Hello, dear friends! Sometimes there are little things in furniture that seem completely useless. But this is a mistaken opinion. A striking example is the furniture thrust bearing.
I think many people already know what this thrust bearing is for, where to attach it, and whether it’s worth buying this element at all.
The part is really compact in size. But with its help you can adjust the height of the cabinet and make it easier to move heavy furniture from place to place.
What is a thrust bearing and why is it needed?
Thrust bearings are a furniture element that is installed on the legs to prevent damage to the floor when rearranging cabinets, tables, chairs and other things. It is also used to hide defects on the lower ends of the sides of chests of drawers. Furniture bearings have a wide range of functional purposes.
Functions of thrust bearings:
- Protection of floors made of different materials from scratches and other defects;
- Simplifying the process of moving furniture;
- Protecting the bottom of the cabinets from moisture, thereby increasing the service life of the chests of drawers;
- Ability to adjust the slope of the furniture during installation.
The design of the thrust bearing usually consists of durable plastic. The material can withstand significant loads. The shape of the products is round, square and triangular. Self-adhesive support is made of felt. The range of accessories is quite diverse. You can choose the best option for any furniture.
First meeting
To begin with, I will briefly go over the topic of what a furniture thrust bearing is.
This is a special element installed on a furniture leg. Used to prevent damage to the floor covering during rearrangements and movements. I’ve already talked about the pads on chair legs, and here they are similar in many ways.
But furniture supports are a slightly different type of construction. Read, compare.
In addition to protection, a thrust bearing can also hide a defect on the lower end sides of furniture. In general, this element has several functions:
- protects the floor covering from scratches;
- makes it easier to move furniture;
- protects the lower parts from moisture;
- allows you to adjust the angle and height.
At the same time, you can buy various thrust bearings, having different sizes, materials of manufacture, etc.
Types of furniture thrust bearings
The thrust bearing should be comfortable and practical. The decorative nature of the products is also important. Often the plug becomes a stylish accent of the interior.
The main types of furniture supports:
- Stationary;
- Wheeled.
Stationary models are the simplest design of thrust bearings. It adds a few centimeters to the height of the cabinet. This will protect the chest of drawers from moisture that may form while washing the floors. The supports can be adjusted thanks to a retractable screw. Its position determines the level of inclination of the furniture.
Wheel bearings perform several functions at once. They not only raise the cabinet to a certain height, but also make it easy and simple to carry without damaging the floor covering. Often the plugs are already built into coffee tables, sofas, and armchairs. The wheels may have an involuntary movement or move only forward and backward.
Adjustable
An adjustable thrust bearing is available in almost every home. They are used to equip cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, sofas in the living room, and armchairs in the bedroom. The support design includes an adjusting screw. It determines the position of the furniture. There is also a fastening unit and the thrust bearing itself. The appearance of the products may differ, but the structural elements remain unchanged.
Furniture bearings are selected based on the load that the supports must withstand. Adjustable elements are not aesthetically pleasing. Usually they are covered with decorative overlays or installed so deep that they are not visible to the naked eye.
Materials for making adjustable thrust bearings:
- Plastic. It is distinguished by its affordable cost, moisture resistance and durability. The strength of the products is average, but sufficient to support the weight of the cabinets.
- Metal. Strong and durable material. The only negative is corrosion due to exposure to moisture. It is not recommended to install metal thrust bearings in the kitchen.
The main function of such supports is to adjust the height of furniture. This is especially true in the kitchen, where cabinets need to be adjusted to the height of family members. The set can even be placed at different heights, if it is convenient. Adjustable plugs can be used to compensate for uneven flooring. Such cabinets will last longer, and distortions and deformations of the frame are eliminated.
Plastic
The most affordable option is considered to be a plastic thrust bearing. The support is of average strength, but it is enough to support the weight of the cabinet. The maximum permissible load on plastic products is 150 kg. This option is great for office chairs, small cabinets and cabinets.
Pros of plastic:
- Acceptable price;
- Relative strength;
- Moisture resistance;
- Requires simple care.
