CASE STUDIES
Castor Locks for Industrial Trolleys and Racks
What castor locks do
A castor lock is a mechanical brake fitted to a castor that keeps a trolley, rack or cart from moving when it is parked or being worked at. On loaded industrial equipment this matters: a rack that rolls away while it is being loaded, or a workstation that drifts while someone is using it, is both a nuisance and a hazard. The lock is worked by hand or foot, and different types lock different things, so choosing the right one comes down to what you need to stop: the rolling, the steering, or both.
These are simple mechanical locks, operated by a lever or pedal on the castor. A castor lock holds a hand-moved trolley still.
The main types of castor lock
There are three common types, and the difference is in what each one holds.
| Lock type | What it locks | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel brake (tread lock) | The wheel only | Stops the castor rolling, but it can still swivel |
| Directional lock (swivel lock) | The swivel only | Holds the castor pointing straight, still free to roll |
| Total lock | The wheel and the swivel together | Castor cannot roll or turn, fully parked |
Wheel brake
A wheel brake, sometimes called a tread lock, presses a pad or cam onto the wheel when you push the lever down, so the wheel cannot turn. It is the simplest lock and stops the trolley rolling. On a swivel castor, though, the mount can still rotate, so the trolley is held against rolling but not fully fixed in place.
Directional lock
A directional lock, also called a swivel lock or swivel stop, does something different. It locks only the swivel, holding the castor pointing straight ahead, while the wheel is still free to roll. In effect it turns a swivel castor into a temporary fixed castor. This is useful for pushing a trolley in a straight line over a longer distance, where you want it to track true rather than wander. Release the lock and the castor swivels freely again for manoeuvring.
Total lock
A total lock, or total-stop, locks the wheel and the swivel at the same time with a single action. The castor can neither roll nor turn, which parks the trolley securely. This is the type to choose where a loaded rack must stay exactly where it is put, for example while being loaded, unloaded or worked at.
Choosing the right lock
The choice follows what you are trying to control:
- Need a simple hold against rolling? A wheel brake is enough, for example on a light cart on a level floor.
- Need to push in a straight line over distance? A directional lock holds the castor straight, then releases for turning.
- Need to park a loaded trolley securely? Use a total lock, so it can neither roll nor turn.
Where locking castors are used
Locking castors are common on industrial trolleys, mobile racks, equipment carts and mobile workstations, anywhere a loaded unit is moved by hand and then needs to stay put. The lock keeps the equipment stable while it is stationary, which protects both the load and the people working around it. As with any castor, the wheel material and size are chosen for the floor and the load, while the lock is chosen for how the trolley is parked and pushed.
To see the industrial castors AVM supplies, including braked and locking types, visit the industrial castor category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a total lock and a directional lock?
A total lock stops the castor rolling and swivelling, parking it securely. A directional lock only holds the swivel, keeping the castor straight while it can still roll.
What does a swivel lock do?
It locks the swivel so the castor points straight ahead, turning a swivel castor into a temporary fixed one for pushing in a straight line. It does not stop the wheel rolling.
Which lock should I use to park a loaded rack?
A total lock, because it holds both the wheel and the swivel, so the rack can neither roll away nor turn while it is parked.