Category Archives: Furniture

Full Extension vs. Over-Travel vs. Partial Extension Drawer Slides: How to Choose the Best for Your Application

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Choosing the right drawer slide extension type can greatly impact how smoothly a drawer operates, how accessible its contents are, and how long the slide lasts under regular use. Understanding the differences between Full Extension Drawer Slides, Over-Travel Drawer Slides, and Partial Extension Drawer Slides is key to selecting the most suitable option for your equipment, storage system, or industrial setup. This article explains the characteristics, benefits, and common applications of each extension type to help you make an informed decision.

Why Extension Type Matters

The extension type determines how far a drawer can move relative to its housing. It affects:

  • Access to stored items
  • Smoothness and stability of motion
  • Load distribution and stress on bearings
  • Space requirements
  • Compatibility with light, medium, or heavy-duty applications

Choosing incorrectly can lead to drawers that are difficult to access, slide unevenly, or experience accelerated wear.

Types of Drawer Slide Extensions

Extension TypeDescription


Common Applications

AdvantagesLimitations
Partial ExtensionOpens about 2/3 of total length
Light storage, office furniture, small electronics drawers
Compact, cost-effective, stable
Limited access to full drawer content
Full Extension
Drawer opens fully to reveal all content
Medium-duty industrial cabinets, tool storage, server racks
Complete access, good load handling
Slightly higher cost, needs more installation space
Over-Travel
Extends beyond cabinet housing to allow extra clearance
Specialized machinery, maintenance access, heavy-duty compartments
Maximum access, ideal for large or deep drawers
Higher cost, requires careful alignment

This table provides a high-level overview for initial decision-making. Engineers often use it as a starting point before calculating load, drawer depth, and cycle frequency.

Partial Extension Slides

Partial extension slides are commonly used in light-duty applications, where only part of the drawer contents need to be accessed at a time. Advantages include smaller profiles and lower cost, making them suitable for:

  • Office drawers
  • Small electronic or instrument cabinets
  • Medical carts with compact storage

However, partial extension is rarely appropriate for equipment that requires full accessibility or heavy loads.

Full Extension Slides

Full extension slides are the most versatile choice for industrial use. They allow drawers to open completely, providing full visibility and easy access to all contents. They are ideal for medium-duty applications such as:

  • Tool storage in workshops
  • Server or IT cabinets
  • Industrial workstation drawers
  • Vehicle storage compartments

    Full extension designs must balance rail strength with smooth ball-bearing operation to prevent sagging or binding.

    Over-Travel Slides

    Over-travel slides are specialized, heavy-duty solutions designed to provide extra reach beyond the housing. They are used when operators must access equipment behind or beyond the drawer’s main compartment. Typical applications include:

    • CNC machine tool storage
    • Heavy machinery compartments
    • Mobile industrial cabinets requiring full operational reach

    Over-travel slides are more expensive and require precise installation but are indispensable when full access and load stability are critical.

    Preventing Common Drawer Slide Problems

    When selecting extension type, consider:

    1. Load capacity – Match slide duty (light, medium, heavy) with extension type to prevent bending or bearing fatigue.
    2. Installation space – Ensure the chosen slide fits the available depth and clearance.
    3. Frequency of use – High-cycle systems benefit from stronger rails and smoother bearings.
    4. Environmental factors – Dust, moisture, vibration, and temperature affect material choice and surface treatment.

    The right combination of duty and extension type prevents common issues like sticking, noise, uneven motion, or premature wear.

    Selecting Your Ideal Slide

    Selecting the right drawer slide extension type—whether Partial, Full, or Over-Travel—is essential for ensuring smooth operation, easy access, and long-lasting performance. By carefully evaluating load capacity, installation space, frequency of use, and environmental factors, you can prevent common issues such as sticking, uneven motion, and premature wear. Choosing the appropriate combination of slide duty and extension type allows your equipment, storage system, or industrial setup to operate efficiently and reliably. For tailored solutions and high-quality slides that meet a wide range of applications, consider exploring the options provided by Tai Cheer, a trusted supplier of various drawer slides.

