Leveling feet and glides: everything you need to know
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the differences between leveling feet and certain types of glides. Understanding this will help you make the right choice for your application. We’ll cover:
- What is a leveling foot?
- How do you use stud leveling feet?
- Things to consider when choosing leveling feet
- Types of glides
- Leveling feet and glides hold steady
What is a leveling foot?
Leveling feet, or leveling mounts as they’re also called, are typically used for cabinets, equipment enclosures and free-standing electrical equipment. Their purpose is to ensure the application is level on an uneven floor – hence the name ‘leveling feet’. The stud is adjustable and swivels as necessary according to how irregular the floor is.
This is an example of machine leveling feet, specifically, stainless steel leveling feet. These particular adjustable leveling feet are typically used for conveyor systems and machinery and have a stainless-steel thread.
It gives you a swivel articulation, as do these stud mount leveling feet. You adjust the feet to level the machine. If your machine isn’t level, it will fail to operate properly and you risk causing damage that results in downtime and repair costs. This nylon and steel foot has high-load bearing capacity of 2000 lbs per foot. It can swivel and tilt at a 20° maximum angle.
Leveling feet have diverse applications. Use them as workbench leveling feet, cabinet leveling feet, table leveling feet and for other furniture applications– they’re especially popular as appliance leveling feet.
You can learn more in our Guide to leveling feet.
How do you use stud leveling feet?
Stud leveling feet are easy to use. They have a threaded stud, which are essentially bolts. The bottom of your equipment or machinery will need threaded holes. Simply insert the stud into the hole and screw them in.
Adjust the height. Use a bubble, or spirit, level to check if your application is already level. If it’s not, then tilt the legs as needed.
Things to consider when choosing leveling feet
You’ll want to take these points into consideration before you make any decisions:
● Load capacity
How much weight will your leveling feet have to support? Not all leveling feet have the same load capacity, so this information is critical.
● Swivel or rigid base?
If you already know that the floor is uneven, then you’ll want a swivel base in order to level your machinery or floor. Remember, a rigid base is adjustable for raising or lowering only.
● Male or female?
Tapped or ‘female’ mounts have a tapped hole to be attached to a threaded fastener, permitting a lower profile, but prohibiting height adjustments.
Stud or ‘male’ leveling feet use an easy-to-attach threaded stud for attaching and leveling. A jam nut can be used to lock the position.
● Materials
Think about your choices of materials for the base. Plastic leveling feet cost and weigh the least, and help control vibration. Metal leveling feet have increased durability and strength and usually higher load capacity, but require a vibration-dampening pad if vibration is a concern.
For example, heavy-duty leveling feet tend to support applications that vibrate, which can be another source of machine damage. If you’re interested in steel leveling feet, it’s a good idea to use a vibration mount under the feet, which also reduces noise.
Stainless steel adjustable leveling feet are typically used for applications that need protection against corrosion. Leveling hygienic feet also tend to be stainless steel, which is why they’re so popular with the food or medical industries.
You can learn more in our video, Materials for industrial feet.
Types of glides
Glides, also called slide glides, are another type of feet, designed to prevent damage to the floor underneath the application. Moving machinery, heavy equipment, and furniture with feet glides have a safer and smoother trip, while floors are being preserved at the same time.
They’re typically applied under the furniture leg. Furniture glides include chair glides, of which there are many different types, from chair glides for carpet to chair glides, chair glides for metal legs and chair legs for wood floors. Some are self adhesive while others are nailed on.
Some glides, such as these square nylon threaded inserts are designed to accommodate adjustable leveling feet. So it’s not always a matter of having to choose one over the other. In this instance, you can use both.
Square glides also come in metal. These square glides are made of zinc-plated steel. The metal ribs lock onto the inside of the square tube. These are also available as round glides.
You can also get square glides in HDPE with a zinc-plated steel threaded insert. Like the nylon and steel versions, this one has tube inserts with internal threads that can prevent adjustable leveling feet from damaging the floor. It’s also ribbed to allow for multiple gauges.
Round tube insert glides can be used to cap off tubular ends, making them a plug, or used as glides. These are designed for moderate to heavy-duty applications. Made of flexible LDPE, they’re reduced diameter step-lead provide easy positioning and insertion.
Rectangular tube insert glides are designed for heavy-duty applications. Made of ABS, its step lead enables easy installation by simply pressing it oh for a secure hold in tubing.
Leveling feet and glides hold steady
Leveling feet vs glides. Both support your application, but which one should you use? These factors will help answer that question.
● Is the equipment to be moved motionless?
● Does the equipment or machinery have vibration that must be controlled?
● What is the amount of weight the feet must support?
● What type of floor is involved?
● Is the environment hot, wet, sterile, or caustic?
Other Features to Consider:
● Non-skid pads
● Swivel-ability to allow the base to swivel if the surface is uneven
● Anti-vibration solutions for heavy-duty moves of vibrating equipment
● Anchorable mounts that allow leveling feet to be bolted to the floor
● Easy sliding leveling glides
● Low-profile devices when height is restricted
● Low-cost, one-piece levellers when there are no special considerations such as vibration, weight, or an uneven surface
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. In most cases, you can request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need.
You also might find it helpful to read our guide, Does your furniture and equipment have the proper feet?
If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch. 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.