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Jan 20, 2024 
Wooden Crate Wheel Wells
Wooden crate wheel wells, also known as wheel pockets or recesses, are key hardware components used to embed and secure casters. They are typically installed at the four corners of the bottom of wooden crates, flight cases, and other similar containers to ensure the stability of the crate during movement.
Wooden crate wheel wells are primarily made from metal materials, with common options including 304 stainless steel and cold-rolled steel. For example, 304 stainless steel wheel wells have strong corrosion resistance, making them suitable for wooden crates used in outdoor or humid environments. Cold-rolled steel wheel wells, on the other hand, offer a cost-effective solution and are widely used in standard flight cases and toolboxes after being stamped and shaped. Some basic wooden crates may also use plastic wheel wells, but these offer lower load-bearing capacity and wear resistance, making them suitable for lightweight cargo packaging.
Metal wheel wells often undergo surface treatments to improve both their performance and appearance. For instance, 304 stainless steel wheel wells may come in finishes like 2B or brushed surfaces. Some wheel wells are also treated with matte black coatings or spray paint to prevent rusting while matching the appearance of different crate designs.
There is no standardized specification for wooden crate wheel wells, as they are customized based on caster size and the load-bearing requirements of the crate. Commonly, they are square in shape. For example, small to medium-sized wheel wells may measure 153x110mm with a height of 35mm, while other common sizes include 115x155mm (small), 147x180mm (medium), and 123x180mm (size 1 medium). There are also thinner wheel wells with a height of 25mm, designed for lightweight crates that have thickness requirements.
During installation, the wheel well is first fixed to a pre-set position on the bottom of the crate using bolts, after which the caster is embedded into the wheel well and locked in place. Some wheel wells include positioning holes or clip structures to enhance the stability of the connection between the crate and the caster. To improve load-bearing capacity, some wheel wells feature internal reinforcement ribs or posts, which help distribute the pressure from the casters across the bottom of the crate. This helps prevent cracking of the crate’s base or loosening of the casters, especially for crates that carry heavy equipment.
In addition to the previously mentioned heavy-duty equipment crates and turnover crates, wheel wells are widely used in flight cases, stage equipment cases, lighting equipment cases, and other specialized containers. These types of containers are frequently handled and moved, and wheel wells effectively secure the casters, ensuring smooth transportation and movement. They prevent casters from falling off or equipment from being damaged due to bumps and jolts. Additionally, installing wheel wells on regular storage crates in warehouses or workshops allows workers to easily adjust the position of the crates.
