle Nut Zerk Axle Bolt Hole Round Top Plate Round Stem Round Top Plate Nut Threaded Stem Round Top Plate Nut Brake

Top Washer

Algood Caster Construction: Top Washer

A washer is a simple yet essential flat, circular disc used in various applications. It acts as a spacer or a buffer between two components, preventing friction, distributing loads, and maintaining stability. Washers are available in different materials, such as metal or plastic, and come in various shapes and sizes to suit specific needs. They are widely used in construction, automotive, plumbing, and countless other industries to enhance the performance and longevity of mechanical connections.

To learn more about Washers visit our Components section.

Kingpin

Algood Caster Construction: Kingpin

In the world of casters, a kingpin is like the backbone of the setup. It's a sturdy vertical rod that holds the wheel in place and lets it turn smoothly in all directions. You can find kingpins in furniture, carts, and other rolling things. They're essential for making sure everything moves easily, like a chair gliding across the floor, thanks to this clever design.

To learn more about Kingpins visit our Components section.

Plate

Algood Caster Construction: Plates

In the caster world, a plate is a flat, usually square or rectangular, metal or plastic piece that attaches the caster wheel to an object like a piece of furniture or equipment. It's like the foundation, ensuring a stable connection. Casters come in various sizes and materials, with plates designed to fit different needs, from chairs to industrial carts. These small but essential components enable easy mobility and versatility in everyday items.

To learn more about our Plates visit our Plate Chart for Plate Sizes & Bolt Hole Patterns.

Wheel

Algood Caster Construction: Wheel

The wheel is the heart of a caster, making movement effortless. It comes in various materials like rubber, plastic, or metal, each suited to specific tasks. The wheel's design affects load capacity, noise levels, and floor protection. Whether on office chairs or industrial carts, the right wheel ensures smooth, quiet, and easy rolling. It's the unsung hero behind mobile convenience, turning stationary objects into portable, versatile tools for various applications.

To learn more about the wide variety of Wheels we offer, visit our Wheels section.

Steel Balls

Algood Caster Construction: Steel Balls for Raceway

Steel balls nestled within the caster's raceways are like silent, sturdy companions, ensuring seamless swiveling and weight distribution. These small spheres reduce friction, allowing the caster to move with minimal effort and maximum stability. The steel balls also bear the weight of the load, preventing wear and tear. They're the hidden magic that makes casters effortlessly maneuverable, whether under your office chair, on your shopping cart, or in industrial machinery.

To learn more about Caster Components visit our Components section.

Rolling Bearing

Algood-Roller_Bearings-RB-7000

A roller bearing is a vital mechanical component used to reduce friction and support heavy loads. Instead of round balls, it employs cylindrical rollers, which distribute the load evenly. This design allows for higher load capacity and increased stability, making roller bearings ideal for applications like conveyor systems, automotive wheel hubs, and heavy machinery. They excel in handling radial and axial forces, ensuring smooth and reliable motion in a wide range of industries.

To learn more about Roller Bearings visit our Components section.

Precision Bearing

Algood Caster Construction: Precision Bearing

A precision bearing is an advanced type of ball bearing designed with extraordinary accuracy and tight tolerances. Its components are meticulously crafted to minimize any deviation in movement. These bearings excel in demanding applications where exact positioning or minimal vibration is essential, such as aerospace, medical equipment, or high-performance machinery. They ensure reliable, consistent motion and are the go-to choice for tasks demanding unparalleled precision and reliability.

To learn more about Precision Bearings visit our Components section.

Swivel Yoke

Algood Caster Construction: Yoke or Rig

The yoke of a caster is its backbone, supporting the wheel and allowing it to swivel in any direction. It's like the caster's frame, ensuring stability and load-bearing capability. Without a sturdy yoke, the caster wouldn't hold up, and movement would be limited. This crucial component is found in everyday items like chairs, shopping carts, and industrial equipment, making them mobile and versatile. It's the unsung hero behind smooth, easy rolling.

The Caster Yoke can also be referred to as a Caster Rig. At Algood, we avoid using the term Caster Rig as it can be confused for Rigid Caster.

To learn more about Caster Yokes visit our Components section.

Flanged Bushing

Algood Caster Construction: Flanged Bushing

The flanged bushing in a caster is a crucial support component. Shaped like a small tube with a flange at one end, it reduces friction and provides stability. It fits into the caster's wheel and helps it rotate smoothly around the axle. The flanged bushing ensures the wheel's proper alignment and prevents wobbling. Without it, your caster would struggle to roll evenly and efficiently, impacting the mobility and performance of the equipment it's attached to.

To learn more about Flanged Bushings visit our Components section.

Flange Bushing

Algood Caster Construction: Flanged Bushing

The flanged bushing in a caster is a crucial support component. Shaped like a small tube with a flange at one end, it reduces friction and provides stability. It fits into the caster's wheel and helps it rotate smoothly around the axle. The flanged bushing ensures the wheel's proper alignment and prevents wobbling. Without it, your caster would struggle to roll evenly and efficiently, impacting the mobility and performance of the equipment it's attached to.

