Have You Seen These Casters I’m Looking For?
I want to build a box for my (small) walk-in closet that I can use as both a seat to get dressed on and a stepstool to reach the higher shelves. I want it to be on casters so it is easy to roll around, but I want the casters built into the box and hidden from view. Think of it like a Rubbermaid stepstool, when there is no weight on the stool it sits about a 1/2” above the ground, and when weight is applied to it, it rests on the ground securely. I’ve considered getting those Rubbermaid casters but I think the finished box will be too heavy for those existing casters to keep it off the ground.
So I’ve looked on the internet for “spring loaded casters” and “concealed casters” and can’t find anything that will work. They are either too big (I think 2” or smaller is what will work best), or too heavy duty (I want the box to touch the ground when about 25-50 lbs. is applied to it).
One thing I learned is that “gate casters” will not work because they are too big and want to attach to the side of the box. Anyone out there have any ideas?
Replies
You may be best served by building the box with 2 bases, one fixed and permanent and one slightly undersized that can float inside. Drilling appropriate sized spring pockets with a forstner bit in the bottom of the fixed panel and the top of the floating panel will let you choose the spring of your choice based on desire travel and load capacity. (McMaster.com is a great source for such things) setting the springs in epoxy is an easy way to hold everything together or it would not be hard to design a simple catch to hold the floating panel in place so you can carry it around if needed without it falling apart. Doing this will let you use cheaper ordinary casters and select the best springs for your needs.
Thanks for the reply. I will most likely use a "stem" caster and add my own spring to it. I don't know much about springs. I checked out 1 website that deals only with springs and was amazed by the number of factors that go into making springs.
I'm no spring expert but I believe something like this would do the job. If you box is much heavier than 20lbs you might need to step up a bit in strength. This one compresses around 50lbs to about 7/8". I would think about 3/4"-1" would give the casters plenty of clearance even on carpet.
Springs, 2" Long, 0.97" OD, 0.76" ID
https://www.mcmaster.com/9657K405
Use casters intended to be mounted on a flat surface. Then mount them under the box to hinged "paddles" with a spring under them. Hide them with a skirt that will rest on the floor when weight is applied.
Thanks for the reply. I will probably have to do something like that. I was hoping to find what I needed and not have to gerry rig something together.
Lots of places sell them, this is just an example
https://www.thelibrarystore.com/product/90-0101/
Thanks for the info. I've found casters like this that are actual replacements for the Rubbermaid stepstool I mentioned in my original question. The problem is I can't tell what the springs are rated for. My guess is that they are too light weight and wouldn't hold up the wooden box I intend to make.
If step stool casters are to weak for your application the only other thing that comes to mind right away is a gate caster.
Good luck
Have you considered those balls in housing that are used on assembly tables; except the ones that are spring loaded and retract when weight is applied.I am building a portable circular set if library steps and so far have only found them in England.Try looking them up and I am sure they will work
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