ᐅ After retrofitting the KALLAX with wheels, it wobbles significantly from side to side – any tips?

Created on: 15 Apr 2022 13:47
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daanpe
Hello everyone,

I added caster wheels to my KALLAX shelving unit to make it more mobile. Unfortunately, the unit wobbles sideways quite a bit, which is especially noticeable under load and raises concerns about stability. The shelving stands on a level floor, and all the caster wheels are new and designed for furniture use.

Does anyone have tips on how to reduce or completely eliminate the wobbling? Should I consider different caster wheels, or are there additional steps to improve lateral stability?

Thank you in advance for any helpful suggestions!
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PECLARISSA
16 Apr 2022 09:28
Hey, that sounds like a tricky situation, but trust me, there is a solution! 😉

Wheels with more rubber or a softer material can help because they adapt better to small unevenness. The mounting method can also be crucial – if the wheels are not centered under the shelf, wobbling is inevitable.

A simple trick is to first screw in the wheels and then check the horizontal alignment using a level board (or something similar). This way, you can find out if the floor might be uneven.

Good luck, it will surely work smoothly soon!
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daanpe
16 Apr 2022 11:41
PECLARISSA schrieb:
A simple trick is to first screw in the casters and then check the horizontal alignment with a level board.

That’s a great tip, thanks! Until now, I’ve only roughly measured whether the casters are at the same height. Using a spirit level, I can check it more precisely.
warrenka57 schrieb:
I found special heavy-duty casters at the hardware store that are more stable and provide better lateral guidance.

Can you tell me how heavily loaded your shelf was when the wobbling decreased? I’m asking because it’s a mix of books and electronic devices.
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Siflo
17 Apr 2022 08:12
In addition to the measures already recommended, I would like to point out that the KALLAX shelf is not designed for use on casters. Its construction with thin particle boards and connecting strips means that lateral forces from casters increase stress, making the side panels more susceptible to twisting.

Therefore, it is especially important to reinforce the shelf’s back with sturdy braces or a back panel to minimize twisting. There are special metal brackets or braces available on the market that can be mounted on the rear side without affecting the front appearance.

Furthermore, I recommend choosing casters with rubber-coated wheels and locking brakes to prevent slipping and tipping.