Castors 101: Types of Brakes Used

November 18, 2013

Ross Castors

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If you’re buying castors for the first time, the terminology and various types of castors may throw you for a bit of a loop. After all, it’s hard to know what you want when you don’t understand what you’re buying. This is especially true when it comes to caster brake types. There are several available on the market today, and each one is different; knowing what they are and how they work can help you choose the right one for your particular application.

Castor Brake Types

Thumb Screw Brakes- These types of brakes are generally used with small dual wheel or wide wheel castors, but they should only be chosen if the brakes will not need to be used very often. This is because they are a bit more time consuming to engage. To apply the brake, the operator needs to lean down to the castor and twist the thumb screw until it connects with the wheel. When it presses against the wheel, it stops any motion.

Cam Brakes- Cam brakes are typically used with cast iron or steel castor wheels because these surfaces are typically harder to immobilise. To work, the brake needs to be engaged; this causes the cam to move, pushing the castor rig up against the wheel. The friction that results limits any movement.

Top Lock Brake- This kind of brake creates a braking action on the wheel’s surface. When the pedal is applied, a lever and a cam are moved, making contact with the tread of the wheel and holding it in place. It is often used on soft wheels, like those made from phenolic, polyurethane, and rubber.

Pedal Lock Brake- Pedal lock brakes work in three ways. They can prevent the castors from moving forward and backward, prevent them from swivelling, or prevent both motions and become what is known as a ‘total lock brake.’ This type of braking mechanism isn’t available on all types of castor wheels; it generally works best on mid-size wheels.

Side Locking Brake- This type of brake is not only the most economical type, but the most common as well. It’s easier to use because the foot pedal is often wider and easier to access, and works by compressing the hub of the caster.

Compression Brakes- Compression, and decompression brakes, are types of castors that aren’t as commonly used. In certain settings, however, they can be very useful. These brakes become engaged when any weight is placed on the castor. In most circumstances, these inhibit movement, because the castors won’t function until the weight is taken away. This means they may not be the best options for equipment and furniture that needs to be moved.

Position Lock Brakes- Position locks brakes are spring loaded are intended to be used with swivel casters. These brakes can be applied to lock castors at a 90 degree position when necessary, which can be very useful when one individuals is trying to manoeuvre a heavy piece of furniture or equipment through a tight area.

Looking for the perfect castor for your application? Don’t forget to consider the type of brake to ensure the caster can function just like you need it to.