Back to Casters

Locking Casters

These locking casters use a total lock brake so one pedal stops the wheel and the swivel when a parked cart needs to stay put. That is different from a wheel-only brake, which still lets the caster turn. Casters in this collection range from about 180 to 1,250 lb per caster. Some sets are rated to 5,000 lb for four casters. Light duty models use 3 to 5 x 1-1/4 in wheels on a 2-3/8 x 3-5/8 in plate or a 1/2-13 threaded stem. Heavier builds step up to a 4 x 4-1/2 in plate. Wheel materials include polyurethane (poly or urethane), phenolic, TPR, nylon, and semi-steel. Soft polyurethane on aluminum (~85 Shore A) or TPR is the better pick when the floor has chips or debris. Capacities below are per caster unless a listing says set. For other brake styles see brake casters. Utility cart plate sets also appear under cart casters.

Shop by caster type

3 types

Capacity shown is per caster (per wheel for wheels).

Locking Casters: buying guide

Total lock casters lock the wheel and the swivel with one pedal. Light 3 to 5 in plate and stem models rated 180 to 350 lb, and heavy 4 to 8 x 2 in models rated 700 to 1,250 lb each.

Locks wheel and swivel180 to 1,250 lb per casterPlate and 1/2-13 stemSets to 5,000 lb
Watch: Total Lock Casters: Operations & Benefits VS Standard Brakes

Shop by Type

Total lock casters by size

Wheel Mount Treads Per caster Sets of 4
3 to 5 x 1-1/4 in 2-3/8 x 3-5/8 in plate Poly on polyolefin, blue solid poly, TPR, rubber, phenolic, nylon, polyolefin, semi-steel 180 to 350 lb
3 to 5 x 1-1/4 in 1/2-13 threaded stem Poly on polyolefin, blue solid poly, TPR 250 to 350 lb 1,000 to 1,400 lb
4 to 8 x 2 in 4 x 4-1/2 in plate Red poly on iron 700 to 1,250 lb 2,800 to 5,000 lb
4 to 8 x 2 in 4 x 4-1/2 in plate Orange poly on aluminum 1,250 lb 4,000 to 5,000 lb
4 to 8 x 2 in 4 x 4-1/2 in plate Phenolic 800 lb 2,400 to 4,000 lb

Product titles and fields [S1]. Set listings give the total for four casters.

Total lock vs wheel lock

  • Wheel lock (side, top or front lock): stops the wheel from turning. The caster can still swivel, so a cart can drift sideways when pushed.
  • Total lock: stops the wheel and the swivel together. The cart stays where it is, which matters on work tables, tool carts, medical carts and anything someone leans on or works against.

Good fits

  • Work benches and assembly tables that must not shift under hand tools.
  • Tool boxes and roll cabinets: see the heavy red and orange sets on tool box caster sets.
  • Kitchen prep tables and racks on stem mounts.
  • Carts parked on a slight slope.

Sizing

A common layout is two total lock swivels and two rigids, or four total lock swivels where the cart needs to turn in place. Size each caster for the load divided by three to allow for an uneven floor [S2]. Heavy 2 in tread models on the 4 x 4-1/2 in plate are the step up when a light caster is near its rating.

Total lock caster questions

What is a total lock caster?

A caster whose brake locks both the wheel and the swivel, so the caster cannot roll or turn.

How much can total lock casters hold?

On this page, 180 to 350 lb for 3 to 5 in light models and 700 to 1,250 lb for 4 to 8 x 2 in heavy models. Sets of four run up to 5,000 lb.

Are total lock casters available with a stem?

Yes. Several 3 to 5 in models use a 1/2-13 threaded stem.

Is a total lock better than a wheel lock?

For carts and tables that must not move at all, yes. A wheel lock still lets the caster swivel.

Sources

  • [S1] CasterHQ product fields (rated load, diameter, width, wheel and core material, temperature range, mount) and product descriptions for the items on this page, pulled October 20, 2026.
  • [S2] Preferred Equipment casters and wheels quick guide PDF (prefeq.com): load sizing on one less caster, wheel types and floor notes.

Search