Swivel Casters

Atlanta Caster provides a wide selection of swivel casters tailored to meet diverse operational needs with precision and reliability.

What Are Swivel Casters and Why Are They Used?

Swivel casters are wheel assemblies that allow full 360-degree rotation, enabling the attached equipment to move in any direction. Unlike rigid casters, which only roll forward and backward, swivel casters feature a pivoting mount that improves steering flexibility. This design makes them ideal for environments where space is limited, and maneuverability is essential.

Industries and Equipment That Rely on Swivel Casters

Swivel caster wheels are widely used across multiple industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, food service, and retail. Common applications include carts, workbenches, toolboxes, hospital beds, and transport trolleys. Their ability to support both light—and heavy-duty equipment makes them a versatile solution for industrial and commercial operations.

The Advantage of 360-Degree Rotation

The key benefit of swivel casters is their 360-degree rotation, which allows for smooth turns and precise control. This mobility is essential in confined or high-traffic areas, where quick directional changes are necessary to maintain workflow and safety.

Improved Efficiency and Reduced Wear

Using swivel caster wheels improves operational efficiency by reducing the effort required to move equipment. This minimizes strain on workers and improves speed in daily tasks. Swivel casters' heavy-duty models are built to withstand high loads while protecting floors from damage, reducing long-term maintenance costs, and extending the life of both the caster and the equipment.

Common Types of Casters in Swivel Formats

At Atlanta Caster, we offer a range of swivel-mounted casters for light-duty and industrial use. Popular options include:

• Rubber Swivel Casters provide smooth, quiet movement and help protect floors. They're ideal for indoor applications such as hospitals, retail stores, and offices.
• Locking Swivel Casters—These are Equipped with brakes to secure the wheel in place, and they are used where safety and stability are essential.
• Lockable Swivel Casters – These models feature dual locking mechanisms to stop wheel rotation and swivel movement, offering maximum stability.

Swivel Casters for Heavy-Duty Use

Not all casters can handle the weight, movement, and impact of daily operations in demanding industrial environments. Heavy-duty swivel casters are engineered to support high load capacities while maintaining smooth, controlled mobility. What sets them apart is their robust construction—reinforced steel brackets, industrial-grade wheel materials, and precision bearings that ensure long-term performance under stress.

Key Features of Heavy-Duty Swivel Casters

To be classified as heavy duty, a caster must meet higher standards in load-bearing capacity, typically starting at 1,000 lbs. per caster. The wheel materials—such as polyurethane, rubber, or forged steel—are selected based on the application’s floor surface and environment. Bracket strength is equally important, with thick-gauge steel frames and heat-treated swivel races providing the durability needed in high-impact settings.

Why Swivel Casters Heavy Duty Matter in Key Industries

In manufacturing, aviation, and warehousing sectors, equipment often carries substantial weight and must be moved safely and efficiently. Heavy-duty swivel casters allow for smooth directional changes even under heavy loads, reducing strain on workers and preventing damage to equipment and flooring.

Featured Product: 6-Inch Rubber Swivel Caster with Steel Plate

One of our most popular solutions, this heavy-duty swivel caster features a non-marking rubber wheel for floor protection paired with a reinforced steel bracket. Ideal for assembly lines and mobile platforms, it offers reliable performance with a load capacity of up to 1,200 lbs.

Check out our full selection of heavy-duty swivel casters to find the right fit for your most demanding jobs.

How to Install Swivel Casters

Installing swivel casters correctly is essential for safe and efficient equipment mobility. The process will vary depending on the mounting type, but the goal is to ensure a secure fit that supports smooth movement and proper load distribution. Below is a step-by-step guide on installing swivel casters, including tips for each mounting style and best practices for long-term use.

1. Top Plate Mount Installation

Top plate swivel casters are one of the most common and secure mounting options. They use a flat metal plate—usually square or rectangular—with four bolt holes designed to be fastened directly to the bottom of the equipment.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Position the caster: Place the caster's top plate in the desired mounting location. Ensure it is centered and aligned to allow for even load distribution.
• Mark the holes: Use a pencil to point out hole positions through the plate onto the mounting surface.
• Drill pilot holes (if needed): If you're installing on wood or similar material, drill pilot holes to prevent splitting and ensure easier screw insertion.
• Insert hardware: Use bolts that match the hole size of the top plate. Include washers for added strength and lock nuts to prevent loosening.
• Secure the plate: Tighten each bolt gradually, moving in a crisscross pattern to keep the plate evenly secured. This prevents the caster from shifting under load.

Pro Tip: Apply a thread-locking compound to each bolt before final tightening to protect against vibration-induced loosening in heavy-duty or high-motion environments.

