Wheels vs. Castors: What’s the Difference?

When most individuals talk about wheels and castors, they use the words interchangeably. While the two have some similar qualities and benefits, however, they are completely different items. Using them interchangeably, simply because they are both able to roll across the floor, distinguishing the two becomes confusing.

When most individuals talk about wheels and castors, they use the words interchangeably. While the two have some similar qualities and benefits, however, they are completely different items. Using them interchangeably, simply because they are both able to roll across the floor, distinguishing the two becomes confusing.

Not sure what the exact differences are between wheels and castors? Let’s take a look.

What are Wheels?

Wheels are round objects that are able to roll across the ground. Most often, the centre of the wheel is occupied by a shaft or axle, which allows the wheel to rotate.

Wheels can be made from many different substances, including nylon, polyurethane, steel, hard rubber, phenolic, and polyolefin. When a wheel is made from one type of material, it is considered to be solid. If a wheel is made from a combination of materials however, it often has a spoke design, which generally described a tyre that has been moulded to another material. Most often, the tyre is moulded to a core or circular disc, generally made from nylon, steel, aluminium, iron, or polyolefin, that is solid as acts as the centre support for the entire wheel. Because wheels with mixed materials receive all their support from this centre core or disc, wheels that are solid are generally considered to be stronger and able to support more weight.

What Are Castors?

A castor is a type of wheel, but instead of operating freely, it is enclosed inside a frame. This frame helps to not only support the caster, but can also determine whether or not the caster will remain rigid or whether it will be able to swivel.

Rigid casters are similar to wheels; they can move forward and they can move backward. Swivel castors on the other hand can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for more action and less limitations. Whether a castor is rigid or swivel, however, castors offer many benefits.

• They allow greater mobility. Casters can be attached to carts, chairs, copiers, heavy equipment, and work tables to make work easier for anyone who needs to move these objects.

• They reduce strain. Because of their ability to assist in the mobility of heavy or otherwise unmovable objects, castors reduce strain on the body and minimise the potential for workplace injuries.

• They keep objects in place. While not every caster may be equipped with a braking system, those that are have the unique ability to keep object in place, despite their ability to roll. This especially helpful on uneven terrain and objects, like work tables and chairs, that need to stay in one place.

Castors can be made from one type of material or a combination of material and come in a variety of sizes to handle various amounts of weight. Castors can also be made from materials that can withstand high or low temperatures, can reduce the amount of friction that generally is caused by rolling across a floor, and materials that are more sanitary for certain environments.

Castors and wheels may have many similar qualities, but the two are very different when it comes to their appearance, uses, and benefits. The next time you’re trying to decide whether you need a wheel or a caster, make sure you are choosing the one that will work best for you.