The thrust bearing, whether rectangular, round or any other shape, does not spoil the floor covering. Typically, the products are adjustable, which allows you to adjust the cabinet to any uneven floors.
Felt
To prevent scratches on the floor, felt pads are used. They simply stick to the bottom of tables and chairs. Their main purpose is not to provide support for furniture, but to protect the floor from damage.
Furniture nail support
There are several ways to attach the thrust bearing to furniture. There are self-adhesive options (usually felt plugs). Some varieties are secured with screws or nails. The latter type has the shape of a carnation; in appearance it resembles a pushpin, only of more impressive dimensions.
Varieties
When choosing a thrust bearing, you should take into account its purpose and area of application. Installation is carried out during the furniture assembly stage, or upon its completion. But if it is a heavy cabinet, then installing a heel on its legs will be problematic. Please consider this in advance.
There are several types of parts.
If we take the material as a basis, then the following options are possible:
- Plastic
. The most common option. Withstands a load of about 150 kg. Used on small cabinets, armchairs and cabinets. May have different shapes. Many models are adjustable; - Metal
. Metal is mainly used for adjustable products. This gives the required strength. But the support in the lower part is still softened by spacers. Due to their tendency to corrode, it is better not to use them in the bathroom and kitchen; - Rubber and silicone
. Largely identical materials. But silicone is more elastic and usually withstands less load; - Felt
. They do not act as a support, but simply protect the floor from defects and scratches. The easiest to install. The price is also the most affordable. The felt version is usually self-adhesive. Remove the protective film, press it onto the leg, and you're done.
This is not the entire classification.
There are several other options that you can purchase and install.
Stationary
The simplest designs. The height of the cabinet can increase by a maximum of a few centimeters.
But in the presence of such elements, the furniture is protected from moisture by creating an air gap between it and the floor. Air circulates there, accumulated moisture evaporates, and does not destroy the material of the cabinet, chest of drawers, etc.
They are regulated and unregulated. The first option allows you to set the level and ensure even placement.
Wheeled
Thrust bearings of this type are more functional.
With their help, you can adjust the height and change the angle of inclination, as in the previous version. But there is no need to lift heavy structures to move them.
Wheels make it easy to move without fear of damaging the flooring.
The wheels used are either omnidirectional or move only in 2 main directions. That is, forward and backward.
Adjustable
A special thrust bearing adjustable with an M8 screw or other element can rightly be considered the most common option. It is presented in almost any house and apartment.
Armchairs, sofas, kitchen floor cabinets and much more are equipped with such supports.
In addition to the main function of the thrust bearing, which protects the floor covering, the adjusting screw allows you to determine the position of the furniture. Externally, they may differ from each other. But in terms of functionality they are identical.
You need to select an adjustable element based on the load that will affect the part. The heavier the furniture, the more durable the thrust bearing should be.
They are adjusted by rotating the lower part. Although some options provide a hole for a screwdriver or hexagon. This means you don’t have to lift the cabinet or chest of drawers to adjust the position of the legs or set the level.
What kind of thrust bearings are used for tables and chairs?
Throats for tables, armchairs, chairs must be durable, practical, provide stability and an attractive appearance. This furniture is not heavy, so light supports are allowed. The diameter of the thrust bearing must correspond to the size of the leg.
Types of thrust bearings for tables and chairs:
- Adjustable. This model allows you to control the height of the furniture. Thanks to this, uneven floors can be smoothed out. The appearance of the products is different. Some options are made in a standard style, others are interestingly decorated with decorative elements. Adjustable thrust bearings can withstand significant loads.
- Unregulated. Standard supports that are actively used for tables, armchairs, chairs, poufs, cabinets, and cabinets.
- Supporting. Allows you to install furniture at a certain height. The thrust bearings include the legs themselves. Their number depends on the design of the furniture.
- Wheeled. Allows you to easily move furniture. This is an ideal option for a glass table, shelving, computer chairs in offices. Such models can be equipped with brakes.
- The heel ones. This is the cheapest option. Typically, the thrust bearing is round, square or rectangular, and is glued directly to the legs of a table or chair. This option prevents scratches on the floor covering.
How to choose the right one
Depending on the use, thrust bearings differ in size, shape and material from which they are made.
