Leveling feet offer a simple and effective solution for wobbly furniture and machinery. Also known as leveling pads, they consist of height-adjustable rods with a flat bottom. You can install leveling feet on the four corners of a piece of furniture or machinery, after which can adjust their height so that they remain level. There are different types of leveling feet, however. If you’re planning to buy one or more sets of leveling feet, you’ll need to choose the right type for your leveling application.
Tapped vs Untapped
There are tapped leveling feet, and there are untapped leveling feet. Untapped leveling feet are the most common. As shown in the adjacent photo, they consist of threaded rods that resemble a bolt. You can twist the threaded rods into a threaded hole of a piece of furniture or machinery. Untapped leveling feet, on the other hand, consist of a pad with a threaded hole. They are designed for use with furniture and machines that already have a threaded rod attached to the bottom of them.
Locking Mechanism
When choosing leveling feet, consider the locking mechanism. Most leveling feet have some type of locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is essentially what prevents them from becoming shorter under the weight of furniture or machinery. A fastener like a nut, for instance, may be used as the locking mechanism. After installing a leveling foot and adjusting it to the appropriate height, you can twist the nut in place.
Tilting Option
Something else to consider when choosing leveling feet is a tilting option. Most leveling feet are designed to stand upright and vertical. With that said, some of them can be tilted. Tilting is a useful feature for uneven floors. If the furniture or machinery on which you intend to install the leveling feet is uneven, tilting can prove useful. You can tilt the leveling feet so that they properly level the furniture or machinery — even if the ground is uneven.
Durable Material
Of course, you should choose leveling feet made of a durable material. Most leveling feet are made of metal. You can find them in stainless steel, carbon steel and zinc, all of which are durable. Some leveling feet, though, are made of weaker materials. When made of a weak material, they may fail to support the weight of the furniture or machinery with which they are used. Therefore, it’s recommended that you choose leveling feet made of a durable material.