Rubber or Zinc for Casters?

[LiquidMidnight]

I have to replace the casters on a cabinet. Would you recommend rubber or zinc wheels and why?

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Zinc wheels? Didn't know that was a choice. Rubber sems to be just fine.

 

[96tbird]

Rollerblades. Clear - Dark Blue Casters with Satin Chrome Yoke | Cool Casters

 

[kartiste]

You sure you're not looking at a description of zinc-PLATED metal parts on that caster?

 

[agedhorse]

Rubber tread

 

[Goatrope]

Rubber or other plastic material. The zinc would just tear up any floor not covered by carpet. Maybe the zinc is able to handle heavier loads, but still, you're going to destroy most floors.

 

[beans-on-toast]

You want rubber wheels if you are taking the cab outside.

 

[agedhorse]

Rubber or other plastic material. The zinc would just tear up any floor not covered by carpet. Maybe the zinc is able to handle heavier loads, but still, you're going to destroy most floors.

Going to ride rough as hell too.

4" casters, urethane tread is pretty standard in the touring industry

 

[LiquidMidnight]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm pretty rough on casters, so I was hoping that there was a stronger solution than rubber.

 

[agedhorse]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm pretty rough on casters, so I was hoping that there was a stronger solution than rubber.

Are you rougher than the touring industry? The urethane tread wheels like Colson have done well for me and I had maybe 100 ofthe 4" swivel casters on a variety of cases with very little trouble. Replaced them after about 1000 shows (or sold the cases it they were getting rough).

 

[blubass]

"Rubber" is a generic term as well as a specific material, similar to how band-aid is a brand of bandage, but everyone calls any bandage under the sun a band-aid.

Urethane is stronger and tougher than a generic rubber tread wheel. It's used in automotive applications when rubber is too soft or defective, or more performance and longevity is required.

Are you rough on the wheel itself, with the material falling off, or is the ball bearing swivel and metal frame the issue?

For tilt back cabs, I found skateboard trucks to be superior to most of what is available for them. Maybe they'd be a solution for you?

 

[InhumanResource]

Which cabinet? The rubber wheels on my Ampeg 410 work great, but my massive Berg HT-322 used to crush 'em.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

Some things to consider. Softer wheels help to absorb vibrations when your pulling the cab across a rough surface making it easier on the electronics and other cab parts. Also, the larger the wheel the easier it is to roll across carpet or grass. Consider getting casters with brakes. They'll come in handy if you need to park it on a ramp.

 

[Phalex]

Phenolic is the way to go.

 

[agedhorse]

Phenolic is the way to go.

??? That would be at the bottom of my list of choices.

 

[bobcruz]

I've had good experiences with these from eBay--I haven't found them any cheaper or better built elsewhere (and for sure avoid Harbor Freight casters, which are about the same cost but less well made). The locking mechanism works well and doesn't self-engage when it shouldn't.

4 Swivel Plate Casters Set with 4" Polyurethane Wheels All Rear Brakes Non Mark | eBay

 

[LiquidMidnight]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. For a little bit more information, I'm replacing the casters on a 6x10 with a squared bottom (as opposed to the slanted bottom like an Ampeg 6x10 or 8x10) that are built into a housing. Ergo, I'm a big limited on caster choices.

 

[trevcda]

In any case you will also want to be sure to get non-marking wheels.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

There are trade offs.
Taking it to the extreem,
huge cast iron wheels might be
best in terms of durability and
being able to handle crossing mud, soft lawns
and loose gravel parking lots.

They would transmit a lot of vibratons to
whatever is rolling on them and I feel
certain they would be quite unwelcome
on your guitarist's new, polished, hardwood flooring.