Casters should increase mobility, not frustration.
"I want to move something and then lock it back into place without a hassle"
Sounds simple -- right? So why can it often be so frustrating? For too long, caster companies have offered partial solutions that don’t fully solve the problem.
We’re changing all that… It’s called the Smart Caster and now moving things just got a whole lot easier.
The Original Side Mount R7 and R8 Smart Casters
Choose from the original R7 Smart Caster with a 600 pound weight capacity per set and a 2" wheel diameter or the R8 Smart Caster with an 800 pound weight capacity per set and a larger 2 1/2" wheel diameter.
The New Top Mount R7 and R8 Smart Casters!
The new T7 and T8 Smart Casters have a top plate that allows for a hidden mounting option. The T7 has a strong mounting plate that is 3/16" thick and the T8 has a 1/4' thick mounting plate. Both models come with the standard Smart Caster weight rating of 600 pounds for the T7 and 800 pounds for the T8.
The New Dual Wheel VT7 Top Mount Smart Caster!
At only 3.75" high and 16" wide (from wheel to wheel), this model is perfect for hidden applications that require a very low mounting height. The new VT7 Smart Caster has top plate mounting and a dual wheel system that allows for casters to lock and unlock with only one mechanism. This new model is ideal for a long list of unlimited applications. The VT7 has a 2" wheel diameter with a weight capacity of 600 pounds per set.
Featured in Woodsmith Magazine
Smart Casters are featured in the April/May 2025 edition of Woodsmith Magazine as part of their "Great Gear" edition. Below is a recap from their thumbs up review.
"I was impressed with these casters. They’re extremely easy to use and they
sit on the inside of the legs of my workbench, meaning no tripping hazard, and visitors to your shop might not even notice they’re there. The casters roll around quite well across a variety of surfaces, and they’re plenty strong, even when used
on a heavy workbench like this one".
To read the full article just click on the link below.
Woodsmith Magazine Review
What materials do we use to make our casters?
Let's talk about steel.
Our company is a steel fabricator, and we know the importance of good materials in a product. Here's the breakdown of our parts, just match the numbers below to the numbers on our retractable for reference.
- Thick strong steel goes into our mounting brackets. The R8 begins with 1/4" thick steel plate and the R7 uses 7 gauge (.1793) thick steel. From there we CNC cut to size, punch the holes and form the channel. We finish up with a high quality matte black powder coated finish, all done at our factory.
- This is a 1 1/4" diameter x 1/8" thick steel tube that encases our upper mechanism. A very high-quality DOM (drawn over mandrel) tube with tremendous weld strength. It's CNC milled, threaded, deburred, welded to the mounting bracket and also powder coated matte black.
- This 7/8" diameter Aluminum Piston is completly CNC machined to produced the highest quality and fit tolerances possible. This piston is an important part of our locking mechanism and we take pride producing it in-house.
- Both the R7 and R8 casters have an upper and lower double ball bearing raceway for smooth operation. The R7 has a 600 pound load rating per set and the R8 can carry 800 pounds per set.
Automatic Wheel Retraction
- Once you mount our casters, it's as simple and easy as raising the side of your part 1" high and then lowering it. The wheels will automatically lower and then lock. Now your able to roll it away.
- To retract the wheels just repeat the process. Raise the side 1" and lower it. The wheels are now automatically retracted, and your item is now stationary again. It really is just that easy!
Hide the Wheels!
Don't worry, our retractable casters still work perfectly, even when hidden.
- Foot pedal casters or casters with brakes need to be located in an area you can reach with your foot. Foot pedal casters have to be mounted on the outside of a leg. These can create an unattractive look and a very serious tripping hazard. If you use casters with foot brakes you'll need to usually find the brake lever with your foot that can often times be out of reach.
Since we do not use a foot pedal, or brake, to lock or unlock our casters, you can mount our retractables inside, hidden, even under a shelf if you like. Avoid the tripping hazard and the hassle with other casters. Keep your item looking like it was originally intended to look, while still giving you retractable mobility.
About Bennington Manufacturing
Who we are
After 40 years of steel fabrication experience, our company has the trusted partnerships with companies like Disneyworld and Universal Studios. After 40 years of manufacturing, we figured out that by keeping your fabrication in-house will always works best for the customer, and for your business. When you purchase our retractable casters, you'll appreciate that it was made by great Americans in Hermitage, Pennsylvania (right between Cleveland and Pittsburgh). From engineering, cutting, punching, forming, welding, powder coating, assembly, inspection and shipping, it's all done right here Iin the USA.