    The Hospital Bedside Table: Design Considerations from Acute to Long-Term Care

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    Introduction: A Seemingly Simple Object

    Imagine a hospitalized patient reaching for their bedside table, a convenient surface holding personal belongings, medication, and a drink. This seemingly simple object plays a crucial role in both hospital wards and long-term care facilities. It’s more than just a place to store items; it significantly impacts patient comfort, independence, and overall care experience. This article explores the design considerations of bedside tables in acute and long-term care settings, highlighting their importance in enhancing patient well-being.

    Bedside Table for home long-term care (created by Microsoft Image Creator)

    The Bedside Table in Acute Care Settings (Hospital Wards)

    In hospital wards, functionality is paramount. The over the bed table with wheels serves as storage for medication, personal items (books, phones, glasses), and medical equipment (IV pumps, call buttons). Good design incorporates ergonomics, ensuring easy access for patients with varying mobility levels. Hygiene is crucial, requiring easy-to-clean materials and durable construction to withstand daily use. Safety is paramount; a stable structure, the absence of sharp edges, and integration with fall prevention strategies are essential. A well-designed adjustable hospital table also enhances patient comfort and a sense of control, offering a degree of autonomy in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.

    The Bedside Table in Long-Term Care Settings

    Continue reading →

    Unveiling the Drawer Slide: The Unsung Hero of Furniture Functionality

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    When admiring furniture, intricate designs, and luxurious materials often steal the spotlight. However, nestled beneath the surface lies an essential yet frequently overlooked component – the drawer slide. These unassuming mechanisms silently orchestrate the smooth movement of drawers, transforming them into readily accessible havens for our belongings.

    Delving into the World of Drawer Slides

    Drawer Slides from Tai Cheer Industrial

    Drawer slides, also known as drawer runners, facilitate effortless drawer movement. They typically consist of two parts: the inner member attached to the drawer and the outer member mounted within the cabinet. As the drawer extends, the inner member glides along the outer member, minimizing friction and ensuring a seamless experience.

    A Spectrum of Options: Choosing the Perfect Drawer Slide

    The world of drawer slides offers a diverse array of options to cater to various needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types:

    • Ball Bearing Slides: Utilizing ball bearings to reduce friction, these slides deliver smooth and quiet operation. Ideal for frequently used drawers, they come in a variety of weight capacities.
    • Roller Slides: Offering a cost-effective solution for lighter drawers, roller slides employ rollers to minimize friction. They’re commonly found in kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and office furniture.
    • Side-Mount Slides: The most common type, these slides are mounted on the sides of the drawer box. They typically provide a full extension for complete access to drawer contents.
    • Under-Mount Slides: Installed beneath the drawer for a clean aesthetic, these slides often feature soft-close mechanisms for a gentle closing motion. Popular in modern cabinetry and high-end furniture.
    • Center-Mount Slides: Less common but suitable for lightweight drawers, these slides are positioned in the center of the drawer. They offer easy installation and adjustment, making them ideal for DIY projects.
    • Heavy-Duty Slides: Designed for industrial applications or heavy furniture, these slides can support significantly more weight than standard slides. They’re prevalent in tool chests, commercial cabinets, and demanding environments.
    • Soft-Close Slides: Integrating a damping mechanism, these slides slow down the drawer’s closing speed, preventing slamming and reducing noise. They’re increasingly popular in residential and commercial settings.

    Applications: Where Drawer Slides Shine

    Drawer slides have a far-reaching impact, playing a crucial role in various furniture and cabinetry applications:

    • Kitchen Cabinets: Smooth-operating drawers are essential for accessing pots, pans, and utensils efficiently.
    • Office Furniture: File cabinets and desks benefit from drawer slides that support heavy files and supplies while maintaining a professional look.
    • Bedroom Furniture: Dressers and nightstands require reliable drawer slides for storing clothes and personal items. Soft-close features offer added convenience.
    • Industrial Applications: Toolboxes, workstations, and storage cabinets in factories and workshops rely on heavy-duty drawer slides to handle tools and equipment safely.

