Why a company might use metal glides

In an industrial setting, furniture and machinery often needs to be fitted with glides on the feet to make it easier to move and to prevent damage to the floor and the legs of the item. Nylon is often used as a material for many types of glide and floor protector but metal glides are the best choice for uses where there will be excessive movement, or where the floor surface is rougher and more wearing.

Choosing between plastic and metal glides

Companies will need to consider the price of the glides being used on their overall unit price, as some items might need to use cheaper, less durable glides as a compromise. Metal glides generally cost a little bit more, but are going to last longer and provide better maneuverability than something made of plastic. In schools and public buildings where chairs are constantly moved around the room, metal will be the best investment in the long term.

The important role of caster sockets

Without the right size caster sockets, a wheeled chair will not perform its function correctly. The socket is responsible for holding the wheel in place, and is also what will stop the unit from collapsing when weight is applied to it. Some companies add these elements to their furniture when moving it to make the task much easier. Whatever the reason, the elements are designed to snugly fit into place, and so the precise measurements need to be taken in order to get this right.

How to choose the correct caster sockets

Generally speaking, metal casters will be much more load-bearing than those made of plastic. The weight resting on the caster sockets, as well as the intended use of the furniture will both play an important role in the type of caster that is chosen. Another thing to consider is the type of floor that the furniture will be pushed over. Rough and uneven surfaces will cause more wear on the internal components than smooth floors. Some sockets will allow for multi-directional movements, but there will also be those that can only be moved in one direction. All of these things will need to be contemplated in order to make the right choice.

Knowing which replacement glides are right for furniture

Finding the right replacement glides is important, as the wrong decision could render the furniture unusable. Glides are important not only for the moving of furniture, but also how they stand and interact with the flooring. For example, a heavy bookcase on carpet will eventually leave deep grooves in the floor if not correctly protected. Chairs and other items that often move around can even tear carpeting and cause extensive damage. The glide offers a rounder surface that helps the heavy item to glide more easily, and also distributes the weight so that it does not leave unsightly or damaging marks on the floor beneath it.

How to choose the right material for the replacement glides

The best way of selecting the right replacement glides is to analyze the type of floor it will be used on or moved across. In places with hardwood or fragile flooring, felt glides can give a softer, less abrasive surface. These can be combined with nylon to give better durability without exposing the floor to potentially damaging materials. These glides wear fairly quickly, and need to be replaced as soon as any damage is observed. For industrial uses, metal is a better choice of material, although it can cause scratching on flooring once the initial smoothness of the glide is compromised.

Information about industrial glides

Industrial glides offer superior strength over other types of material. Most of the metal glides made for this purpose are brass or nickel plated so that they glide better and cause less damage to the flooring than other options. Items manufactured for heavy use differ from other glide products as they are often raised higher off the ground so that there is less risk of the furniture leg catching on uneven flooring as it is moved. They are perfect for use with seating, work benches and machinery shelving.

How to select industrial glides online

There are some important things a person needs to know before ordering industrial glides. The first is whether they need to be threaded and fit into a threaded insert, or whether they should have a grip ring that will slot into the empty tube. The tube size in inches and the base diameter are also important measurements to be taken, and should be recorded to the nearest 16^th of an inch. Those unsure of the type of glide needed for their company can normally get more information by calling the customer support line of a glides manufacturer and giving them some basic information such as the weight of the item, the flooring it will be used on and the desired price range for each unit.

Why busy workplaces use metal glides

In business there is more of a need to frequently move objects around than in a home. For example, chairs will be pulled out and tucked under the desk multiple times an hour as the workers leave their desks to do other tasks. In warehouses, tables and stands that house various types of equipment might need to be repositioned as they are used for different tasks. Metal glides are perfect for this use as they are tough, easy to install, and long lasting. Although wheel casters might seem like a better choice, they are sometimes too mobile for certain uses.

Adjustable metal glides

Some metal glides are fully adjustable to change the height of the unit they are attached to. This is handy in any scenario where the high requirements change, such as an office where the staff hot-desk on a regular basis. This means that the desk or stand can be adjusted as and when it is needed, and still remain stable enough to use without any wobbling.

When the time comes to get replacement glides

Although many manufacturers make glides that are designed to be hard wearing, there will come a time when most will need switching out for something new. Sometimes this happens through wear and tear, but there are occasions where the furniture needs a new lease of life, or the previous glides break during moving. Whatever the reason, finding replacement glides is easy online.

Buying replacement glides online

Ordering replacement glides is much simpler with a website catalog, as this is often much more realistic in representing the actual stock of the supplier. Some paper catalogs can be out of date by the time the customer goes to use it. The other benefit of online shops selling this type of product is that it can provide much more information or sources with further information, as well as full color photographs. This kind of assistance can help a person find exactly what he is looking for.