Archive: Jan 2023

How Do I Select the Right Caster Wheel for My Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that is supported by its scaffolding equipment. The equipment may be a base plate or a caster wheel, but it should be robust enough to bear the weight of the entire scaffolding and the scaffold users. That’s why picking the right set of scaffolding caster wheels is of utmost importance. 

The scaffold caster not only gives the 3D structure a base but also lets the scaffold move around. The wheels can be locked, and the erected scaffold can be used. The casters are inserted into the static scaffold tube to simultaneously make it mobile and secure. This will facilitate a variety of construction projects in the vertical plane and on uneven surfaces. The worker will be able to relocate the scaffolding without difficulty.

This blog will elaborate more on how to choose a caster wheel and its benefits.

What are caster wheels?

A caster (or caster) is an unpowered wheel designed to be attached to the underside of a larger object (the “vehicle”) in order to facilitate its movement. In numerous industrial applications, such as platform trucks, carts, assemblies, scaffolding, and tow lines in plants, high-capacity, heavy-duty casters are utilized.

In scaffolding, the caster wheels are attached to the bottom of the scaffolding to help it move around the worksite. 

What are the selection criteria for scaffold casters?

1. Select the appropriate size caster

The larger the diameter of the caster, the more labor-efficient and resistant it is to obstacles.

2. Select an appropriate material

Casters are categorized as super synthetic rubber casters, polyurethane casters, plastic casters, nylon casters, steel casters, high-temperature casters, rubber casters, etc. Casters made of various materials are used in various ground conditions and temperatures, and they must be selected based on the application. 

3. Determine the load-bearing mass

For identical-diameter mobile scaffolding casters with varying load-bearing requirements, the manufacturer typically produces multiple models, primarily to produce wheels and brackets with varying thicknesses or materials. When the terrain is relatively flat, the single caster load equals the number of casters installed on the equipment divided by 1.2 (the insurance factor).

4. Choose the bracket

The two types of brackets are orientation and universal direction. Typically, the material is carbon steel. In addition to stainless steel, you can get various types of plating, such as spraying, galvanizing, copper plating, nickel plating, etc.

5. Determine the method of installation

Typically, you can use a screw rod, plunger, expansion rubber sleeve, etc. for a moderate to light load. Use the bottom plate or have the caster directly welded to the equipment for heavy loads.

6. Breaking and locking mechanism

Functionally, brakes are typically divided into brake wheels and universal brake brackets. There are also friction brakes, positive brakes, side brakes, etc. Caster brakes must be effective. When workers are on scaffolding, they must stay put. Workers could fall if it keeps rolling, swiveling, or moving.

Most scaffolding casters have an easy-to-access braking mechanism that anyone can kick into place to prevent movement while working. Scaffolding needs a locking mechanism, too. Once the scaffolding is up, make sure it doesn’t move by itself. A locking mechanism is needed to keep scaffolding in place while workers do tedious work above it.

What are the benefits of a scaffold caster?

1. Mobility

Scaffolds with casters are ideal for moving. All tradesmen and industrial maintenance workers can do their jobs quickly and easily without needing a large scaffold or manual conversions. So, scaffolds can be moved and secured flexibly in different areas.

2. Safety

Regarding securing casters on scaffolding, safety is of the utmost importance. Because they promote motion, wheels and casters reduce physical strains and demands on employees when moving large loads. With the addition of a braking mechanism, the safety features are enhanced.

3. Scaffold caster wheel capacity

Casters have the advantage of being able to support the considerable weight without breaking. As a result of the caster wheel‘s rotation around an axle and bearing race, it is subjected to significantly less direct pressure than a conventional wheel. Because the wheel turns instead of the chassis, its load-bearing capacity is significantly greater than that of a conventional wheel.

Scaffold caster safety measures

Scaffoldings are prone to accidents and mishaps if proper caster safety precautions are not observed. Follow these guidelines to avoid unwelcome occurrences:

• Avoid overloading the scaffolding. The casters will have to bear the additional weight, and they will buckle if the weight exceeds their capacity.
• Do not drop heavy loads on casters, as the initial impact can cause them to degrade and may also cause structural damage.
• Do not roll the scaffolding at a high rate of speed, as it can injure people and cause damage to any obstacles in its path.
• Always lock the scaffold caster wheel in place when it is not necessary for the scaffolding to move. If it begins to move without your permission, accidents may occur.
• Ensure that you immediately tighten any loose components of the casters.

Wrapping Up

A caster is a non-powered wheel designed to be attached to the underside of a larger object and used to move it. Attached to the base of device-moving equipment, caster wheels provide mobility for these objects. They make it possible to move heavy objects with less force. Caster wheels require routine maintenance to extend their service life.

AAIT is a scaffolding company in Houston that has rich experience with advanced techniques. We provide relevant information with the best solution. We make sure that our 12-inch caster wheels meet safety regulations and can bear a maximum load. This ensures that your scaffold’s framework will be sturdy and robust.

Request your estimation today! 

Which are the Basic Components Used In Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that facilitates support for the work crew, materials, and the entire man-made structure. It is widely used to access heights and areas that are otherwise hard to reach during maintenance, repair, and construction works. 

Scaffolding accessories are secured together to erect a strong scaffolding structure. This structure is then leveraged to accomplish multiple tasks. Within the same structure, there are individual scaffolding components that meet specific requirements of heights, lengths, weights, and much more.

