You may have heard of casters but not really know what they are or how they differ from wheels. In fact, most people just refer to these as wheels when they see them.

However, what most people don’t realize is that caster wheels are more than just wheels.

In many fields, when searching for a specific product, it’s necessary to be as specific as possible when it comes to describing or naming what you want. Knowing the proper name of a product is essential. Because of this, you need to know the difference between casters and wheels.

Wheels Defined

Everyone knows what a wheel is. It’s a round object with a hole in the middle that’s used as a shaft to work for the desired purpose. This purpose can be anything you need to do. It can also be defined as a circular cylinder of lesser or greater width that spins on an axle, like a car’s wheels. Today, wheels are used for many different mechanical purposes.

The wheel was invented more than 5000 years ago and changed the way humans do everything. However, it has only been around 150years since the caster was first introduced. That’s why there is still some confusion around what a caster is and how it is used.

Casters Defined

A caster does include a wheel; however, it is more than just a wheel. In fact, a caster is an assembly that includes a wheel and a bracket, which is sometimes called a “yoke” or a “fork.” The bracket included is what makes it different from a traditional wheel.

If you want to replace the “wheel” on your cart or chair, you actually need to replace your caster assembly. Be sure to search for a “caster” when looking for a replacement online. If you go to a store to make this purchase, be sure to request a caster rather than a wheel. This will help you save quite a bit of time and ensure you get what you need to repair.

Today, you can find two types of casters. One features a flat bracket and mounting holes. This allows you to fasten another flat surface against it. The other option doesn’t have a flat surface but will thread or lock into the object it is being attached to. You should look at the setup on the chair, cart, or another object to determine what type of caster you need.