From shelving units to concert gear, casters are used to transport heavy loads with ease. To prevent the cargo from rolling away at any time, business owners rely on brakes to lock the wheels in place. Here are some of the most common caster brakes on the market so you can make the right choice for your equipment.

What Are the Most Common Caster Brakes?

1. Tech Lock Brake

Tech lock, or “face contact” brakes, feature a lever that moves along with the caster so it can swivel back and forth. They are often used on heavy-duty casters that carry plenty of weight. To enable the braking mechanism, the user would need to apply pressure to the face of the wheel. To disengage the brake, step on the pedal-like lever again.

2. Side Lock Brake

These common caster brakes are positioned on the side of each wheel, the widest edge. The lever is positioned diagonally across the width of the caster so that the higher end can be depressed easily by the user’s foot.

Slanting this seesaw lever one way will stop the wheels, and slanting it the other way will allow for motion. These are often used on light- and medium-duty casters, such as file cabinets, grills, beds, and carts.

3. Ideal Stop Brake

This caster brake is known for its ease of use when compared to the models above. Instead of moving with the wheels, ideal stop brakes are fixed in place, usually above each caster. This way, the user doesn’t need to reposition the wheels or reach underneath the vehicle.

No matter which way the cart is facing or how the wheels are turned, it takes a split second for an employee to step on the pedal and activate the braking mechanism. This type of brake also doesn’t stick out wider than the vehicle itself—such as with the side lock brakes—minimizing the risk of employee leg injuries.

To find the right brakes for your equipment casters, reach out to Casters, Wheels and Industrial Handling. They’ve been serving commercial and industrial clients in New York City for over 60 years. Whether you need to upgrade the brakes on your hospital beds or increase efficiency around the office, you can browse their long-lasting selection of parts in one of their two impressive showrooms. To learn more about their moving, storage, or handling offerings, visit the website, or call (631) 650-0500 to inquire about your options.