The below capacity ranges indicate the working (dynamic) load that each caster will support. A safety factor should be included in your formula to determine your required load rating per caster.
W/(C-1)=R W is total weight needed to move. C is total number of casters required. R is ideal load rating, with safety factor built in. Divide the total load weight by one less caster than you will use to safely determine load rating.
Plate dimensions shown are overall mounting plate size. When replacing existing casters, select the closest plate size and verify bolt-hole compatibility. BHP = Bolt Hole Pattern, shown under each plate.
Brake casters are caster assemblies with an integrated braking mechanism that immobilizes the wheel, the swivel, or both when engaged. CasterHQ stocks side-lock, top-lock, total-lock, and tech-lock brake configurations rated 75 lb to 2,500 lb per caster — used wherever equipment must stay put: medical carts, workbenches, AV equipment, hospitality carts, and OEM machinery.
ISO 9001:2015 Facility
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50,000+ Businesses Served
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Application Engineers On Staff
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Net 30 Terms Available
Configurations
100+
Side-lock, total-lock, tech-lock
Load Range
75–2,500 lb
Per caster across all brake types
Brake Types
4
Side / top / total / tech
Ships Same Day
94%
In-stock orders by 3pm CST
JW
Reviewed by Jordan Wilson · Industrial Caster Specialist
Content last verified April 2026 · 15+ years caster engineering · CasterHQ Engineering Team
4.9· 2,100+ verified buyers
Brake Casters Selection Guide
01What is the difference between side-lock and total-lock?
Side-lock (also called wheel-lock) stops only the wheel from rotating — the swivel can still spin, so the cart can drift sideways. Total-lock stops both the wheel and the swivel simultaneously, fully immobilizing the caster. Total-lock is required for medical, calibration, and OEM machinery where any movement compromises safety or accuracy. Side-lock is fine for general workbenches and mobile shelving where sideways drift is acceptable.
02When do I need tech-lock or step-on-step-off brakes?
Tech-lock (also called directional lock) holds the caster in a fixed straight-line direction — useful on long hospital beds, gurneys, and AV carts that need to track straight down a hallway. Step-on-step-off is an ergonomic brake pedal design that reduces operator back strain when engaging the brake dozens of times per shift — standard on medical carts, hospitality service carts, and any caster operated in repetitive brake-release cycles.
03How much load can a brake caster hold when parked?
Full rated capacity. Our brake casters are engineered so the brake does not reduce the load rating — a 1,200 lb rated total-lock caster holds 1,200 lb parked and 1,200 lb rolling. The brake mechanism adds locking force, not load reduction. Use the N-1 load method (total weight ÷ 3 × 1.25) to size correctly.
Full Specifications Overview+
Side-lock brake: 75–1,250 lb capacity, engages wheel only, toe-activated lever
Top-lock brake: 200–900 lb, engages wheel from above plate, useful on overhead equipment
Mount types: plate (2-1/2" × 3-5/8" to 4" × 4-1/2"), threaded stem, grip-ring stem
Finish: zinc-plated steel yoke standard; stainless steel for clean room / food service
Engineer Tips — Brake Selection+
Don't use side-lock on medical or calibration carts. If the cart drifts sideways during a procedure or measurement, the brake has failed its purpose. Spec total-lock.
Add brakes on all four casters, not diagonally. Diagonal brake placement causes cart rotation under push force. Four brakes is the industry standard for OEM equipment.
Step-on-step-off saves backs on repetitive use. If operators engage the brake 50+ times per shift, spec ergonomic pedal design — the 12-inch pedal height difference prevents hunched-over brake strikes.
Verify brake compatibility with floor type. Tech-lock directional brakes can skip on polished concrete with heavy loads — add a textured wheel or downgrade to total-lock.
Test brake engagement at temperature. Cold storage (below 20°F) stiffens brake springs; hot bakery environments soften them. Spec temperature-rated brake mechanisms for extreme environments.
Frequently Asked Questions+
Do brake casters cost more than non-brake? Yes, typically 30-60% more per caster. Total-lock is the priciest because of the dual-engagement mechanism; side-lock is the cheapest brake upgrade.
Can I retrofit a brake onto my existing caster? Usually no — the brake is integrated into the yoke. Replace the full caster with a brake-equipped unit.
Are brake casters ADA compliant? Medical and hospitality brake casters are designed for low-force engagement (under 5 lb toe pressure) meeting ADA operator guidelines. Request ADA-rated spec sheets for healthcare purchases.
What's the difference between a brake and a swivel lock? A brake stops the wheel from rolling. A swivel lock stops the caster from rotating around its vertical axis (so it stays pointed in one direction). Total-lock combines both.
Do you offer stainless steel brake casters? Yes, full 304 stainless on total-lock and side-lock configurations for pharmaceutical, food service, and marine applications.
For parked loads on a slope or with horizontal push force, required brake holding force equals cart weight multiplied by the floor friction coefficient (0.02 on polished concrete, 0.08 on carpet, 0.15 on loading ramps). Add 10% safety factor. Example: a 1,500 lb cart on a warehouse ramp needs 240 lb of brake holding force per caster (1,500 × 0.15 × 1.1) — total-lock exceeds this; side-lock does not.
Spec the right brake for your application?
Our engineers help you match brake type to cart weight, floor, and operator frequency.
Rolled out tech-lock directional brakes on 1,200 hospital beds across three campuses. Staff reported 28% fewer patient-transfer slip incidents and zero brake failures over 24 months. CasterHQ's engineering team matched the brake force to our floor friction data exactly.
HC
Hospital System Facilities Director
Multi-campus healthcare network · 1,200-unit order
