Caster and wheel brakes are an essential component of every safely mobilized factory, kitchen or shop floor. While industrial casters and wheels add incredible freedom of movement to heavy equipment like network servers and baking ovens, sometimes you just need your stuff to stand still.

Being able to prevent your equipment from rolling away not only keeps your workplace safe, but it also makes it more usable and functional, increasing your company's productivity and efficiency. Here are the three main options you have when choosing wheel brakes and caster brakes:

1. Floor locks are relatively cheap, easy to install and effective at holding equipment in place.

2. Caster brake kits attach to wheels you've already installed.

3. You can always buy new casters with brakes to avoid having to alter your existing equipment setup.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save money and time by choosing floor locks instead of caster brakes

If purchasing a new set of industrial brake casters or outfitting your current casters with brake kits is too expensive, consider buying floor locks. These are simple devices that attach to the bottoms of your equipment and press against the floor when activated, holding the object in place. All are made from strong, durable materials and can stabilize large amounts of weight.

I recommend: Caster Technology Corporation produces a series of floor locks in a variety of heights and holding capacities. Charles P. Lauman Co. also sells several different kinds of floor locks, some of which are appropriate for use on inclined surfaces like ramps and loading docks.

Modify your existing wheels and casters with brake kits

Because they usually require assembly, brake kits may not be practical or cost-effective for stabilizing your equipment. However, if you only need to secure a few wheels or simply can't afford to replace them with new ones, installing brake kits might be the way to go.

I recommend: Consider purchasing one of the brake kits at Reid Supply. They're available in different sizes and should fit most traditional casters. For more variety, visit the Payson Casters website, where you can choose from three different industrial-strength brake kits.

Retrofit your equipment with brand new commercial brake casters

Although casters with mechanical brakes can be pricey, they take up less floor space than floor locks and are less prone to structural failure than brake kits. If you've just purchased industrial equipment and know it needs to both roll and stand still, these are your best bet.

I recommend: Hamilton Caster offers industrial caster wheels with brakes in different materials that can support up to 850 pounds. Amjack Supply produces a similar variety of casters featuring their Super Lock brakes, which immobilize both the wheel and the swivel when activated.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your floor locks fit snugly between your castered equipment and the ground. If the object's too tall to accommodate a floor lock, you'll need to use a brake kit or buy new wheels with brakes to hold it in place.