A guide to leveling feet
From threaded leveling feet and machine feet to adjustable screw feet
Leveling feet are critical for stabilizing machinery, pumps, engines and white goods. If these applications are installed on uneven floors, it can result in sliding, vibration, excessive wear, tipping – even serious safety issues for users.
When deciding the leveling feet you need, you should first answer these questions:
- What application are the feet intended for?
- Will the feet be used to support the application? Or raise its height?
- Will the application’s height need adjustment in the future?
Two types of leveling mounts
Now let’s look at the two types of bases:
1. Tapped hole: This type attaches to a threaded fastener, or bolt. The shaft, or leg, is a separate part and may even be part of the application. If it helps, think of tapped mounts as female in style. You get a lower profile with this type of mount, but you limit the ability to adjust the height.
Best for: heavy-duty machinery with a low profile.
2. Stud: Also known as screw-in levelling feet, this type has a built-in bolt, or threaded stud, which enables easy adjustments and levelling. Where tapped mounts are female, stud mounts are male. You can make very slight adjustments when necessary with this type. These height-adjustable feet are easy to install. The bolt aligns with the application’s threaded shaft.
Best for: electronic racks, machine tools, furniture, small machinery, cabinetry, point-of-purchase displays.
If we can simplify the difference between these two types, tapped levelling feet have an interior-threaded shaft. Stud-levelling feet have an exterior-threaded bolt. Now let’s look at the types of levelling feet available:
Stud mount – adjustable machine leveling feet
These swivel-leveling feet are used in machine construction, compensating for uneven surfaces on which the machine is positioned. Available with two plastic-base options: nylon swivel leveling mount and polypropylene, and two tilt options: a 20-degrees and 25-degrees. Both come with zinc-plated steel threaded inserts.
Socket mount – adjustable conveyor feet
Socket mount rigid adjustable feet with a plastic base accommodates mounting conveyors or machinery.
Industrial articulated feet – threaded adjustable feet
Heavy-duty stainless-steel leveling feet include a threaded stud made from 304 stainless steel attached to a nylon base, providing a maximum articulation of 30 degrees. Ideal for use in food production industries and catering. Also suitable as heavy-duty adjustable furniture feet.
Non-slip, floor-leveling pads cover the leveling feet on machines or conveyors. They can bear heavy loads while providing extra friction to prevent movement and slipping.
Vibration mounts – heavy duty
Heavy-Duty screw-on anti-vibration mounts made of TPE absorb shock and reduce noise with high adhesion to the floor. These essentially turn feet on machinery and conve
Materials
Steel and stainless steel are the most common materials used for leveling feet. Plastics are also enormously popular for their ability to leave the floor damage-free. Brass leveling feet are less common, and typically used as furniture leveling feet for their aesthetic appeal. You can learn more about stainless steel in our guide Understanding stainless steel grades.
How to measure leveling feet
Your first concern when choosing leveling feet is that don’t collapse under the weight of your application. To determine the right size leveling feet, you have to think about the application and its weight.
The foot provides stability and support. The shaft’s thread length is important for height adjustment, while the shaft’s thread size helps to support the weight of the application that you’re leveling. You need to take some measurements first.
1. Base diameter: The base must be large enough to support and stabilize the weight of your application. You’ll therefore need the foot’s base diameter. Measure across the bottom of the base as shown here.
2.Thread length: Thread length is important for adjustable leveling feet to enable height adjustment and easy installation. The thread length is the distance between the stud and the bolt, as shown here. Measure the length as shown in this example. the distance between the stud and bolt. The stud is the shaft itself, while the bolt is located where the thread joins the base.
3.Thread size: Thread size will also support the weight of your application. You’ll need to know this to ensure thread compatibility so that the thread matches the type that it will be screwed into. Simply measure the diameter across the thread.