    Selecting the Right Slide for the Job

    Choosing the appropriate drawer slides is vital for optimal performance and longevity. Here are some key factors to consider:

    • Weight Capacity: Ensure the slides can comfortably support the weight of the items to be stored in the drawer.
    • Drawer Size: Measure the drawer’s width and depth to ensure a proper fit. Different slides have varying installation requirements.
    • Installation Type: Consider your desired aesthetics and functionality – side-mount, under-mount, or center-mount?
    • Soft-Close Features: If noise reduction and a gentle closing action are priorities, opt for soft-close slides.
    • Material and Durability: Choose high-quality materials, such as steel or stainless steel, for long-lasting performance, especially in high-use environments.

    Conclusion: A Foundation for Functionality

    While drawer slides might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to furniture, they are the unsung heroes that significantly enhance functionality and user experience. By understanding the different types and their applications, you can make informed decisions that will lead to smoother, more efficient drawers in your home or workspace. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, investing in quality drawer slides is a step towards creating functional and durable furniture that meets your needs.

    Established in 1985, Tai Cheer Industrial Co. is a leading manufacturer of ball-bearing drawer slides in Taiwan. With over 30 years of industry experience, we offer a wide range of high-quality drawer slides, including full extension and light-duty options.

    Our four manufacturing plants in central Taiwan are ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified, featuring 100 production lines to meet diverse customer needs. Renowned for consistent quality and punctual delivery, we cater to OEM, ODM, and OBM orders, welcoming custom specifications. Contact us for reliable drawer slide solutions.

    Choose Right Medical Casters in a Healthcare Environment

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    Design medical equipment with operator experience & workplace ergonomics in mind by selecting the right medical casters.

     

    To understand the importance of using the right casters on medical equipment in a healthcare environment, let us examine a scene in an archetypal hospital where patients, carts and sensitive equipment are constantly ushered to various rooms, crossing multiple floors and possibly traveling long distance. Since the environment is in flux, it is imperative to consider the performance and failure rates of casters when evaluating the design of medical equipment both using original casters and replacement casters.

     

    While failure rates are easy to measure, quantifying the performance of casters can be relatively difficult especially because casters tend to become less efficient over time. Just because a caster is still functional, it is not necessarily performing optimally. To illustrate, wrong casters may fail to absorb shock optimally whereby constantly transferring unacceptable shocks to both the equipment and the operator, leading to breakdown of the equipment and potential injuries to the operator. Additionally, an untimely caster failure can put critical equipment temporarily out of use.

     

    Since casters need to constantly perform at their peak and be durable to create a positive impact on ROI, the logical next step is to examine how to identify the right medical casters for intended applications. Here are a few key points to consider:

     

    1. Wheel Material: The wheel material that you select impacts a variety of performance parameters. Popular choices for medical applications include Neoprene and Urethane wheels which are considered quiet, non-marking and shock absorbent. Accounting for these factors creates an environment which restricts noise levels for both patients and operators, reduces risk of damaging floors, while also extenuating damages to the equipment and injury to personnel.

     

    1. Load Capacity: In general, it is recommended that each caster should have the capacity to support one-third of the total load weight of the load.

     

    1. Floor and Environmental Conditions: Floor conditions could include towing equipment on greasy surfaces. Environmental conditions could include exposure to harsh chemicals, etc. These factors need to be weighed when selecting casters.

     

    1. Requirements for Braking and Locking Mechanism: There are various options available. Usually, the braking and locking mechanism on medical casters is more complex than on industrial casters.

     

    1. Wheel Diameter and Bearing: Optimal wheel diameter and bearing selection will have a positive impact on maximizing mobility and enhancing workplace ergonomics.

