How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Caster Wheels With Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Caster wheels are prone to regular wear and tear, mainly because they work against gravity daily in most locations. With a few simple preventative maintenance tasks, you can extend the life of your casters.

Sweeping floors regularly, lubricating casters and other hardware fittings, and inspecting for loose or damaged parts can go a long way toward prolonging the lifespan of your equipment.

Cleaning

New caster wheels are a significant investment; the best ones should last years. But they will only do so with a bit of care and maintenance. By regularly cleaning, sanitizing, and lubricating them, commercial business owners can extend their equipment’s lifespan and prevent spending money on replacements for several years.

Disinfecting wipes or isopropyl alcohol can be a convenient way to clean your caster wheels. Wipe down the surface and all of the nooks and crannies of each wheel, then allow them to dry thoroughly before use.

Casters should be relubricated regularly to keep them rolling smoothly and quietly. Inspecting the fasteners monthly for signs of damage or wear is also a good idea.

Lubrication

As the old saying goes, “A wheel in motion stays in motion.” Caster wheels are designed to allow equipment to move smoothly and efficiently. This helps to reduce the strain placed on the equipment itself, which can also extend its lifespan.

To keep your caster wheels rolling smoothly, they must be adequately lubricated. A good quality caster wheel lubricant will protect the wheels from corrosion, wear, and tear and help to reduce noise and vibration during operation.

In addition to lubrication, regular inspections are essential. Look for signs of erratic movement, excessive wheel tread or swivel mechanism damage, and loose components. Inspecting your caster wheels regularly can prevent them from becoming damaged or worn out prematurely, which could lead to failure and costly replacement. Also, remember to choose an appropriate caster wheel for your application. For example, if you work in a corrosive environment, you might need casters made from corrosion-resistant materials. You might also need casters that have been specifically designed for use on a variety of floor types.

Inspection

When caster wheels are appropriately cleaned, lubricated, and inspected, they can last for their entire rated life. This means fewer replacements and repairs and better functionality for your equipment or furniture.

The integrity of the caster wheel itself is also critical. Almost all caster wheels have a small tread or rubber fitting that helps them turn more smoothly and quietly. But these treads can flatten over time or become slightly damaged by the floor on which they’re rolling. This puts unnecessary wear on the caster wheel and can wreak havoc with any hardware fittings and lubrication solutions you may have already applied.

To inspect your caster wheels, flip over any carts or pieces of equipment with them monthly and visually check for signs of damage to the wheel’s treads, fasteners, or construction. Ensure you clear any lodged debris and tighten any loose fasteners that might be found.

Replacement

Whether in a white-collar office, healthcare facility, warehouse, manufacturing, educational institution, or retail environment, chances are good that you regularly come into contact with equipment and furniture equipped with caster wheels. Those caster wheels make moving from point A to point B much more straightforward and safer.

While cleaning and lubrication help extend the life of your casters, it’s important to recognize when it’s time for replacement. If your casters are constantly sticking or jamming and that persistent squeaking can’t be resolved by cleaning or lubrication, it’s time to replace them.

When choosing new caster wheels for your equipment, remember the maximum load capacity they will need to bear and the terrain on which the casters will be rolling. Also, consider the wheel material and any additional features that might benefit your application, including corrosion resistance if you work in an industrial setting or noise reduction for offices and schools.