Shelving posts are the cornerstone to any wire shelving unit. While the horizontal truss on an individual shelf builds sturdiness, the post is where the majority of the strength and support rest. There is a variety of options available when it comes to posts; whether it be size, finish, gauge, caster compatibility or adjustable/non-adjustable. Many of your bigger chain stores offer a lighter gauge post and shelving unit meaning, it may not support the weight you intend to use it for. If you want to learn more about shelving posts, continue reading.
There are several components to wire shelving posts. We will highlight what aspects look at.
Post Gauge
There are a variety of different post gauges. The gauge of a post is best used to determine the strength the shelving unit can accommodate. The higher the gauge, the stronger the post is. While there is no sliding scale of sorts comparing gauge size to a maximum weight load, the higher the gauge, typically, the more strength it can hold. Omega products posts are 16 gauge and have been known to be amongst the heaviest posts available on the market. You will find that most industrial grade posts share a similar gauge.
Sizes
On an industrial level, there are several size options available. We all have different needs and uses for wire shelving. Most industrial use posts are 1 inch in diameter. They range in heights from 14 inches to 96 inches. Varying sizes can be used if the need arises to stack shelving units. Read below for compatibility with casters/wheels.
Finishes/Colors
Most manufacturers offer the standard colors of chrome, white, green or black finishes. Some other big name manufacturers offer a wider variety of colors for larger applications. The color pallet is endless.
Adjustments
Most wire shelving posts are adjustable at 1 inch increments. Some manufacturers place numbers on their post to easily match up shelf heights to ensure they are level. Plastic clasps are provided with your wire shelving. They are narrow at the top and get wider towards the bottom. They lock into the notches on the posts and the shelf gets pushed down and is held by the wide bottom section of the clasp.
Stackable
Stacking posts on top of one another is great for warehouse storage or large space applications where ceiling height is not an issue. We recommend you do not stack more than two shelving units without properly securing them to a wall or something sturdy. The higher you stack, the more risk there is for the unit to topple over. Use caution.
Caster Compatibility
Most stationary wire shelving units can be made into mobile units. However, all casters are not equal. The same can be said for posts. You must confirm the post diameter and make sure it can accept the caster. If your post has a female threaded bottom or a bushing, you are limited to using a threaded caster. The bushing can come out but it may not be worth the hassle. For those who have an open bottom post, you can use stem casters or threaded casters.
The posts sold by Omega Products Corp. are sufficient for industrial or commercial type uses as well as in the home. Shop with confidence knowing that our posts are amongst the toughest and strongest on the market and can handle an ample amount of weight, when spread out evenly. If you have any questions, please contact our staff or visit our live chat.