- If you need to raise the module by three to five millimeters, it is better to use plastic fittings.
- To prevent the legs of tables and chairs from scratching the floor, you should use self-adhesive pads made of felt.
- Depending on the shape of the legs of the table sets, you can purchase round or rectangular products.
- If you need to secure them firmly to the surface of the furniture, you can use those that are secured with nails or screws.
Facilitate the movement and transportation of furniture on any surface.
Depending on the shape of the legs of the table sets, you can purchase round or rectangular products.
If you need to secure them firmly to the surface of the furniture, you can use those that are secured with nails or screws.
To prevent the legs of tables and chairs from scratching the floor, you should use self-adhesive pads made of felt.
Depending on the shape of the legs of the table sets, you can purchase round or rectangular products.
If you need to secure them firmly to the surface of the furniture, you can use those that are secured with nails or screws.
What kind of thrust bearings are installed on the cabinet?
To prevent scratches and give furniture mobility, they install thrust bearings in cabinets. Since this is quite large furniture, the supports must withstand a significant load. The material for such products is usually plastic or metal.
For cabinets, a rectangular thrust bearing with an adjustment function is often used. Setting up such devices is quite simple using a screwdriver. To adjust, you don’t need to disassemble the cabinet or even remove things from it, which is very convenient.
For upholstered cabinet furniture, you can take the simplest square thrust bearing, the material for which is plastic. This option raises the cabinet, thereby protecting it from moisture. This model cannot compensate for floor unevenness. The supports are almost invisible, as they are small in size.
For large volume cabinets, a rotary wheel system is used. If rearrangement is necessary, the adjustable elements are replaced with wheels. The device can be adjusted in height.
Thrust bearings are not installed in built-in wardrobes. The ends of the furniture are hidden, so they do not need protection from moisture or adjustment to the floor height. The edges are also covered with plastic film.
Is it possible to repair a broken thrust bearing?
Repair of thrust bearings depends on the design of the device and its type, as well as the breakdown. If the body of a plastic product is damaged, then this option needs to be replaced. If the problem is in the control mechanism, then you can try to fix the problem.
A thrust bearing is usually an inexpensive product. Sometimes you have to spend a lot more on repairs. In addition, such manipulations take a lot of time. The owner himself decides whether to repair the support or not. In any case, repairs can be done.
Installation of the thrust bearing
Installation of the thrust bearing includes several successive steps. First you need to turn the cabinet over to gain access to the bottom of the furniture. Then marking is carried out. It is necessary to measure 5 cm from the corner and the bottom. Then, at the measured distance, lines are made that intersect each other, creating a right angle.
Next, the thrust bearing is applied to the completed marking. One hole should fall on the intersection, and the other two should take place directly on the lines themselves. These places must be marked and indentations made. Simply punch holes using a regular nail.
Then you can install the thrust bearing on the furniture. Self-tapping screws are used for fastening. It is important to perform the operation carefully, adjusting the position of the support in the process. All plugs are attached in the same way.
Installation methods
There are several options for how to install thrust bearings.
Let's look at them.
- Driven under the nut
. Also called mortise. The nut has special teeth with which it is driven into the base, and the “wings” prevent the nut from turning. This is relevant if the protected legs are made of wood or wood materials; - Mortise
. Self-tapping screws or confirmations are already used here. It's also a furniture euroscrew. Although the second option is less common than the first. And basically, euroscrew fastenings are initially provided by the manufacturer. When using self-tapping screws, the furniture is turned over, markings are made for fastenings, holes of a smaller diameter than the self-tapping screw are drilled, and the part is screwed on; - Under the nail
. One of the simplest options. The good thing about the pressed one is that you just need to apply it to the surface, hit it accurately with a hammer a couple of times, and the installation is complete; - On glue
. Mainly used for felt products. There is an adhesive layer here. Or you need to buy glue separately. I think no one will have any problems with gluing the thrust bearing.
The protection element itself can be black, white, gray. It is not fundamentally important if it is not visible. If it remains noticeable, then they simply match it to the color of the furniture itself. This is quite logical.
