Can I Add Swivel Locks to a Caster That I Already Have?
Can You Retrofit a Swivel Lock to Your Caster? Here’s What You Need to Know
One common question we often receive at Caster Concepts is whether it’s possible to retrofit or add a swivel lock to an existing caster. It’s a straightforward question, but the answer depends on a few crucial factors. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with the information you need to understand whether your caster can be equipped with a swivel lock.
Understanding Swivel Locks
A swivel lock is a valuable feature that allows you to immobilize the swivel section of a caster temporarily. This can be particularly useful in applications where you need to lock the caster’s direction or prevent it from pivoting. The idea is to restrict vehicle motion so the vehicle travels in a straight line.
Factors to Consider for Retrofitting a Swivel Lock:
The first and most critical factor is the type of caster you have. Some casters are designed with notches or notched yokes, which are necessary for the installation of swivel locks. However, not all casters come with these notches, so it’s essential to check your caster’s design.
Our Factory Installed Swivel Lock provides notches every ninety degrees for use in straight-line movement.
If your caster already has a notched yoke, it can likely accommodate a swivel lock. Notches on the caster rig provide the necessary engagement points for the swivel lock mechanism.
Non-Notched Caster: If your caster doesn’t have notches on the yoke, adding a swivel lock may not be possible without replacing the caster rig. Swivel locks require specific configurations, and modifying a caster that lacks the necessary notches could be impractical or cost-prohibitive.
Caster Concepts’ Approach:
At Caster Concepts, we take pride in offering versatile caster solutions, and we understand that not every caster comes with notches for swivel locks. Unlike some other manufacturers, we don’t source casters in mass quantities, which means that not all our casters will have notched yokes.
If you’re considering adding a swivel lock to your caster in the future, it’s a good idea to inform us when purchasing your casters. This way, we can ensure that you receive a caster with a notched yoke or provide you with guidance on the best options for your needs.
To sum up, while retrofitting a swivel lock to your caster is possible if it has a notched yoke, it may not be feasible for casters without this feature. If you have specific requirements for swivel locks, it’s essential to communicate your needs with your caster supplier, like Caster Concepts, to ensure you receive the right caster for your application.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the best caster solutions for your unique needs.
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