Caster Brake Type Overview
CASTER AND WHEEL BRAKE TYPES
SIDE LOCK BRAKE
Side lock brakes are one of the more common brake types in light duty casters. Very predominant in 1-1/4” wide wheel types, they are economical and field installable.
- Locks the wheel only
- Available in 1-1/4” and 2” wide
How it works
When the brake pedal engages, an L shaped metal plate presses against the top of the wheel causing the wheel to stop. As a result, over time the L shaped metal plate will bend making the wheel unable to lock. Side lock brakes are not recommended for heavy industrial environments.
TECH LOCK BRAKE
Tech lock brakes (or face-contact brakes) are great for larger and heavy-duty casters. The large pedal rides on the back of the caster which makes it very accessible and easy to engage. Caster Connection also sells a maintenance-free rig with a tech lock brake built in!
- Locks the wheel
- Available for 2" wide wheels
How it works
Pushing the pedal down positively locks down onto the wheel making it immobile.
TOTAL LOCK BRAKE
Total lock brakes lock the wheel and the swivel mechanism rendering the caster completely immobile. The brake is part of the caster therefore making it not field installable.
- Locks the wheel
- Locks the swivel
- Available for 1-1/4” and 2” wide wheels
How it works
Engaging the pedal located on the back of the wheel locks the wheel and the swivel in one motion.
CAM BRAKE
Cam Brakes are very economical and as a result, they can be unreliable. Due to the design of the cam brake, they are not compatible with ball bearings. It looks similar to a side lock brake yet without the L shaped metal shoe to stop the wheel.
- Locks the wheel only.
- Available in 2" wide
How it works
Engaging the brake squeezes the cam against the wheel hub causing the wheel to stop moving.
Finally, if you need a brake that's not listed here, Caster Connection's knowledgable solutions staff is here to help!
For even more information about caster brakes, visit our Caster Brakes Overview page.