Low Profile Casters

December 19, 2023

Low profile casters are ones which are deliberately smaller, with a smaller overall height. They are typically used when you want to install casters on something, but need to minimize the amount of height added, keeping the object low to the floor.

Before exploring the advantages of smaller casters, ask yourself, "Why do I need them?"

• Are there height restrictions or are you trying to achieve a certain height?
• Are you trying to hide or recess casters?
• Is there risk of an object tipping over due to a high center of gravity?

If you answered yes to any those questions, low profile casters might be just what you need!

Capacity

When it comes to smaller-sized casters, it's easy to underestimate their capacity! Smaller seems like it would mean weaker, right? With most casters, that would be correct, but there are some exceptions. Wheel selection is dependent on the capacity required. Steel, nylon, phenolic, and polyurethane can be used in low profile casters, providing small but high capacity wheels. 

Of these options, steel has the most capacity and durability, but are not floor safe and will cause floor damage over time. If floor protection is important, nylon and phenolic wheels are an excellent alternative. For ultimate floor protection, use polyurethane wheels for similar capacity to steel but without the wear and tear. 

Drawbacks

While low profile casters are great for reducing overall height, they will not be able to roll as easily as a larger wheeled caster would. A common saying in the caster world is that "the larger the wheel, the easier it rolls." Carpet, cracks, uneven or rough floors will pose an obstacle for low profile casters. To help with this, a caster with a bearing can assist with rolling if the object will need to be moved around often.

Things to consider before buying

• Adding casters underneath the object will add to the object's overall height, which can be a problem in some projects. The amount of height added is the caster's overall height, which is listed in the caster specifications. Measure the overall height from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the plate, or to the top of the swivel section on a stem caster. (See the image below to see how to measure overall height on a plate caster.)
• If you plan on hiding or recessing your casters, you need to be mindful of the caster's swivel radius. The swivel radius is the distance that the caster wheel extends outward from the center-most pivoting point of the casters.  Larger casters typically have a larger swivel radius, which can cause the wheel to come into contact with something and stopping the caster from swiveling the full 360 degrees.
  
• For better stability, mount the casters as far out as possible.
• If you plan on getting a caster with a brake, consider whether or not you will be able to engage or even access the brake.

Final Thoughts

Finding casters to fit in a height-constrained place can be difficult. Before selecting a caster, consider their capacity, overall height, mounting location and your specific goals. 

If you're not sure what you are need or can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (713)-227-1144 and speak with a caster expert (Mon-Fri 7am - 4:30pm CST).

Shop Our Low Profile Casters

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