To learn more about Flanged Bushings visit our Components section.

Ball Bearing

Algood Caster Construction: Ball Bearing

A ball bearing is a crucial mechanical component, often unseen but widely used in various machines. It consists of small, smooth metal spheres (balls) arranged within a ring-like structure. These balls roll between the inner and outer rings, reducing friction, allowing parts to move with ease. Ball bearings are like tiny wheels, distributing weight and stress evenly, enabling smooth rotation, whether in industrial equipment, vehicles, or everyday items like skateboards and fidget spinners.

To learn more about Ball Bearings visit our Components section.

Ball Bearing

Algood Caster Construction: Ball Bearing

A ball bearing is a crucial mechanical component, often unseen but widely used in various machines. It consists of small, smooth metal spheres (balls) arranged within a ring-like structure. These balls roll between the inner and outer rings, reducing friction, allowing parts to move with ease. Ball bearings are like tiny wheels, distributing weight and stress evenly, enabling smooth rotation, whether in industrial equipment, vehicles, or everyday items like skateboards and fidget spinners.

To learn more about Ball Bearings visit our Components section.

Delrin Bearing

Algood Caster Construction: Delrin Bearing

The Delrin bearing in a caster is a critical element that reduces friction, ensuring the wheel moves effortlessly. Delrin is a durable, low-friction material that withstands wear and tear, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. This component also contributes to a quieter and smoother rolling experience. Understanding the importance of the Delrin bearing helps you appreciate its role in making casters functional, reliable, and long-lasting in various environments, from hospitals to factories to everyday furniture.

To learn more about Delrin Bearings visit our Components section.

Delrin Bearing

Algood Caster Construction: Delrin Bearing

The Delrin bearing in a caster is a critical element that reduces friction, ensuring the wheel moves effortlessly. Delrin is a durable, low-friction material that withstands wear and tear, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. This component also contributes to a quieter and smoother rolling experience. Understanding the importance of the Delrin bearing helps you appreciate its role in making casters functional, reliable, and long-lasting in various environments, from hospitals to factories to everyday furniture.

To learn more about Delrin Bearings visit our Components section.

Spanner Bushing

Algood Caster Construction: Spanner Bushing

The spanner bushing in a caster is like a silent guardian, enhancing stability and ensuring smooth rotation. It fits within the wheel, supporting the axle and maintaining proper alignment. This small but vital component prevents wobbling, uneven wear, and loss of load-bearing capacity. Understanding the significance of the spanner bushing is essential as it ensures that your casters remain reliable, durable, and provide efficient mobility, whether on your office chair or industrial cart.

To learn more about Spanner Bushings visit our Components section.

Thread Gaurd

Algood Caster Construction: Thread Guards

Thread guards on a caster are protective shields that prevent debris and dirt from obstructing the swivel mechanism. They play a vital role in maintaining caster functionality by ensuring that threads and bearings remain clean and free from damage. This helps extend the caster's lifespan and ensures smooth, trouble-free movement. Understanding thread guards' importance is crucial for keeping your casters operating at their best, whether on furniture, carts, or other equipment.

To learn more about Thread Gaurds visit our Components section.

Thread Gaurd

Algood Caster Construction: Thread Guards

Thread guards on a caster are protective shields that prevent debris and dirt from obstructing the swivel mechanism. They play a vital role in maintaining caster functionality by ensuring that threads and bearings remain clean and free from damage. This helps extend the caster's lifespan and ensures smooth, trouble-free movement. Understanding thread guards' importance is crucial for keeping your casters operating at their best, whether on furniture, carts, or other equipment.

To learn more about Thread Gaurds visit our Components section.

Side Washer

Algood Caster Construction: Side Washer

The side washer on a caster is a small but crucial component that adds stability and protection. It acts as a buffer, reducing friction and preventing wear between moving parts, such as the wheel and the caster's frame. The importance of the side washer lies in its role in ensuring smooth, durable movement and prolonging the caster's lifespan. This seemingly simple washer is essential for maintaining the caster's efficiency and reliability in a wide range of applications.

To learn more about Side Washers visit our CasterU on Side Washers.

Side Washer

Algood Caster Construction: Side Washer

The side washer on a caster is a small but crucial component that adds stability and protection. It acts as a buffer, reducing friction and preventing wear between moving parts, such as the wheel and the caster's frame. The importance of the side washer lies in its role in ensuring smooth, durable movement and prolonging the caster's lifespan. This seemingly simple washer is essential for maintaining the caster's efficiency and reliability in a wide range of applications.

To learn more about Side Washers visit our CasterU on Side Washers.

Axle

Algood Caster Construction: Axle

The axle in a caster is like the spine of the wheel, holding everything together. It's a rod that connects the wheel and allows it to rotate. The axle's strength and alignment are crucial for load-bearing and smooth movement. Without a sturdy axle, the caster wouldn't function correctly, affecting mobility and performance. Understanding the significance of the axle is essential in selecting the right caster for various applications, ensuring stability and durability.

To learn more about Axles visit our Components section.