     

    1. G-force (a measurement of the type of acceleration that causes a perception of weight): A lower g-force improves shock absorption and provides extra protection to the equipment while also assisting to reduce injury risks to operators.

     

    1. Durability: Consider the number of kilometers a single piece of medical equipment is expected to travel during its product life cycle. Casters with durability curate replacement costs.

     

    1. IEC / ISO Specifications:

     

    • IEC 60601: Technical standard for the safety and effectiveness of medical equipment
    • ISO 22881: Requirement for use on manually propelled equipment for institution applications
    • ISO 22882: Requirements for castors for hospital beds
    • ISO 22883: Requirement for applications up to 4 km/h
    • ISO 22884: Requirement for applications over 16 km/h

     

    For the OEMs, besides considering the points above that end-users value, the following can be factored in:

     

    1. Aesthetics, A Key Element of Product Design: In an era where form is considered as important as function, imagine a situation where a cutting edge ultrasound machine is outfitted with casters that appear more like tools added purely for their functional value. This would reduce the premium feel of the equipment. Similar to cutting edge automobiles which use wheels to enhance the function as well as the appearance of their products, casters can be used to add to the overall design and premium feel of the medical equipment.

     

    1. Using Casters with A Positive Reputation: Many end-users prefer casters from trustworthy and well-known manufacturers therefore including these casters on the original equipment creates additional value for the end-users.

     

    1. Collaborating with Caster Manufacturers at The Early Stage of New Product Development: To ensure that casters are “right” for the intended application, it is a great practice to involve caster manufacturers early in the product design process. Early inputs from caster manufacturers can reduce the time to market and significantly improve design value.

     

    Selecting the right casters makes a positive impact to a variety of key areas including longevity of equipment and enhanced workplace ergonomics. The right casters improve efficiency and productivity and, in turn, ROI.

     

    To find the trustworthy and well-known medical caster manufacturer, I recommend you to visit Enjoying Go Co., Ltd. – they are the Taiwan caster wheel manufacturer specializing in kinds of office chair casters, furniture caster wheels, hardwood floor casters, medical caster wheels, etc. Today, if you have requirement or interest in caster wheel replacement, please do not miss Enjoying Go!

     

    Article Source: Darcor

    Guide of Towel Racks: 6 Main Types of Towel Fixtures

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    The term towel racks is used both as a generic term for “the thing you hang your towel on” and as a more specific type of towel hanging fixture. Towel fixtures come in six main types:

     

    • Towel Hooks
    • Towel Rings
    • Towel Valets
    • Towel Bars
    • Towel Racks
    • Towel Shelves

     

    Most of the towel fixtures are available in chrome, and some have alternative metal finishes such as nickel, pewter, stainless steel, wrought iron, and brass. Most of them can be chosen to match other bathroom fixtures and faucets individually, or form part of a collection.

     

    Towel hooks, not always named as such, allow for hanging the towel over a rounded tip of some sort. There are single hooks, double hooks, and hooks that look like open rings on their side, with each prong extending horizontally from the fixture. Towel hooks are useful for hanging towels in a long vertical space. Some manufacturers offer both single and double hook options.

     

    Towel rings are not always rings. They may be a nearly perfect circle, be open on one side, or have a flat space on the bottom. Some are in the shape of a rounded rectangle. Some companies specify whether their towel rings are left-handed or right-handed.

     

    Tower valets are floor stands with curved bars to hold several towels at about waist height. Similar products also go by the name of towel stand, and countertop models are also available.

     

    Standard towel bars feature a single bar with a wall fixture at either end. Hand towel bars may be affixed at only one end, with the other end open so the towel can slide on and off. Alternatively, a hand towel bar may be attached at both ends and have a short bar between, usually the widths of a typical hand towel. Standard towel bars come in some typical widths, including 18” (45.72 cm), 20” (50.8 cm), 24” (60.96 cm), 30” (76.2 cm), and 32” (81.28 cm).

