Wheels & Castors

About Wheels & Castors

Wheels and castors are essential mobility components that transform static equipment, furniture, and storage solutions into easily manoeuvrable items. Whether you're moving heavy workshop machinery, creating mobile storage units, or adding functionality to custom builds, the right wheels and castors make all the difference to workplace efficiency and ergonomics. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of industrial-grade castors designed to withstand demanding workshop environments and heavy loads.

Available in various configurations including fixed, swivel, and braked options, castors from MyToolShed feature different wheel materials suited to specific floor surfaces and load requirements. From rubber and polyurethane wheels for smooth, quiet operation to heavy-duty nylon and steel wheels for maximum load capacity, our selection caters to both light-duty DIY projects and professional industrial applications.

Applications

Wheels and castors serve numerous purposes across various trades and settings:

• Workshops and Garages: Tool chests, workbenches, welding trolleys, and equipment stands
• Warehousing and Logistics: Pallet trucks, storage cages, and material handling equipment
• Manufacturing: Production line equipment, assembly stations, and machinery bases
• Retail and Hospitality: Display units, service trolleys, and movable furniture
• Construction Sites: Mobile storage boxes, scaffold towers, and material carts
• DIY Projects: Custom furniture builds, under-bed storage, and home organisation solutions
• Healthcare and Education: Medical equipment, library trolleys, and mobile whiteboards

Choosing The Right Wheels & Castors

Consider these key factors when selecting castors for your application:

• Load Capacity: Calculate the total weight including the item and contents, then divide by the number of castors. Always allow a safety margin of at least 25%
• Wheel Material: Rubber offers quiet operation and floor protection; polyurethane provides durability and chemical resistance; nylon suits heavy loads; and pneumatic wheels work best on uneven surfaces
• Mounting Type: Plate fittings bolt to flat surfaces, stem fittings insert into tubes or sockets, and threaded stems screw directly into equipment
• Swivel vs Fixed: Use swivel castors for manoeuvrability and fixed castors for directional stability. A combination often works best with swivels at one end and fixed at the other
• Braking Systems: Total lock brakes secure both wheel rotation and swivel movement, essential for mobile workstations and equipment that requires stability during use
• Floor Surface: Softer wheels suit hard floors like concrete and tiles, whilst harder wheels perform better on carpets and uneven surfaces

Frequently Asked Questions

What load capacity do I need for my castors?

Divide your total load (including contents) by the number of castors, then add 25-33% for safety. For a 200kg workbench on four castors, each should support at least 65kg. MyToolShed.co.uk provides clear load ratings for all castor products to help you select appropriately.

Should I choose swivel or fixed castors?

Most applications benefit from a combination: swivel castors at one end for easy steering and fixed castors at the other for directional stability. For maximum manoeuvrability in tight spaces, use all swivel castors with at least one braked.

How do I prevent floor damage from castors?

Select wheel material based on your flooring: soft rubber or polyurethane wheels protect delicate surfaces like wood and vinyl, whilst avoiding black rubber on light-coloured floors prevents marking. Larger wheel diameters also distribute weight better, reducing surface pressure.