Gate Castors for Your Next Fencing Project
If you were to stop a random person on the street and ask them what gate castors are, chances are, they wouldn't know. That isn't to say that these wheel-like units aren't important; in fact, they are possibly the most important components of a gate. However, they are unsung heroes many simply take for granted.
If you were to stop a random person on the street and ask them what gate castors are, chances are, they wouldn't know. That isn't to say that these wheel-like units aren't important; in fact, they are possibly the most important components of a gate. However, they are unsung heroes many simply take for granted.
Gate castors are swivelling wheels that are fitted to the bottom of swinging gates; this makes the gates easy to open. There are many common locations where these units are used to increase the function of a gate, such as:
- Farms - in these locations, fences and gates protect animals such as sheep, horses, and cattle from escaping but allow caretakers inside fenced areas to feed and care for animals.
- Commercial buildings - Fences are often used as a means to secure perimeters and keep intruders out. Swinging gates with casters make it easy for vehicles to get on and off the property.
- Residential areas - Most little girls dream of a little house in the suburbs with a white picket fence; while most don’t give it a second though, the gate on the fence is just as important.
If you were to take a look at the various gates in your neighbourhood, at local farms, and even those in front of commercial buildings in your city, you would begin to notice one thing: almost every gate uses castors.
Why? There are several reasons these units are not only an option, but a must-have on your next fencing project.
Reasons to Use Castors on Your Next Fencing Project
- Easy to Open - Many gates used on farms and in front of commercial buildings are rather large and heavy; this is important for these locations, as longer gates allow for easier access with tractors, trucks, and other vehicles to fenced in areas. A big problem that occurs with these long and heavy gates is they are just that- long and heavy. Casters are essential, because without them it would be nearly impossible for one person to open one of these gates. With these types of wheels, an individual doesn’t have to have a lot of upper body strength or someone there to help; the wheels do the majority of the work, making the gates easy to open.
- Wear and Tear - A castor not only makes a gate easy to open, but it also ensure the gate’s life isn’t ended prematurely by balancing and supporting the gate. This goes a long way in preventing wear and tear, as it reduces strain placed on the hinges of the gate. This is often why even residential gates, which are generally small and easy to open without the help of a castor, are fitted with these swivelling wheels anyway.
- Uneven Ground - Gate casters are also excellent solutions for uneven or sloping ground, as the spring in the casters is able to absorb the undulations and allow the gate to still open easily, without the danger of becoming wedged. This is especially useful when gates are placed on hills or on rough terrain.
When you are preparing for your next fencing project, no matter where it will be, don’t forget the unsung, yet extremely essential, castors. These vital gate components can make all the difference in the use of your gate!
