Bolt Hole Castors vs Plate Fitting Castors: Which Should You Choose?

Whether you need castors for roll cages, garment rails, or even a Dalek, it is crucial to select the right type for your needs. In this article, we look at the two main types of castor, the bolt hole castor and the plate fitting castor. We'll examine their features, advantages, and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision about the type you need.

What Is A Bolt Hole Castor?

Bolt hole castors are fixed to the base of the item to be moved using a single fastener, which screws into the centre of the swivel head. This fastener may be a bolt, a solid steel or threaded stem, or a round or square expander.

Practical and simple to install, single bolt hole castors are particularly suitable for objects which don't have much room on their bases, such as equipment with slim legs. All bolt hole castors boast a swivel design, making them a great match for equipment that you need to rotate. However, if you need fixed castors (or "rigid castors"), you'll need to select castors with plate fittings instead.

Single bolt hole castors are less stable than plate fitting castors and are designed to handle smaller loads. However, at Rolltek, we sell high-quality versions that can handle gross loads (the weight of the moveable equipment and its contents) of up to 400kg.

What Is A Plate Fitting Castor?

This castor type features a built-in metal plate with four bolt holes, so that the load being carried is spread evenly over the castor head. There is an array of plate fitting castors on the market, featuring plates and bolt holes of different sizes.

Plate fitting castors can carry larger loads than their single bolt hole alternatives. In fact, we sell plate fitting castors that can handle gross weights of up to 1,200kg. What is more, their extra stability means that they are more suitable for use on uneven floors. You can buy swivel or fixed castor wheels with plate fittings, depending on the amount of manoeuvrability you require.

Find Out More

The ideal solution may be to use both castor types in combination, so that you get the benefits of each one. Whichever type of castor you're looking for, however, you'll find them in our online store. For help selecting the right type of castor for your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.