How to Attach Casters to Wood

You can attach casters to wooden objects such as a table and workbench that you often need to move. It’ll ensure easy portability and you won’t need to go through the hassle of carrying heavy objects.

However, using the right approach is important or you’ll end up damaging the wood. This article contains a step-by-step guide that will allow you to attach casters to wood correctly.

How to Attach Casters to Wood

You can use the following method to install casters in any type of wood. Make sure that you follow each step carefully to avoid damaging the wood or casters.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

The first step is to gather all the supplies you need to attach the casters to the wood. It’ll allow you to focus on your workpiece and complete the process in a single go. Here’s a list of supplies you’ll need for this project.

• Power drill
• Drill bits
• Marker
• Measuring tape
• Handsaw
• Superglue
• Nails
• Hammer
• Dust mask or respirator
• Safety goggles
• Workbench/wood posts (in which you need to install casters)
• Casters

Choosing Casters

Primarily, there are two different types of casters you can use for this project. They’re called plate and post/stem caster and I recommend you opt for the former ones.

That’s because plate casters come with a metal plate with four holes, premade for easy installation. It means you’ll need to install four screws to secure one caster, but it provide you with a more secure connection.

You’ll also need to make sure that your caster’s metal plate fits completely inside the dimensions of your workpiece. For example, if you have a 4 x 4-inch workpiece, the length of your casters’ plate must be lower than four inches.

If you have a thinner workpiece and can’t find casters with that small metal plate, consider going with the post type.

It’s also important to consider the weight ratings of casters. For example, if your workbench weighs 10 pounds and will carry 30 pounds of additional weight, you need casters to support 40 pounds. So, if you need to attach four casters to your table, then each caster should be rated for 10 pounds.

Step 2: Prepare Workpiece

After gathering all the supplies, you’ll need to prepare your workpiece to attach casters. If you have a workbench, you’ll need to place it on a flat and stable surface upside down. But if you’re working with a wood post, you’ll need to secure it vertically using a vise.

Once your workpiece is in a vertical position, you’ll need to add a piece of scrap wood or plywood to it. While you can attach casters directly to the workpiece, the screws will run parallel to the wood grain.

Not only will the connection be weak, but it also increases the risk of splitting the wood. Adding a 1″-thick wood piece will allow you to resolve this problem. Here’s how you add it:

1. Use a measuring tape to calculate the length and width of your work piece’s end.
2. Mark the scrap/plywood piece using the measurements.
3. Use a handsaw to cut the marked piece. You can also use a table saw if you have one.
4. Apply glue to one side of the scrap/plywood piece and attach it to your workpiece.
5. Let the wood glue dry completely.
6. Tap a couple of nails using the hammer to make the connection stronger.

Step 3: Mark Workpiece

After adding a scrap/plywood piece to your wood post (or legs of your workbench), you’ll need to mark it for holes.

Pick up one of your plate casters and place it right in the middle of the modified workpiece. Then grab the marker and mark your workpiece through the holes of the metal plate.

However, if you’re using post casters, you’ll need to place a mark in the middle of your workpiece. That’s because these casters only have one bolt attached to the body. You’ll need to screw that bolt into the wood to secure this type of caster.

Step 4: Ensure Safety

This method involves drilling into wood, which will create a lot of wood dust. It can be harmful to your eyes and respiratory system. That’s why you should wear a dust mask and safety goggles to ensure your safety.

It’s also important to confine long hair and avoid wearing loose clothes and dangling jewelry. They can get stuck in the drill and it can hurt you badly.

Step 5: Drill Pilot Holes

After ensuring your safety, you’ll need to drill pilot holes in your workpiece. Equip your drill with a drill bit with the correct size for drilling a pilot hole.. You’ll need to mark your drill bit to make sure you don’t make a drill hole deeper than screws.

For example, if your screws are two inches long, you’ll need to measure two inches from the drill bit’s tip to mark it. You can use tape or a colored marker for this purpose.

Now place your drill bit on the spots you marked on your workpiece to drill pilot holes. While making pilot holes, make sure that you use your free hand to hold the wood piece. It’ll allow you to make straight holes and minimize the risk of damaging the wood.  

Step 6: Attach Casters

Now you’ll need to use an electric screwdriver or drill with a hex head driver bit, depending on the type of screws you’re using. Make sure that you choose the correct size bit or screwdriver that matches your screws.

After that, place the plate caster on the wood piece so that the pilot holes meet the plate’s holes.

Add the screws to the pilot holes and spin them using your hand for a few turns. It’ll keep the caster from moving during the drilling process.

Now use the screwdriver or drill to secure all the screws properly. You can use the same technique to install the rest of the casters.

If you need to use post casters, you need to screw them into the pilot holes using your hands. Just pick up a post caster, place it on the pilot hole vertically, and start screwing it. Make sure that you don’t apply pressure once it has stopped spinning to keep it from bending.

FAQs

Final Words

Attaching casters to wood allows you to make your work tables portable. You can also add them to other objects that you need to move frequently for your woodworking projects.

Using the method discussed in this guide will help you attach casters to wood with a secure and reliable connection. You don’t want to skip the workpiece preparation step or your casters will knock out of the wood.