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CASTERS INTRODUCTION

Casters are available with many features that should be linked to the job you have in mind.

One factor to consider is the weight of the item to which the casters will be attached. Casters for a heavy dresser would be different from those for a TV stand. Casters commonly come packaged, and the package usually lists the weight they can support and the types of items -- beds, couches, refrigerators that use them best.

Some casters swivel 360 degrees. While this may be a convenient feature on something like a dresser, it can be inconvenient on a refrigerator, making it move unpredictably.

There are also casters that lock. This feature is useful on a bed, particularly a child's bed. If the child flops on the bed, it won't take him or her for a ride.

Caster wheels may be hard or soft, rubber or plastic. Hard rubber wheels are good on concrete floors; soft rubber is good on resilient flooring (sheet or tile); plastic is good on carpet.

Some casters have metal wheels. One type is for heavy industrial uses, but another is the ball type that is used on furniture for esthetic purposes. They come in several colors and finishes, such as brass and chrome.

Caster wheels vary in size. Two-inch casters have wheels with a 2-inch diameter. The larger the wheel, the more easily the caster rolls.

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