How Do Locking Casters Work?
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Installation
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The base of a locking caster is affixed to the bottom of an appliance with screws or bolts. Multiple casters are installed at even intervals to keep the base of the appliance evenly supported.
The Stem
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The appliance is flipped and allowed to rest on the locking caster wheels. The stem of the caster wheel supports much of the load during use. The stem extends downward from the caster wheel base to the yoke base. The yoke base serves to spread out the pressure created by the load-bearing stem.
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The Yoke
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A caster wheel is held in place by a yoke extending downward from the yoke base. The yoke consists of two metal bars which hold the wheel axle in place. The wheels are allowed to rotate around the axle when the appliance is pushed.
Turning
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As the appliance is being rolled, the caster wheel turns using a swivel mechanism found above the yoke. The swivel mechanism utilizes bearings to let the caster wheel rotate in all directions around the vertical axis of the stem.
Locking
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A lock on the caster is secured when the appliance is rolled to its desired location. The lock operates as a hinge break on the caster wheel. The lock is pushed down to obstruct regular wheel movement. The caster wheel is pinched against the axle and cannot roll. This fixes the appliance into a desired place. You can pull up the caster lock to release the wheel and move the appliance, if necessary.
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