This article concentrates on those basic components used in scaffolding that leverage intricate tasks.

Basic Components Used In Scaffolding

1. Base Plate

These are also referred to as sole plates that bear the load of the entire structure. They are used to distribute weight and support the standards, or vertical scaffolding poles. Connecting the base plates to the scaffolding’s standards ensures a solid foundation.

Typical base jacks are made of steel and can be adjusted to various lengths. The modifications are made based on the required load capacity. Additionally, they are available in a variety of configurations, such as swivels that adjust to sloping terrain.

2. Standards

These are also referred to as uprights, verticals, or legs that are typical scaffold tubes. These tubes transfer the entire load to the ground as they are directly connected to the base plates. As the lengths of the standards are fixed, taller scaffolding requires that the pipes be connected so that the load is directed directly through the structure. 

This is achieved using a “pin and socket” joint or a coupling pin, which twists to lock successive pipes together. Depending on the needs of the scaffold, standards are typically fabricated from galvanized steel.

3. Ledgers

These are also referred to as horizontal or runners that decide the horizontal length of the scaffold. These tubes are used to support the working platforms and determine the height at which deks are staged. They are placed between every standard and form a 3D structure that supports horizontal weights.

In some scaffolding systems, the same component serves as both the ledger and the transom; in these cases, both components are referred to as ledgers. The ledgers are made from structural steel and come with a galvanizing finish.

4. Adjustable Screw Jack

These are also referred to as leveling jacks or screw jacks that are designed to provide a level base for the scaffolding platform. They are also designed to fit with the caster with the bottom of the socket jack and are secured by a pin. There are various types of Adjustable Screw Jacks are designed and used in scaffolding systems.

The screw jack serves as the scaffold’s starting point. It is height-adjustable to compensate for uneven terrain so that a level scaffold is always attainable. Any scaffold base must always be positioned atop mudsills that have been demonstrated to be on solid ground.

They are made of structural steel and come with a galvanizing finish.

5. Adjustable Swivel Jack

It is a special type of adjustable screw jack that is employed on irregular ground. It is used as a starting base for a scaffold where the supporting surface of the scaffold is on a slope. They support the entire structure and bare weights of the structure including accessories and work crew.

Adjustable swivel jacks are made from high-strength structural steel and zinc-plated/ hot dip galvanized finish. This makes them corrosion-resistant and offers superior strength to the entire scaffolding structure. 

6. Adjustable Hollow Base Jack

These are also known as adjustable screw jacks, scaffold jacks, leveling jacks, base jacks, jack bases, etc. It is used to compensate for differences in underground height for system scaffolding. 

They can be used for various applications including light-duty to heavy-duty scaffolding works, shoring scaffolding systems, etc. These jacks can be employed for both- ringlock and cuplock systems to provide a strong and adjustable base.

They are made from structural steel and come with a hot dip galvanizing finish.

7. Adjustable U-Head Jack

U-Heads are intended to be utilized with Adjustable System Scaffolding. The primary function of a U-Head is to secure wooden beams in place. The U-Heads Jacks are of the highest quality made from structural steel and have a galvanizing finish that gives them a lustrous sheen.

8. Universal Davit Arm

The Universal Davit Arm is intended to support a Gin Wheel for lifting light loads or to act as a tie-off point for a retractable lifeline. It can be used with any type of system scaffolding including cuplock, ringlock, tube and clamp scaffolding, etc. 

Half Couplers secure it to the system scaffold. In Construction Safety, the Davit Arm is also used as a scaffold hoist for fall protection. It is made of structural steel and comes with a galvanizing finish.

9. Universal Spigot

Universal Spigot is utilized in both the Ringlock and Cuplock systems. When required, the coupling pin comes with one set of fasteners for use on-site on both system verticals.

They are made from low alloy steel and come with a hot dip galvanizing finish.

10. Caster Wheels

By assembling the 12 Plug Caster from AAIT, you can move scaffolding components quickly. The Rubber/Polyurethane wheels are more suitable for traversing various terrain types. While the fitting portion of the Scaffold is made of low-alloy structural steel with high strength.

As a rolling base, the Scaffold caster is utilized. It enables the scaffold to be moved to different locations without being disassembled.

11. Toe Board

A toe board is a small vertical barrier typically attached to a raised floor or platform. The purpose of a toe board, which is typically between 4 and 12 inches tall, is to prevent objects or people from falling off or rolling off the side of a raised platform, such as preventing screwdrivers from dropped on the floor of elevated construction scaffolding from rolling off the side and onto people or objects below.

The toe boards are made from structural steel and come with a hot dip galvanizing finish.

12. Working Platform

Boards, also known as decks or battens, are the planks that make up the scaffold’s working platform. When working on scaffolding, workers stand on them and place their tools on top of them. In addition to providing support for standing, boards ensure the safety of workers working at great heights.

Material options for boards include wood, aluminum, aluminum frame with plywood board, and hot-dip galvanized steel. For protection against falls, guardrails, and toeboards can be added as accessories.

Want To Avail Best Scaffolding Accessories?

AAIT is a leading scaffolding accessories supplier in Houston. All the above-mentioned scaffolding accessories are ready at our warehouse in the USA. We comply with OSHA regulations and intent to provide safe and robust scaffolding components.

Get your free quotation today based on the scaffolding parts and functions you require.