Castors

About Castors

Castors are essential wheeled assemblies that transform static equipment and furniture into mobile solutions for workshops, warehouses, and industrial environments. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of castors from trusted brands including Draper, Sealey, and Bunker, featuring both fixed and swivel configurations with various wheel materials, fixing methods, and load capacities. Whether you're adding mobility to heavy machinery, tool cabinets, or custom workshop builds, choosing the right castors ensures safe operation and improved workplace efficiency.

Our selection includes heavy-duty polyurethane wheeled castors for demanding industrial applications, nylon options for smooth manoeuvrability, and rubber variants that protect delicate flooring. Available with plate fixing or bolt fixing mechanisms, and with optional brake systems for secure positioning, castors at MyToolShed.co.uk are engineered to meet professional standards whilst remaining suitable for serious DIY enthusiasts. From lightweight mobile tool storage to substantial machinery support, the correct castor specification protects your investment and enhances productivity.

Applications

Castors serve invaluable functions across numerous trades and sectors:

• Mechanics and vehicle technicians – mobile tool chests, engine hoists, and creepers
• Woodworkers and joiners – moving table saws, planers, and timber storage racks
• Metalworkers and fabricators – positioning welding equipment and heavy machinery
• Warehouse operatives – trolleys, cages, and material handling equipment
• Electricians and plumbers – mobile workbenches and equipment transporters
• Maintenance engineers – service carts and portable tool stations
• Facilities managers – cleaning equipment, catering trolleys, and mobile displays
• DIY enthusiasts – creating flexible workshop layouts and mobile storage solutions
• Shopfitters and retail professionals – display units and stockroom organisation

Choosing The Right Castors

Load Capacity: Calculate the total weight including maximum contents, divide by the number of castors, then add a 25-30% safety margin. Heavy-duty polyurethane castors typically offer higher load ratings than nylon or rubber alternatives.

Wheel Material: Polyurethane wheels provide excellent durability and floor protection, ideal for workshop machinery. Nylon wheels offer smooth rolling and chemical resistance. Rubber wheels deliver the quietest operation with superior floor protection but have lower load ratings for lighter applications.

Fixing Method: Plate fixing provides maximum stability and even load distribution, perfect for heavy equipment. Bolt fixing offers easier installation where beneath-surface access is available.

Configuration: Most applications benefit from swivel castors at the front for manoeuvrability and fixed castors at the rear for directional stability. Four-swivel configurations offer maximum agility but reduced straight-line control.

Brake Requirements: Essential for equipment used in stationary positions. Consider whether you need wheel-only locking or combined wheel and swivel locking for maximum security.

Safety Information

Never exceed manufacturer stated load capacities as overloading causes wheel failure and tipping hazards. Ensure all fixing bolts are properly tightened and check regularly for loosening, particularly during initial use. Always push rather than pull heavy equipment where possible, maintaining clear visibility of your direction. Keep the load's centre of gravity low to prevent tipping, and never allow mobile equipment to roll freely on gradients. Apply brakes on all castors when equipment is stationary and being accessed. Regularly inspect castors for wheel damage, bearing wear, and brake function, replacing worn components promptly to maintain safe operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a castor and a wheel?

A castor is the complete assembly including the wheel, mounting bracket, bearings, and fixing mechanism. The wheel is just the rolling component. When purchasing castors, you receive the full unit ready to install.

Can I mix fixed and swivel castors?

Yes, this is recommended for most applications. The standard configuration uses two swivel castors at the front for manoeuvrability and two fixed at the rear for directional stability, providing easier control whilst maintaining good steering capability.

Will castors damage my workshop floor?

Floor protection depends on wheel material. Rubber and polyurethane wheels offer excellent protection and won't mark most surfaces. Nylon wheels may scuff softer floors. Keep wheels clean and free from embedded debris that could scratch flooring.