     

    Variations include towel bar / towel ring combinations—a single piece featuring a place to hang both a larger towel and a hand towel; as well as towel bars hung below a display shelf. Double towel bars are also available, as are towel rails that are like bars, but only attached to the wall on one side.

     

    Towel racks can be used to hang numerous towels or other items to dry, and is the style of towel holder most often used for warming towels. Towel racks may be freestanding or wall mounted. The wall mounted models either have permanent fixtures, or are designed to be attached to an existing towel bar, making it portable. An alternative design is the flat panel heated towel stand, which features more heated surface area for the towels to rest against. Towel heating products generally work by plugging the supplied electrical cord into a standard outlet.

     

    Towel shelves, which are wall-mounted and are available with and without towel racks below, are also used both for storage and are also used for towel warming. Certain models may be referred to as towel baskets.

     

    If you have requirement of commercial towel racks or other bathroom accessories, I recommend you to visit BeAnUnion Metal Co., Ltd. – they specialize and design various hotel & home accessories. Today, contact with BAU for more details!

     

    Article Source: Home Institute

    Using A Quality Medical Caster, A Matter of Life and Death

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    If you work in any kind of medical environment, then you’ll understand the importance of having good, reliable medical casters. Transporting medical equipment around using casters can quite literally be a matter of life and death, and you need casters that you know will never let you down.

     

    Additionally, casters used in medical facilities may come into contact with hazardous materials and chemicals in particular. You’re therefore going to want to purchase casters that will not fail should they be used in places where hazardous substances are likely to be encountered.

     

    You also need to keep two other key factors in mind – floor marking and quiet rolling. It is important that floors are kept clean to help prevent contamination and the possibility of trip or slip hazards. It’s also important that the casters you select for use with your medical equipment have non-floor-marking properties. You should be fine if you use casters where the wheels are manufactured from rubber, nylon, polypropylene or urethane.

     

    Enjoying Go Co., Ltd. manufactures quiet, smooth rolling casters and wheels for medical needs. Their medical casters provide best mobility solutions for medical environments, such as bed tables, IV poles, computer carts and medical service carts. Now, check out their website for more details of medical casters and contact with Enjoying Go Caster!

     

    Article Source: https://www.douglasequipment.com/blog/top-3-casters-medical-equipment-2018/

    How to Choose The Right Casters & Wheels?

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    It’s surprising how many industries rely on casters and wheels to facilitate their day-to-day operations; they’re the unsung heroes of the working world. You’ll find casters and wheels in any number of environments, including warehouses, offices, hospitals, restaurants, and retail departments; they ensure that loads, such as deliveries and equipment, can be efficiently moved around the workplace by employees without much physical effort.

     

    However, choosing the right sets of casters and wheels for each of these environments is not an easy task. There are a number of things to consider when distinguishing between product types, which could be the difference between having a solution that works effectively and one that could be detrimental to productivity – in many cases, choosing the wrong casters and/or wheels can prove very costly.

     

    In this guide, we share everything you need to know about selecting the right casters and wheels for your needs.

     

    Does It Really Matter Which Casters & Wheels You Choose?

    Yes, it does! Here are just three ways the right (or wrong) casters can make a big impact on your business:

     

    • Ease Of Use – The right casters and wheels can do wonders for day-to-day productivity; the easier the product is to use, the quicker tasks are completed. Likewise, the wrong caster can make moving loads extremely difficult, leaving workers feeling frustrated.
    • Safety – Not only can bad casters make work slower, they can also make moving heavy loads quite dangerous. If a caster is too stiff, doesn’t swivel properly, or isn’t designed to adequately support the load, there is a risk of workers over-exerting themselves or even becoming injured if the load falls.
    • Floor Protection – Heavy items can damage the floor when being moved if you don’t choose the right material for your wheels.