2. Threaded Stem Installation

Threaded stem casters offer a compact, clean look and are frequently used on furniture, carts, and equipment with pre-installed threaded inserts or mounting brackets.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Match the stem size: Verify the stem diameter and thread pitch before installation. The item must fit securely into the threaded socket or be inserted into your equipment.
• Hand-thread the stem: Hand-thread the caster stem into the mounting hole by hand. Ensure it goes smoothly and straight—do not force it, as cross-threading can damage the mount.
• Tighten the stem: Use an adjustable or socket wrench to tighten the stem securely. Stop once the caster is snug and stable- overtightening may damage the threads or mounting bracket.

3. Expanding Applicators (Expanding Stem Mounts)

Expanding stem casters are designed for hollow legs or tubing equipment, such as scaffolding, carts, or light-duty support structures. These casters feature a stem that grows from the inside, creating a secure, non-permanent connection without needing external fasteners.

• Measure the tubing: Begin by measuring the internal diameter of the tubing where the caster will be installed. This ensures the expanding stem will fit properly. Most expanding stems are adjustable within a specific range, but precise measurement is key to a stable fit.
• Insert the stem: Slide the expanding stem into the open tubing. Ensure the rubber or plastic expansion sleeve is positioned correctly and not twisted or damaged during insertion.
• Tighten the expansion nut: Using a wrench, turn the nut at the caster's base. This action expands the internal sleeve outward, pressing it firmly against the inside wall of the tubing. Continue tightening until the caster feels solid and secure.
• Test the fit: Gently rock the caster back and forth. There should be no play or looseness. An adequately installed expanding stem caster will stay firmly in place without shifting during movement.

Mounting Options Explained

Choosing the right mounting system is key to ensuring caster performance, stability, and safety. Different equipment and environments require different installation methods, so it’s essential to understand how each mounting type works and when it’s best used. Below is a comparison of standard mounting systems and guidance on installing swivel casters for each type.

Top Plate Mount

Top plate mounts feature a flat, rectangular, or square plate with four bolt holes. This design allows the caster to securely fasten to the bottom of carts, machinery, or platforms using bolts and locknuts.

Top plate casters offer excellent load distribution and are the most stable mounting option. They are ideal for heavy-duty swivel casters and equipment that carries high or shifting loads.

Manufacturing equipment, industrial carts, and warehouse dollies where secure, long-term mounting is critical.

Top plate casters require access to the mounting surface and a drill. For added durability, use washers and thread-locking compounds.

Threaded Stem Mount

Threaded stem casters screw into pre-threaded sockets or inserts built into the equipment. These are commonly found on lighter-duty items like office chairs, rolling shelves, and light carts.

They provide a compact profile but less load support than top plate mounts. Proper fit is essential for safety.

Furniture, retail fixtures, and utility carts in low-impact environments.

Make sure the stem size and thread type match the socket. Tighten with a wrench, and use thread sealant if needed.

Expanding Mount (Expanding Stem)

Expanding mounts are designed for hollow tubing. The caster stem includes a rubber or plastic sleeve that expands when the base nut is tightened, securing it inside the tube.

This method is non-permanent but reliable when properly installed. It offers moderate load capacity and a clean look.

Scaffolding, tubular frames, and lightweight carts where drilling isn’t an option.

Measure the inner diameter of the tubing before selecting an expanding stem. For a secure fit, follow the steps outlined in our guide on installing swivel casters.

Choosing the Right Swivel Casters for Your Floor and Environment 

Selecting the right swivel casters starts with understanding your floor surface and environmental conditions. 

• The material of the caster wheel directly impacts performance, durability, and floor protection. For example, rubber swivel casters are ideal for smooth indoor floors like tile or finished concrete. 
• They provide quiet movement, protect surfaces from scratches, and reduce vibration—perfect for hospitals, schools, and offices.
• In contrast, hard wheel materials like phenolic are better suited for rougher surfaces, such as unfinished concrete. Phenolic casters offer high load capacity and resist grease and chemicals, but they can be noisy and may damage delicate flooring. 
• Polyurethane wheels offer a balance between floor protection and load-bearing capability. They work well on epoxy-coated floors and are commonly used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
• Environmental factors also matter. Wheel materials must resist degradation in high-temperature areas or where moisture and chemicals are present. Polyurethane and phenolic casters offer better resistance than rubber in these conditions.

Heavy-duty swivel casters with polyurethane or non-marking rubber wheels provide long-lasting, reliable performance for demanding applications where both strength and floor care are essential. Matching caster type to your floor and environment helps extend equipment life and improves overall safety.

Why Choose Atlanta Caster for Swivel Casters? 

Atlanta Caster offers high-quality swivel casters built for performance, durability, and reliability. From heavy-duty swivel casters to rubber swivel casters and locking swivel casters, our products are engineered to meet the demands of industrial, OEM, and commercial applications. We stock many options with bulk availability and fast shipping to keep your operations moving. Whether you're upgrading equipment or outfitting new builds, we provide expert support every step of the way.