When it comes to mobility, casters might seem like a small thing to worry about, but they can make a world of difference. Whether you’re outfitting a workbench, designing a rolling cart, or upgrading equipment for a warehouse, choosing the right type of caster is key for your performance and safety.

The two most common caster types you’ll run into are swivel and rigid casters. While they may look similar, don’t be fooled as they serve very different purposes. Swivel casters spin in every direction for easy maneuverability, while rigid casters remain locked in a straight line for better control and stability.

How do you know which one is for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Benefits of Swivel Casters

The main benefit of swivel casters is the ball bearing raceway that provides 360-degree maneuverability. This is key for moving objects around tight corners, through narrow aisles or in complex layouts. Since swivel casters can maneuver in all directions, they help save time and effort since you won’t have to constantly lift, turn or reposition the caster. Swivel casters are great for their smooth mobility, which can help lower the risk of strain or injury in the workplace.

Swivel casters feature brakes and a lock that allows you to secure them in place when the situation calls for it. This adds to the mobility of this caster while giving you stability when needed.

Benefits of Rigid Casters

Unlike swivel casters, rigid casters can only move forward and backward because of their fork-like yoke frame which restricts directional movement. This is more ideal for straight, predictable movements, especially longer distances. Since rigid casters aren’t as mobile, they are better for heavier loads since they offer stability and resistance to tipping or drifting.

Rigid casters are typically less expensive than swivel casters due to their simplistic design. Therefore, they provide great value in situations where turning isn’t as essential.

How to Decide

Both swivel and rigid casters have pros and cons, but depending on your job, you may find yourself leaning towards one over the other. For instance, since swivel casters provide a smooth and omnidirectional movement, they are more ideal for healthcare and medical equipment such as hospital beds, IV poles and medical carts, office furniture such as office chairs, filing cabinets and printer stands, or even in workshops for tool carts, mobile workbenches and equipment stands. If your job involves moving through tight quarters, changing directions often or navigating obstacles, then swivel casters are the better choice for those situations. They may cost a little more, but having the right caster for your equipment is essential when it comes to performing your daily tasks.

Due to the stability that rigid casters offer, they are more ideal for manufacturing and industrial work such as machinery bases, assembly line carts and material handling dollies, heavy equipment transport such as generators, compressors and large tool chests, or even on construction sites for concrete form carts, material bins and mobile scaffolding bases. If you have a job that requires moving in straight paths, heavy-duty hauling or stability during movement, then rigid casters are the smarter option.

Conclusion

When it comes to mobility, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but based on your job, you should be able to determine which is best suited for your needs. Choose swivel casters if you need more flexibility or work in compact spaces. Choose rigid casters if you need more stability or are hauling heavier loads. In some instances, you could even use a combo of the two by putting two swivel casters in the front for steering and two rigid casters in the back for control.

Picking the right caster setup will provide a smoother workflow, workplace safety and longer-lasting performance. We are thrilled to help you choose the right caster. Contact us and we’ll help you roll in the right direction.