Nut

A nut or lock nut on a caster plays a critical role in maintaining the caster's stability and ensuring that it remains securely attached to the equipment. It's like the final piece of a puzzle, preventing loosening or wobbling, especially under heavy loads or constant movement. Understanding the importance of these nuts is crucial for keeping casters in place, which is essential for safety and functionality in various applications, from office chairs to industrial carts.

Zerk Axle

Algood Caster Construction: Zerk Axle

A zerk axle in a caster is a game-changer, offering an essential advantage over a regular axle. It features a lubrication fitting, which allows for easy maintenance by injecting grease to reduce friction and wear. Regular axles lack this feature, making them more prone to damage and requiring more complex maintenance. Understanding the importance of a zerk axle ensures longer caster lifespan, smoother operation, and lower maintenance efforts, making it an invaluable choice for a wide range of rolling equipment.

Bolt Hole

Algood Caster Construction: Bolt Hole

A bolt hole on a caster provides a sturdy and customizable attachment point, enhancing flexibility. It allows you to securely fasten the caster to your equipment using a bolt or screw. This adaptability is essential for various applications, enabling easy caster installation. Understanding the importance of a bolt hole is key to selecting the right caster for your specific needs, offering a reliable and versatile solution for furniture, carts, and other rolling equipment.

Round Top Plate

Algood Caster Construction: Bolt Hole/Round Plate

The rounded top plate on a caster serves as a pivotal element for attachments. Its round shape accommodates various connection methods, including threaded, round and specialty stems as well as bolt holes. This versatility is vital for adapting casters to different equipment, offering a secure and flexible mounting solution. Understanding the importance of a rounded top plate ensures compatibility with various applications, making it easier to choose the right caster for different needs, from furniture to industrial machinery.

To learn more about our Plates visit our Plate Chart for Plate Sizes & Bolt Hole Patterns.

Round Stem

Algood Caster Construction: Round Stems

A round stem on a caster is the attachment point that connects the caster to the equipment. Its design directly impacts installation and mobility. A well-fitted round stem ensures a stable, secure caster attachment, enabling smooth movement. Understanding the importance of the round stem is essential when choosing casters for different applications, ensuring a proper fit and ease of use, whether on chairs, carts, or various rolling equipment.

To learn more about Round Stems visit our CasterU Article on Stems.

Round Top Plate

Algood Caster Construction: Bolt Hole/Round Plate

The rounded top plate on a caster serves as a pivotal element for attachments. Its round shape accommodates various connection methods, including threaded, round and specialty stems as well as bolt holes. This versatility is vital for adapting casters to different equipment, offering a secure and flexible mounting solution. Understanding the importance of a rounded top plate ensures compatibility with various applications, making it easier to choose the right caster for different needs, from furniture to industrial machinery.

To learn more about our Plates visit our Plate Chart for Plate Sizes & Bolt Hole Patterns.

Nut

A nut or lock nut on a caster plays a critical role in maintaining the caster's stability and ensuring that it remains securely attached to the equipment. It's like the final piece of a puzzle, preventing loosening or wobbling, especially under heavy loads or constant movement. Understanding the importance of these nuts is crucial for keeping casters in place, which is essential for safety and functionality in various applications, from office chairs to industrial carts.

Threaded Stem

Algood Caster Construction: Thread Stem

A threaded stem on a caster is a versatile attachment method that provides secure mobility solutions. It can be easily screwed into compatible sockets, offering a strong and reliable connection. The threaded stem's importance lies in its adaptability and ease of installation. Understanding this feature is key to selecting the right caster for specific needs, ensuring effortless setup and dependable movement in applications ranging from office chairs to industrial carts.

To learn more about Threaded Stems visit our CasterU Article on Stems.

Round Top Plate

The rounded top plate on a caster serves as a pivotal element for attachments. Its round shape accommodates various connection methods, including threaded, round and specialty stems as well as bolt holes. This versatility is vital for adapting casters to different equipment, offering a secure and flexible mounting solution. Understanding the importance of a rounded top plate ensures compatibility with various applications, making it easier to choose the right caster for different needs, from furniture to industrial machinery.

To learn more about our Plates visit our Plate Chart for Plate Sizes & Bolt Hole Patterns.

Nut

A nut or lock nut on a caster plays a critical role in maintaining the caster's stability and ensuring that it remains securely attached to the equipment. It's like the final piece of a puzzle, preventing loosening or wobbling, especially under heavy loads or constant movement. Understanding the importance of these nuts is crucial for keeping casters in place, which is essential for safety and functionality in various applications, from office chairs to industrial carts.

Brake

Algood Caster Construction: Brakes

A caster brake is like the safety switch for mobility. It allows you to lock the caster, preventing unwanted movement, and then unlock it when you need to roll. This feature is crucial for safety, control, and convenience, especially in environments where stability is essential. Understanding the importance of a caster brake ensures that you can securely immobilize your equipment or furniture when necessary, making it an indispensable addition to a wide range of applications.

To learn more about Algood's Brakes Options visit our Brakes page.

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Algood Casters has manufactured, designed and developed industrial and specialty casters, brakes and wheels since 1969, in capacities from 25 to 65,000 lbs.