How to Get the Right Size Wheel

December 18, 2020

Replacing Your Wheel

If you want to get the exact same wheel you're trying to replace, you need all
four criteria (wheel diameter, Wheel width, hub length & inside diameter)
correctly measured. We recommend getting measurements from a wheel
that's in better condition than the one you are trying to replace. Below is an
explanation of the measurements you need & problems that occur from
incorrect measurements.

Measure the Diameter 

To start off, we need to know the
diameter of the wheel. If the wheel is
too large or too small, it could
potentially not fit in the rig of the
caster; It could also potentially cause
the object the wheel is attached to tilt
over to one side.

Measure the Tread Width

The tread width of the wheel is
important especially in casters where
the wheel has to fit between the forks
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Replacing Your Wheel
How To Get The Right Size Wheel
If you want to get the exact same wheel you're trying to replace, you need all
four criteria (wheel diameter, Wheel width, hub length & inside diameter)
correctly measured. We recommend getting measurements from a wheel
that's in better condition than the one you are trying to replace. Below is an
explanation of the measurements you need & problems that occur from
incorrect measurements.
of the caster rig. The wheel's tread
width for caster wheels typically
aren't the widest part of the
wheel, the hub length is. Other
general use industrial wheels may be
the opposite where the tread width is
the widest point.

Measure the Hub

The hub length is known as the
distance the axle would go through
the wheel measuring from end point
to end point (or bearing to bearing).
When the hub length is too long in
length it can prevent the wheel from
fitting between a bracket/rig or being
too long to fit on an axle. We
recommend that you
also measure your axle or the
distance between your bracket/rig so you know how much room you
have to accommodate the new wheel.

Inside Diameter (ID)

The inside diameter is
often overlooked but it's
absolutely crucial. The inside
diameter is the diameter of the hole
running through your wheel. If the
inside diameter is wrong, you may
not be able to mount your wheel on
the axle. We recommend using
calipers to measure the
wheels inside diameter & axle to
get the exact measurements. With most casters, the tolerances are loose
so they might be off by a few thousands of an inch.

Tips on Wheel Selection & Installation

Here's a few tips & pieces of information to make your job a bit easier
with wheel selection & installation.

• Sometimes you're not able to find the exact wheel. If you want to
  keep the same profile of the wheel, you need the wheel diameter, wheel
  tread width & inside diameter (ID) to be same. Hub length can be a
  little longer or shorter in length depending on your situation.
• If the hub length of the new wheel is smaller than your original, you can
  use spacers or washers to keep the wheel centered.
• We recommend keeping v-groove wheels a little loose in its bracket/rig or
  axle rather than using washers or spacers to keep it tight just in case the
  track it rolls on isn't straight.
• There are two types of hub length profiles. Centered hubs have the
  same length of hub sticking from both sides of the wheel. Off set hubs
  have different length of hub that sticks out on both sides of the wheel.
  Pallet jack wheels usually have very precise inside diameter (ID) due to
  the precision ball bearings they use. We recommend using calipers to get
  a precise measurement of the inside diameter (ID) so your bearing isn't
  off by a few thousands of an inch preventing you from installing onto the
  axle.
• When it comes to replacing industrial pneumatic/flat free wheels, There's
  three measurements you need, the tire size (found on the sidewall), hub
  length & inside diameter.
• The tire size has a sequence of numbers that follow this format "4.10/3.50
  -4". The "4.10" refers to width of the wheel, "3.50" refers to edge of the rim
  to outside of the tire & "4" is the size of the rim & all measurements are in
  inches.

Final Thoughts

If you have any questions about the wheel your trying to replace, feel free to
contact us or give us a call at 713-227-1144 & a caster expert will give you a
hand

Take a Look at Our Replacement Wheels https://mappcaster.com/pages/casterwheels

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