     

    What to Consider When Choosing Casters & Wheels?

    In order to avoid any of the above events, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right casters and wheels for your work environment. Here are some of the most important aspects to bear in mind:

     

    • Wheel Diameter: Larger wheels make a load easier to move, so try to choose the largest wheels possible, without increasing your load’s center of gravity; this can cause the load to tip when being moved.
    • Rollability: Different materials have different levels of rollability, so it’s important to consider what’s right for your load. Plastic wheels are easier to move, but they will also pick up momentum much faster – if you have a particularly heavy load, you want to ensure that workers will still have control if it’s moving at speed. Rubber wheels are harder to move, but they do offer a degree of control.
    • Swivel Radius: You’ll need to decide whether you want a caster with swivel capacity. This would allow workers to navigate corners more easily, but would also require more control.
    • Brakes: There are two main braking options to choose from: friction brakes and locks. A friction brake offers users more control over the speed of a load when transporting it; this might be useful in environments where loads are moved amongst the general public, like hospitals. Locks prevent the load from moving when left unsupervised.
    • Load Capacity: Every caster is designed to support a maximum weight. It is crucial to stay within the maximum weight load so as not to cause damage to the caster itself. As a general rule, additional casters can increase the maximum load capacity of a cart or trolley.
    • Mounting: When mounting your caster, you can choose from two different options: top plates, which are attached to the cart or trolley surface using a bolt, and press threads (or screw threads) which are attached via an insert.

     

    If you need more choice of chair caster wheels, welcome to visit Enjoying Go Co., Ltd. – they are the professional manufacturer of various caster wheels. You can find office caster wheels, locking casters, medical casters, design casters and much more products there. To get more details of caster wheels, please do not hesitate to contact with Enjoying Go!

     

    Article Source: https://www.sinclair-rush.co.uk/news/how-to-choose-the-right-casters-wheels/

    Locking Caster Wheels: Wheel Only or Swivel & Wheel?

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    There are two types of locking caster wheels available. The normal “Wheel Brake” will only stop the wheel from rolling when you depress the brake pedal. Our “Total Locking” Brake will lock both the wheel from rolling and the swivel from turning at the same time. Which brake you choose depends on what you are going to do?

     

    You Need to Determine The Use of Your Caster Object.

     

    If this is a decorative table (like a coffee table or a side table) and no one will be sitting at it, chances are you don’t need to have a brake on the casters. If this is a table for eating, working or the like, you should install at least two caster wheels with brakes.

     

    So to further analyze the use:

     

    If it is mandatory that the work surface not move when bumped, even with a repetitive motion like carving meat or sawing wood, a total locking brake is required.

     

    A swivel caster will have the tendency to pick up a repetitive motion and the swivel will allow the object to start to “rock” along with that motion. If you lock the swivel along with the wheel using total locking casters, you stop that motion.

     

    Much More Locking Casters

     

    If you need more choice of locking caster wheels, come and visit Enjoying Go Co., Ltd. – they are the professional caster wheel manufacturer in Taiwan. You can find chair caster, design caster, braking caster, PU logo caster, industrial wheels, and much more products there. Now, check out Enjoying Go’s website and feel free to contact them.

     

     

    Article Source: http://www.needcasters.com/locking-casters-ALP.htm

    How to Locate Your Gas Shut Off Valve

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    How to find and operate shutoff valves for gas and water pipes? Don’t wait until you have a home emergency to try and find your gas or water shutoff valves. This article will help you locate them now. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the valves can help you avoid a disaster later.

     

    Finding The Shut Off Valves

    Some things in life are worth learning before it’s too late—like the locations of your water and gas shutoff valves. Now granted, these shut off valves are often hidden in some dark, creepy corner of the house. But if a water pipe springs a leak, knowing where the shutoff valve is could save you thousands in water damage repairs. What’s more, you can’t make those major plumbing repairs or improvements unless you first turn off the water. The same goes for turning off the gas—though with some strict safety precautions, which we’ll talk about later.