Stud mount leveling feet: load capacity
Below are examples of stud mount leveling feet in both imperial and metric sizes, and their load capacity. Load capacity is critical to ensure your feet can support and level your application.
|
Base diameter (in) |
Thread size (in) |
Maximum feet load capacity |
Base diameter (mm) |
Thread size (mm) |
|
0.984 |
0.984 |
0.8kN |
25 |
25 |
|
0.984 |
1.457 |
1.1kN |
25 |
37 |
|
0.787 |
0.63 |
3.5kN |
20 |
16 |
|
1.732 |
0.787 |
2.1kN |
44 |
20 |
How to calculate static load
You should also know how to calculate static load and to do that, you’ll need to do some division.
1.
Total weight of machine ÷ Number of feet that will support the machine
2.
If the machine has a dynamic load, double the total weight of the structure:
Total weight of machine x 2 ÷ Number of feet
3.
Will the machine have operators? If so, how many? If they’ll be on the structure, add 330 pounds per operator to the load capacity of each mount.
Total Weight of Machine (+ 330 pounds x number of operators) ÷ Number of feet
How to calculate static load
You should also know how to calculate static load and to do that, you’ll need to do some division.
1.
Total weight of machine ÷ Number of feet that will support the machine
2.
If the machine has a dynamic load, double the total weight of the structure:
Total weight of machine x 2 ÷ Number of feet
3.
Will the machine have operators? If so, how many? If they’ll be on the structure, add 330 pounds per operator to the load capacity of each mount.
Total Weight of Machine (+ 330 pounds x number of operators) ÷ Number of feet
Castors as an alternative to leveling feet
A castor is a small wheel attached to the bottom of furniture or equipment, making it easy to move around. They come in different sizes and materials, depending on what they’ll be used for. Some castors can also be locked in place to keep things from rolling when you don't want them to move. They're really handy when you need to move heavy items or frequently change the position of a particular item.
When selecting castors as an alternative to leveling feet, the material used in their construction plays a crucial role in determining their performance. Two common materials are polyurethane and rubber, each offering unique benefits depending on the application.
Polyurethane castors
Polyurethane castors are known for their durability and resistance to wear, making them an excellent choice for environments that demand heavy-duty performance. These castors can handle substantial weight loads and provide a smooth, quiet roll, even on rough surfaces. Additionally, polyurethane is resistant to chemicals, oils, and abrasions, which makes it ideal for industrial settings where exposure to harsh substances is common. Their longevity and ability to protect flooring from damage also make them a popular choice in both commercial and industrial applications.
Rubber castors
Rubber castors are favoured for their excellent shock absorption and floor protection qualities. They are softer than polyurethane, which allows them to roll more quietly and cushion impacts, making them ideal for settings where noise reduction is important, such as hospitals or schools. Rubber castors are also gentle on delicate flooring, such as hardwood or tile, minimizing the risk of scratches or dents. Their traction on smooth surfaces ensures stability, making them suitable for applications where safety and floor care are priorities.
Polyurethane vs. Rubber Castors
When choosing between polyurethane and rubber castors, consider the specific demands of your environment. Polyurethane castors are highly durable, resistant to chemicals, and protect floors from damage, making them ideal for heavy-duty use on rough surfaces, though they can be noisier and provide less cushioning. On the other hand, rubber castors offer superior shock absorption, quieter operation, and better traction on smooth floors, making them gentler on delicate surfaces, though they may wear out faster under heavy loads.
Your decision should balance factors like durability, noise, and floor protection.
Differences Between Feet and Castors
The primary difference between feet and castors lies in their function and mobility. Leveling feet are stationary components designed to provide stability and balance to equipment or furniture on uneven surfaces. They allow precise height adjustments to ensure that the item remains level, but they do not offer any mobility. Castors, in contrast, are wheeled components that enable easy movement and repositioning. While some castors can be locked to provide temporary stability, they are generally used in situations where mobility is essential. Choosing between feet and castors depends on whether your priority is stability or the ability to move the item easily.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples for some solutions to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which feet for machines, rigid adjustable feet or other leveling solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Depending on your application, you might also find these guides helpful:
Quick guide: industrial components for your indoor cabinet
Quick guide: industrial components for consumer appliances
Quick guide: components for medical furniture
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.