Casters -- Pneumatic Worth the $$$?

[Jonmustang]

I've got an old Snap-On tool cart that I like to load up with tools to push out to the truck before work, or around the yard when I work outside. It originally had some 3" solid-rubber stem casters. I'm always pushing it over hoses, potholes, etc. so I thought I should upgrade the casters to something that can handle rough surfaces.

I've tracked down stem casters with the correct stem and narrowed to two choices... a 5" solid-type (with a variety of plastic and rubber choices) or a 6" pneumatic (or a similar semi-pneumatic).

The 6" pneumatics are twice as much money (or more), but would that type of tire and the extra inch in diameter roll a LOT smoother than a solid-type 5" caster?

 

[twertsy]

I can tell you I splurged for the extra set of pneumatic for my rotisserie and I'm very glad I did. I often will roll a car outside to blast, weld, etc. and those things are a lifesaver for breaching door thresholds, potholes, etc. From my experience, I'd spring the extra again no problem. You can "sorta" see a comparison of the regular casters vs the pneumatic in this pic but they really help moving it around, particularly over the center of the lift.

 

[madcrisis]

If your frequently rolling around on rough surfaces or grass or throuh doors, then pneumatic is worth it. I put some 6" pneumatics of my HF 4 drawer cart because I routinely have it on my stone driveway and roll it around the yard on grass.

 

[Jonmustang]

Thanks twertsy and madcrisis -- I think I'll spring for the pneumatic casters as I do push the cart across thresholds, over brick, lawn, etc. I'd always rather bring a full cart of tools over to a job the first time, rather than walk back and forth to the truck or workshop. Just makes life easier, so why not drop a few extra bucks for the convenience, right?

 

[zkling]

It would roll smoother, but also increase the rolling resistance (take more to get going). Only suggestion I would make is to make a cradle for the box to sit in and attached the casters to that. As mounting large casters directly to the bottom panel of a box, especially an older box, puts quite a bit of stress on the box. Might also want to look into a suspension system.