     

    Home water and gas systems contain two types of shutoff valves: main or master shutoff valves for stopping the flow of gas or water to the entire house, and individual or supply shutoff valves for specific appliances and fixtures. We’ll look at both types and tell you how to identify them (since they often look similar), where they are and how to operate them.

     

    You’ll notice this story contains a lot of “oftens,” “usuallys” and “almost always’s.” That’s because valves vary greatly in location, shape and number, depending on the age of your house, the local codes and which part of the country you live in. This article covers the basics of each system.

     

    Gas Shut Off Valves

    Houses with natural gas have a main shutoff valve located just before the gas meter. This valve, often called the street-side valve, is normally a rectangular nub. When the long side of the nub or handle is parallel to the incoming gas line, it’s open and the gas is flowing. When it’s turned a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming pipe, it’s closed.

     

    The street-side main shutoff valve must be opened and closed with a wrench, and, truth be told, gas companies don’t want you operating this valve; they only want their own employees, plumbing and heating contractors and fire department personnel to use it. They’d rather you use the house-side main shutoff valve located after the meter.

     

    This house-side valve—usually a ball valve—may be located where the pipe first enters the house or farther down the line, but it will always be located before the first appliance. If iron pipe is transporting the gas, it’s often black; this differentiates it from similar-shaped, gray galvanized water pipe.

     

    If your home is newer and you find a flexible copper pipe running from the meter into your utility room, you probably have a higher pressure gas system. In this case, your inside main shutoff valve is probably near your furnace or water heater, just before it enters a flying saucer–shaped doodad called a pressure regulator. There’s also a chance your home—especially if it’s older—doesn’t have a house-side main shutoff valve.

     

    Well, don’t just sit there; get up and locate those valves! In addition to the house-side main shutoff valve, individual gas appliances should have a service or appliance shutoff valve that’s immediately accessible, in the same room and within 6 ft. of the appliance. These valves allow you to stop the flow of gas to your dryer, oven, furnace, water heater or gas fireplaces to make repairs or new installations without cutting off gas to your entire home.

     

    Most service valves are single-lever ball valves; again, handle parallel to the line means gas is flowing, perpendicular means it’s cut off. On dryers and ranges, this valve is usually hidden behind them and can only be reached by sliding the appliance out from the wall. This service valve will usually be at the end of a fixed pipe and connected to a flexible supply pipe called an appliance connector. Take care not to kink or pinch this flexible pipe.

     

    When you repair or replace a gas appliance, use these shutoff valves to stop the flow of gas. (Most pros replace the flexible connector when they replace the appliance.) If you discover you have a faulty supply valve, or your system doesn’t have one, turn off the gas using the house side main shutoff valve.

     

    For those with propane or liquefied petroleum gas, there’s a main shutoff valve on the tank itself, and usually a main shutoff valve somewhere before the first appliance. Some valves (both gas and water) manufactured before 1980 contain a lubricant to help the valve seal better and operate more smoothly. In many cases, this lubricant will have hardened or reacted with the gas to make the valve difficult to turn. Applying gentle heat with a hair dryer and working the valve open and shut in stages will usually free it up again. Sometimes you need to use pliers to free the stuck handle.

     

    Important! Now that you know where your gas valves are, also know this: it’s not always safe for you to turn these valves off in an emergency. When gas reaches a certain concentration in a room or house, the slightest spark can set off a tremendous explosion. A light switch or telephone—even static electricity from your clothes—can produce such a spark.

     

    If you’re working near the main or individual gas valve and clearly know the source of the gas leak and that gas hasn’t been leaking for long, shut off the valve and get out. But if you’re uncertain of the source or how long the gas has been leaking, clear yourself and your family out and call the gas company or fire department from a neighbor’s house (not your own—remember, phones can generate sparks!). Always err on the side of caution.

