How to Use Swivel Casters
- 1). Elevate the piece of furniture or item and look at the bottom corners. You need to determine how you will connect the casters. Use a caster that screws into place for furniture with wide wooden bases or items with a wide base at the corners regardless of material used. A caster that inserts into a hole works better if the base is narrow.
- 2). Purchase the appropriate number of casters. Place two casters beneath an item on the back end of it with two supports on the front to make a heavy item mobile without making it slide everywhere. The front supports keep the item still while standing and allows you to lean it up and move it. Purchase one caster per corner for items that you want to be fully mobile.
- 3). Screw the caster into place. Drill pilot holes for the caster by placing the item upside down and setting the caster in the location you will install it. Trace the predrilled holes onto the base. Drill out a pilot hole for each location. Drill out the appropriate-diameter hole into the base for casters that insert into the base. The diameter of the hole needs to be the same size as the stem on the caster.
- 4). Install the caster. Apply a bit of contact cement into the hole (for inserted casters). Tap the caster into place using your hand or a small rubber mallet. Place the screw-in caster over the pilot holes and secure it with the screws. Use bolts instead of screws if your base is metal.
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