Need casters for late 60's Craftsman roll around.

[lynnbilodeau]

I have an old Craftsman roll around I bought in 1972 from the original owner. Five drawer lower box with a top chest. Cleaning it up, and reorganizing.

The casters are pretty crappy. Two fixed, and two swivel, with locks. One of the swivel casters has not ball bearings left. You can imagine how well is swivels.

I CAN'T be the only guy on this forum who is (or has) rehabbing an old Craftsman box. Here are specs for the current wheels.

3 7/8 hard rubber (phenolic?) wheels. I am certain they were four inch 50 plus years ago.

Plate is 2 3/4 by 3 3/4.

Spacing for bolts (center to center) is 1 3/4 x 3".

I would LIKE to find the following;

Something that bolts in.
Ball bearing wheels.
Poly over cast iron.
Made in U.S.
500# rating per wheel.

So far, no luck. Don't mind stepping up to a 5 inch wheel, but that means the plates will be much larger than I have now. If I have to, I can make adapter plates. Would just prefer not to.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

May have found what I need.

Colson: https://www.accesscasters.com/6tpurm45-6-toolbox-caster-set-with-small-top-plate-for-kennedy/

Anyone have any experience with these? 400# per wheel instead of the 500# I was after. But, the bolt pattern is a match.

 

[Just_Steve]

My box has a welded angle iron frame and 5 in nylon castors.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

Probably the best solution. I recently did that for a fireproof four drawer lateral file cabinet. Weighs about 1200 pounds ... empty!

 

[Zeus36]

My box has a welded angle iron frame and 5 in nylon castors.

Did that to two Vidmar cabinets that had locking drawers. Best mod for them.

 

[mark-NJ]

I have found that, almost without exception, the weak link in most roll-around equipment is the cheap casters. Like, I dunno....did they think we wouldn't notice eventually?

I also vote for a welded frame & big, high-quality poly casters. (Colson is my favorite brand)

 

[tarbellb]

What's your wheel width, 1.25"(likely) or 2"?
Check eBay or full price Zoro for

colson
Albion
rwm
Wagner
bickle (German)
and a few others

 

[tarbellb]

Your top plate is limiting you severely

 

[Rinspeed]

McMaster-Carr sells just about every caster that’s ever been made.

 

[oldmachinenut]

Try Surplus Center too.

 

[alinc100]

I know these lack your made in the USA criteria but I put a set of these on a 60s/70s Craftsman box before I sold it and they bolted right up and made the box a dream to move for the 6 months or so I had it in my garage. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PG4BZYG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I would not be 100% convinced the casters you linked above are made in the USA. The disclaimer on the left side of the page makes me believe they have several lines/products that are but doesn't specify this set is.

 

[Nutria]

One more suggestion for sourcing if need be:

Casters and Caster Wheels Manufacturers | Caster City

Caster City is America's leading caster and wheel manufacturer. Shop thousands of casters and wheels for all your needs. Get started.

www.castercity.com

 

[no704]

Best caster deal going is to buy a hf moving dolly and take them off!

 

[Spareparts]

That welded angle is absolutely the best upgrade, I worked maching maintenance for a while at a local co. and
we had Craftsman 10 drawer boxes, the older ones were all cracked in the corners and could actually twist the boxes.
I put the angle braces on mine with heavy duty 5" casters, it was loaded heavy and after 9 yrs when I left it was solid as new