     

    It’s a good idea to get ready for gas emergencies before they happen, because sometimes projects involving gas lines don’t go as planned. When a gas project goes bad, that’s not the time to be searching for the right tool to shut the gas off at the meter. A good strategy is to buy an emergency gas meter wrench shutoff tool and secure it to the meter.

     

    Also note: When you shut off main or individual gas valves, you’ll be extinguishing the pilot lights to certain appliances. Many newer appliances have “pilot light–less” electronic ignition systems, but if you have older appliances, you’ll need to relight the pilot lights. Most appliances have clear relighting directions on a label near the pilot light or in the instruction manual.

     

    But some pilots are pretty darn hard to reach. If you’re uncomfortable with relighting the pilot light, hire a plumber or call your local gas service company.

     

    If you need more information about automatic gas shut off valve, I recommend that you can visit the website of Alpha Brass Controls – the company specializes in kinds of brass gas valves and control thermostats. Contact with ABC for more details.

     

    Article Source: The Family Handyman

    A Complete Buying Guide To Caster Wheel Replacement

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    One of the first things you will notice is that there are a surprising number of variations to choose from when you start shopping for caster wheel replacement. From dozens of different materials to the range of different diameters to all the added features and options you can choose from, it gets overwhelming.

     

    To help you sift through the thousands of options, we’ve put together a quick guide specifically for buying chair caster wheel replacements. First, you’ll get a short guide to understanding what kind of factors you will need to consider while shopping.

     

    Tips For Choosing The Right Caster Replacement Wheels

    Getting the right caster wheel replacements comes down to 5 core factors: material, mount style, load capacity, wheel diameter, and extra options. Let’s take a look at each of those in more detail:

     

    1. Type of Material: there are dozens of different materials that a caster wheel can be made of. For most chairs, however, you are really only going to find either rubber or metal. There are, of course, exceptions. But, in general, your safest best is to look for replacement plastic caster wheels.

     

    1. Type of Mount: there are 3 main mount styles—plate, weld, and stem. If getting a stem caster wheels replacement, you’ll need to make sure the stem is the same as your current ones (i.e. – threaded, expandable, or grip ring). For plate mounts, the dimensions of the plates should match and the pattern for the bolt holes should be the same.

     

    1. Load Capacity: fortunately, this is a less important factor if you’re getting wheels for chairs. Since the total load the wheels will have to carry is almost certainly going to be less than 500 pounds, just about any wheel will do. Load capacity is affected by the material and the diameter of the wheel.

     

    1. Wheel Diameter: wheel diameters can range from 3 inches to 10 inches. The larger the diameter, the more easily it will roll. However, too large wheels may not fit on your chair legs or, if they do, it may look really weird.

     

    1. Additional Options: you don’t need too many additional options on your caster wheels for chairs. It’s generally nice to have a swivel style wheel so that you can move easily in any direction. If you don’t want your chair to move around, you may choose to get wheels with a locking mechanism. Or if you want to avoid crushing toes, you can get wheels with foot guards.

     

    In the case of office chairs, the easiest way to make sure you choose correctly for each of these 5 factors is to simply remove one of the existing caster wheels and bring it with you when you go shopping. In many cases, there is a model or product number somewhere on the wheel.

     

    If you can find that, you can shop online suing this number. In this case, you can try to buy the exact same wheels that you currently have. If they are no longer in production, you can at least find information on the specifications (i.e.- material, mount style, capacity, diameter, etc.) and then note those down so you can find new wheels that meet the same specifications.

     

    Get more information about caster wheel replacement, I recommend you to visit the website of ENJOYING GO Co., Ltd. – this company is the well-known caster wheel manufacturer in the industry. They can provide you a variety of caster wheels including compression casters, furniture casters, braking casters, locking casters, custom casters, and so on PU casters. Please do not hesitate to check out ENJOY site for more enjoy chair caster wheels.

     

     

    Article Source: http://casterwheelguide.com/replacement-caster-wheels/